Sleep Apnea Machine

What Is a Sleep Apnea Machine and How Does It Work?

The most commonly prescribed and used method for helping sleep apnea patients is a sleep apnea machine. The machine most commonly used is the CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, device. Obtained only through prescription, this machine has long been an effective way for helping many sufferers obtain relief from this sleeping disorder. Any individual who thinks they may be suffering from sleep apnea or has been recently diagnosed would be well advised to look into the benefits that the sleep apnea machine can present.

The sleep apnea machine works by directly dealing with the way that OSA, obstructive sleep apnea, works. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused due to the muscles involved in the breathing process relaxing too heavily and for extended durations while sleeping. This excessive relaxation causes the narrowing of the breathing passages and results in periods where breathing is skipped for at least 10 seconds, known as “apnea.” A continuous positive airway pressure machine works by having an air pump device and a face or nose mask being worn by the user and having air released at regular intervals. This pressurized air then works its way through the breathing passage, keeping the air passages open and allowing for regular, healthy breathing patterns.

How To Determine If You Need a Sleep Apnea Machine

Over 30 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and it can carry with it many potential dangers. Obviously, any skipped breathing is not healthy, but the biggest risk is that it can lead to higher blood pressure. From there, there is a 30% increase in the occurrence of potentially fatal strokes and heart attacks. Less serious side effects include increased fatigue due to less restful sleep and loud snoring. In order to combat these risks and problems, a doctor can prescribe a sleep apnea machine after the patient undergoes a sleep study at a sleep study clinic where they can officially diagnose sleep apnea. This machine will help to restore healthy, regular breathing and therefore help to reduce the potential risks presented by sleep apnea.

The sleep apnea machines can by themselves be somewhat costly, however they are almost always covered by insurance when prescribed by a doctor. Obtaining them in the United States and many other countries requires a prescription in order to acquire them. These devices are useful, especially due to technological upgrades that have reduced their negative aspects. For instance, the earlier devices were excessively large, the masks uncomfortable to wear, and the air pressure release was loud and obstructive to sleep. New devices involve smaller air pumps lined with sound-reducing material and smaller, more comfortable face and nose masks to help users return to healthy sleep without having to sacrifice their comfort in the process.

If you think that you may have sleep apnea or have had a friend or companion comment on irregular breathing patterns during your sleep, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor and seek a diagnosis. If obstructive sleep apnea is indeed a problem that you suffer from, your doctor can prescribe a CPAP sleep apnea machine to help alleviate it. The machine will help keep your air passages open and restore regular breathing, more restful sleep, and assist in preventing or reducing the periods of apnea during your sleep.