For anyone who’s experienced it, they would agree that sleep apnea seriously disturbs your sleep pattern. Plus, even after an 8-hour sleep, you are still going to wake up the next day feeling tired all day long. The good news is you don’t have to suffer with the condition. A CPAP machine is really the only solution that will control sleep apnea effectively.
Abbreviation of CPAP
CPAP stands for, “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure,” and a CPAP machine is a lifesaver for people who can’t get enough sleep due to sleeping disorders like sleep apnea.
How Was the CPAP Machine Invented?
Doctor Colin Sullivan is the genius behind the CPAP machine, and the machine itself has been used by many different medical centers to relieve the sleep apnea disorder as well as loud snoring. CPAP machines have been in use since 1981 to cure sleep disorders. Although in the beginning CPAP machines were used mainly by medical centers, now people can afford to own their own and get a peaceful and sound sleep in the comfort of their own home. Before CPAPs, sleep apnea was typically treated with a tracheostomy procedure which involved creating a bypass in the throat. The method is very complex, and can be very uncomfortable for patients. With CPAP technology, the surgeries and pain are gone, and users can get a sound and peaceful sleep all night long without any worries.
How a CPAP Machine Works
CPAP machines work using the same principle as the initial devices that were invented by Dr. Sullivan. However, with gradual revolution in the technology, the quieter motors used in today’s machines mean the patient doesn’t get disturbed by any kind of noise. In early models, oxygen was used, but in today’s models normal room air is converted into pressurized air based on the specific settings recommended by a sleep therapist.
So what’s the purpose of the pressurized air? The constant regulation of pressurized air creates a cushion in the upper airway. The result is that the pressurized air will make a splint which keeps the throat away from collapsing. Therefore, the air is going to prevent the uvula, tongue, and soft palate from getting shifted towards the airway. Furthermore, this reduces the vibration that might cause snoring.
Is a CPAP Machine Beneficial for Sleep Apnea?
The answer is YES. This machine is now widely prescribed by sleep therapists and doctors to deal with sleep apnea disorder. Keep in mind that the pressurized air keeps the throat from collapsing. On the other hand, it also keeps the other organs in their place, thereby reducing the loud snoring, and minimizing any breathing issues. Happysleepyhead came up with the list of best CPAP machines on the market. Take a look if you are looking for a new one. Long story short, the use of the CPAP method is helping many patients fight sleep apnea so they can wake up early in the morning without any feeling of tiredness.
Are There any Symptoms of Using a CPAP Machine?
There are some symptoms that you will need to consider if you are about to use a CPAP machine. That might include dry mouth issues (air causes the mouth to dry and this method revolves around pressurized air). One other common problem associated with using this method is air swallowing, medically known as “aerophagia.” In this situation, as the machine is in use, the lungs are unable to blow the air out that might cause some issues for patients. Regardless, the side effects are minimal compared to the benefits and that’s the main reason CPAP is an effective method to deal with central sleep apnea disorder.
Photo by Tracey Hocking on Unsplash
