CPAP

Just what is CPAP?

A lot of treatments have arisen to deal with sleep apnea. Because of the annoying nature of this sleep disorder and also due to its potentially morbid impact, sleep specialists have come up not just with medications to help loosen obstructions but also machines to bring relief. Sleep apnea is a condition that impairs a person's normal active and mental functions and, often, it takes technology like CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure to make things better.

CPAP is characterized by different types of masks, all of which aim to provide relief for people suffering from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Remember that there are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive (blockage-related) and central (brain-related). So it should be made clear by now that CPAP works only for the obstructive kind.

There are around three types of CPAP masks. One covers both the nose and the mouth, one covers just the nose (also called NCPAP, or nasal continuous positive airway pressure), while the third is just inserted into the nose via prongs. People who use CPAP to help them battle sleep apnea, find it uncomfortable to use during the first weeks, but once you get used to it, it could be the most helpful piece of technology sleep apnea sufferers have ever known.

You do not need to undergo surgery to avail of CPAP's benefits. However, it may come with a huge price tag. The effects of CPAP might also not be felt by people who experience only mild sleep apnea cases.

The Side Effects

While CPAP can do wonders for sleep apnea problems, it is not without its share of side effects. Problems that may follow the use of CPAP include headaches, dry nose or nosebleeds, eye or skin irritations, sore throat, bloating in the abdomen, and bacterial infections.

Thus, if you're planning to use CPAP, you should make sure that the sides do not leak and the mask or prongs fit you well. If they are too tight, irritations could ensue. You will be using this device while you sleep so you should also consider how much of a mover you are at night to determine how snug the mask should be.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe you with corticosteroid creams to relieve some infections or nasal sprays to deal with clogged nose or blocked sinuses. You may also use a dehumidifier after to assist proper drainage functions.

Overall, you should first tell your doctor what you plan to apply so he or she can tell you if they are compatible with the CPAP treatment you're getting. There are some people who opt for the AUTOSET CPAP treatment, which can adjust air pressure independently when you're already asleep, but this is a lot more costly.

There is a lot to sleep apnea that cannot simply be addressed by changing sleep positions and lifestyle habits. So when the going gets tough for sleep apnea sufferers, devices like a CPAP machine are there to give rescue.