Studies have shown that about 4 percent of all middle-aged men and percentage of women suffer from an apnea-like condition. Sleep apnea is defined as a set of episodes of breathlessness in sleep caused by collapsed or blocked airways by pharyngeal tissue which result in the sufferer experiencing a significant interruption in sleep. The most common therapy for sleeping apnea involves the use of an apnea device or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP) that is an air compressor that exudes air via tubing, and also an incredibly small face mask to clear the obstruction of airways.
Sleep people with apnea typically have a tendency to snore a lot, suffer from severe daytime drowsiness as well as low energy levels and often are overweight (which could cause the tissues of the throat to shrink). Sleep apnea that is not treated can result in serious health problems. Sleep apnea can cause its sufferers to not receive adequate amounts of oxygen in the body because of the collapsed or blocked airways. In the long-term this deficiency in oxygen causes excessive stress on the heart that could lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure or even stroke. Therefore, it is important to tackle any airway obstruction issues such as snoring by consulting a physician before any long-term damage is created.
The sad truth is that more than 80% of sleep apnea cases remain without being diagnosed in United States. The primary reason for this is because the majority of sufferers with sleep apnea believe it’s “normal to sleep snore” and there is nothing they can do to treat the issue. Actually there is nothing further from the truth. In fact, minor lifestyle changes can have immediate effect on removing or reducing the symptoms like losing weight, avoiding certain drugs, and staying away from sleeping in a supine position. If these modifications don’t help the situation, then the use of an apnea device could be needed.
What is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects that you may have sleep apnea you’ll be asked to visit an sleep lab for testing. The typical test requires two nights of stay. The first night will be used to determine if sleep apnea exists. As a person rests the polysomnography machine utilizes various electronic patches that are connected to the body to determine if the periods of breathing stops are happening. If a positive confirmation of sleep apnea is found it is then the patient will be required to stay the following night, in which they will utilize an Apnea machine during their rest to determine if the breathing disorder can be treated.
One of the factors that sleep labs are looking for when determining the severity of sleep apnea is their number of breathing stops that occur (apnea) and the decreases in airflows which cause sleep awaken (hypopnea). These changes are analyzed in a daily basis and called the apnea and hypopnea index (or respiratory disturbance index). Studies have shown that if one suffers from more than 15 of these disorders within a single hour the long-term mortality rates increase and they are also more likely to be susceptible to developing secondary heart problems.
Apnea Machine Options
Apnea machines utilize special air pressures that clear the blocked airways and tissues. Apnea masks is fitted to the mouth, nose or both, receives pressure of the apnea machine and then delivers it the blocked airways. It is vital to know that there are a variety of kinds of apnea masks, and it is crucial to select a comfortable mask (studies have shown that CPAP compliance is reduced significantly when you wear a mask that isn’t comfortable). As opposed to apnea masks there are only various models of apnea devices and all of them operate with the same principles. The most popularis one is called the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) offers a continuous and steady flow of air to its users.
However, for certain CPAP users the constant flow of air may become uncomfortable and make it difficult to breathe properly. For those who suffer from this, “smart CPAP’s” have been developed to accommodate different levels of pressure. Actually the “Bi-level” Apnea machines are known as BiPAP’s, (or Bi-level positive Airway Pressure Devices. BiPAP is a BiPAP Apnea machine gradually increasing and decreasing air pressures to allow its users to more comfortably tolerate airflow. It is not surprising that it is true that a BiPAP Apnea machine is more expensive than CPAP due to the technology needs to regulate pressures of airflow, but it has certainly been proved to be beneficial to those who have difficulties with air pressure with CPAP Therapy.
Alternative Options for Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
It is important to remember that surgical procedures as well as the utilization of devices for dental use have been proven to be effective to combat sleep apnea. But, these methods are restricted to very particular cases. Furthermore, surgery is expensive and comes with inherent risks and rehab factors as well.
Paying Sources
Apnea machine therapy can be reasonably priced when compared to the expense of surgery and requires a doctor’s approval and prescription before using it. The good thing is that the majority of major insurance organizations, Medicare, and Medicaid will pay for the expenses related to the therapy. But, it is important to remember that sleep medicine is still a relatively new idea for a lot of Doctors and patients need to ensure that they’re working with a doctor who has experience in this area to ensure that they are being acquainted with the most current Apnea Machine and Apnea Mask options.