Need A Sleep Apnea Machine?

A sleep apnea machine may be the answer to your prayers if this condition is wreaking havoc in your life.

It sounds fancy, but CPAP basically involves using a machine to pump a continuous flow of air into your lungs at night. This effectively prevents your airway from collapsing and causing those frightening and disruptive sleep apnea episodes.

It's a simple and non-invasive technique which is extremely effective when used properly and consistently.

Sleep Apnea machines must be FDA approved and are only available by prescription. They can be costly, especially some of the newer models, but they are generally covered by your medical insurance under the 'durable medical equipment benefit'.

What is a sleep apnea breathing machine?

The first CPAP machines appeared in the early 1980's and were big, noisy and uncomfortable. Since then, manufacturers have continually refined and improved their machines, and today there's a huge variety of sizes, styles and options to choose from.

Sleep apnea machines are now much lighter, quieter and comfortable and they can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Mask style, air pressure options, configuration, noise levels, portability and more, can be altered or adjusted.

This is an important point as studies have shown that, in spite of their effectiveness, up to 50% of people who are prescribed one of these machines fail to use them consistently. Given how successful a CPAP machine can be in eliminating sleep apnea, this is surprising and worrying.

There are three main types of sleep apnea machines -

• CPAP
  - this is the original style. It delivers air at a constant pressure, whether you're inhaling or exhaling.


• Bi-Level
  - (also known as VPAP). These machines deliver different air pressure for the inhale and exhale (pressure being lower on the exhale).


• Auto PAP
  - the most recent development. Air automatically adjusts depending on the users breathing patterns.

Other options/features that are available in most styles include :

• Better Portability
  Smaller, lighter models make it much easier to take your breathing machine with you when you travel - and it also takes up less valuable space on your nightstand!


• Current Adaptability
  Another benefit for travelers. Some models are now available with the ability to adapt to foreign electrical currents. There are also those with the option of using DC current - ie to function when connected to a car or boat battery.


• Wide Variety of Masks
  One of the main complaints users have when using sleep apnea breathing machines, is that the mask isn't comfortable. But with all the options out there, it's actually very easy to find one that suits you perfectly. There are different shapes, sizes, styles, materials and more.

Benefits & Drawbacks

This, in turn, leads to all the benefits a good nights sleep can bestow on your life...

• Feeling refreshed when you wake up


• Much less daytime sleepiness


• A lower risk of driving accidents


• Improved memory


• Better mood

..... the list goes on and on, and you can get the 'whole ball of wax' on my The Benefits of Sleep page.

The disadvantages are generally minor and most people will experience one of the following on awakening when they first start using a sleep apnea machine.

• Nasal congestion


• A runny nose


• Dry eyes


• Dry mouth


• Facial skin irritation


• Chest muscle discomfort


• Headache

These can pretty much all be relieved (and often prevented) by taking the time to choose the right mask in the first place. Any lingering discomfort can be treated with simple saline nasal sprays or eye drops, skin moisturizers and so on. Adjusting the air pressure delivered by your machine, or adding nasal pillows can also help.

Although rarely seen, there is the possibility that dizziness, inner-ear problems or heart rhythm changes may occur when you first start using your equipment. If you notice any of those, be sure to let your doctor know right away so that he can help you make the correct adjustments to take care of these issues.

So......

It could make all the difference to your morning (and the rest of the day too!)

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