CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea and Alternative Treatment

Millions of people suffer from serious cases of obstructive sleep apnea. OSA is a blockage that causes problems during the normal process of breathing while you sleep. It can have very serious health side effects–including excessive daytime sleepiness: a result of poor sleep quality that can be caused by apnea.

What is a CPAP Machine Used for and How Does it Help Sleep Apnea?

CPAP is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It is a mechanism to regulate the breathing pattern of a person who might be suffering from events of apnea (frequent stopped breathing for short periods of time).

How Does CPAP Work to Fight Sleep Apnea?

CPAP machines work by providing airflow through a mask to keep the patient’s airway open, effectively eliminating interruptions in sleep caused by apnea. The pressure at which the air is blown through the mask is determined by the severity of the obstruction. Doctor’s or sleep specialists will conduct a sleep study to decide exactly what level of pressure a patient requires from the machine.

Using a CPAP Machine for Sleep Apnea Treatment

In order to effectively use CPAP to treat your sleep apnea, you must first have a sleep study done. A polysomnography will help determine the type of machine as well as the settings that will be effective for you. Until you know the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP will not be an effective treatment.

Once you’ve been diagnosed with OSA, purchase a CPAP machine, filters, and the correct type of apnea mask. Here are some of the things you might need to know about the different parts and maintenance of a CPAP machine.

CPAP Machine Parts and Masks: Keeping and Maintaining CPAP machines

Disposable and Non-Disposable CPAP Air Filters

Depending on the type of machine, you might only need to worry about filter replacements. The air that goes through the mask is filtered by the machine. These CPAP air filters are placed in the back of the machine at the air intake. Some filters can be washed, others are purely disposable. Keep the filter clean and free from any discoloration. It depends heavily on the environment how often you will have to replace a filter. It may be either a few weeks or as much as a month before the filter needs a replacement.

Types of CPAP Machine Face Masks: Full and Nasal

The two main types of mask used with CPAP devices are full face masks and nasal masks. The full face mask covers both the nose and mouth, which is ideal for people that may have a sinus problem and breathe through their mouth during sleep. Nasal masks can still be worn, but they often require adaptation like chin straps to accommodate this.

The main downside of a full face mask for a CPAP machine is the discomfort. Full masks are large and cover the whole face. They are also very inconvenient and often leave red marks around the face. Special gels and creams can be used to help alleviate these problems.

CPAP Therapy Side Effects: Bloating, Nasal Congestion, and Headaches

Because of the forced changes the CPAP machine causes, bloating and other symptoms are possible from CPAP treatment. Many patients report increased nasal congestion as well as onset of headaches. Nasal problems are often the result of increased mucous production that occurs to prevent drying out and bleeding. Heat humidifiers can often help with congestion associated with CPAP machines. This may also alleviate headache problems that are generally also related to increased sinus pressure.

Sleep apnea patients using CPAP have also reported bloating. This symptom can occur when the patient is actually swallowing the air that is designed to hold the air passage open. In these cases it is recommended to try different sleeping positions. Elevated positions can help to reduce the intake of air.

Alternatives to CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea

Because CPAP is uncomfortable, inconvenient, and can cause some negative side effects, people often seek other treatments as well.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Without CPAP

CPAP is one of the most effective and commonly prescribed treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. It can be very hard to get used to though and many people have trouble ever getting used to it.

There are not many alternate solutions to CPAP that are effective, however some people have reported losing a lot of weight has led to reduced symptoms or no longer needing CPAP treatment at all.

This alternate therapy is likely to only be effective in people that are obese. Symptoms of sleep apnea can be a result of poor muscle tone due to extra weight. In cases of this obstruction losing excess weight may indeed be helpful in eliminating lack of sleep symptoms.