Sleep Apnea and the CPAP Machine
Sleep Apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders around, and finding a solution to this problem is not so easy. Modern technology and advancements in science are finding ways to not only alleviate Sleep Apnea symptoms, but to cure it once and for all. The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine, has been around for years, and is one of the most recommended solutions to Sleep Apnea. Although the CPAP machine does not cure this problem, it has been known to greatly increase the quality of your sleep, as well as longevity of good health.
The CPAP Machine does not look appealing to the average person, but if you look beyond its asthetics and dig into the positive aspects of such a device, it can show you that beauty is only skin (cover) deep. Although many people rant and rave about the machine, it is not always a simple cure. Problems may arise which is why finding the best machine for you is essential.
Sleep Apnea can ultimately result in death. It is a disorder where a person stops breathing momentarily, 15-90 times per hour, throughout the duration of the night. This can be caused by the soft tissue in your throat to relax and momentarily result in a blocked airway. This can and will disrupt your sleep, also causing your sleep cycle to reset. It is very hard to self-diagnose Sleep Apnea, but common signs are fatigue and lack of focus or concentration, the feeling of not getting any sleep, and tossing and turning.
Some unintended problems people may report having with the CPAP Machine are:
Uncomfortable Mask: The CPAP Machine has a variety of facial masks that are designed to fit each person differently. Since these machines are prescribed only by a medical professional, discussing which mask may be right for you is vital to the success of machine. Some masks only cover your nose, and some cover both your nose and mouth. Also, different design styles will make it rest on your face differently. It may take trial and error to find the mask that best fits you. Since this machine will be new to you, it will take some getting used to. Try wearing it for several hours while awake to get acquainted with the feel of the mask before sleeping with it.
Sinus Congestion, Runny Nose, and Irritation: Older models of the CPAP Machine used dry air to help alleviate problems caused by Sleep Apnea. Such dry air has been known to cause irritation inside the nose and can result in a drying-out of the nasal passages. Today’s modern machines have a humidifier built in to help fight against nasal passages drying out, but can result in a runny nose due to excess liquid retained in your nasal cavity.
Headaches: Headaches may arise due to the CPAP Machine because of the different pressure within your nose, throat and mouth. Also, a headache in the morning may be caused by a buildup of mucus inside the nose.
Tangled in the Tube: The CPAP Machine uses a long tube connected from the machine to the mask to help create positive airway pressure. Sometimes people may find themselves becoming entangled in this tube during the night, and it may seem like it causes you to wake up more than the underlying medical issue does. It will take time to become accustomed to this treatment and how to sleep in order to avoid becoming tangled in the tubing. You can try to move the machine as far away from you as possible to stretch the tubing out to make it more difficult to become wrapped in.
The issues that can arise from using a CPAP Machine should not go unnoticed. If you find yourself suffering from even one of the side effects of this treatment option, speak to a medical professional about how to resolve the issue.
Sleep Apnea may be a life threatening sleep disorder, but there are many ways to live healthily with it. The CPAP Machine is one commonly used treatment option, but if you feel this is not for you after you have given it a try, talk to your physician about alternative treatments.
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