Sleep Apnea Causes
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) describes a medical device used primarily for the treatment of sleep apnea, although it may also be employed to transition patients from breathing tubes, to even breathing. Those with constant obstructive pulmonary disorder or other sleeping conditions can also use a CPAP at when sleeping.
Many studies have been conducted to determine what causes sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes interference of regular breathing while sleep. The CPAP compresses air to keep the air passage open so breathing occurs regularly. The appropriate pressure is measured during a sleep study. After a patients sleep is monitored, a recommendation is made to determine the in all likelihood to be most effective. This is not to be confused with central sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea.
Since sleep apnea can have an total effect on a person’s wakefulness in the day, a CPAP is a useful tool. One study suggests that untreated cases of sleep apnea create a state similar to intoxication. Drivers with sleep apnea are much more likely to be involved in car accidents than those without. Therefore, addressing sleep apnea through CPAP is sensible.
However, many patients find the equipment burdensome, and the CPAP can actually cause wakefulness in some. Early CPAP machines were loud, making it difficult for users to fall asleep. The noise of air being pushed through the machine is also troubling to many users.
More expensive and newer versions of CPAPs are easily portable and far quieter, such as Resmed CPAP.These new models can record the user’s breaths and deliver air only as needed. New masks that fit to the nose only and don’t require the use of straps can create a more comfortable environs for sleep.
These newer versions make travel fairly easy. In most cases, a CPAP can be carried onto a plane. International travel may require the purchase of plug adaptors.
Even though the CPAP and its parts have improved, many people are still unwilling to use the machines. Patients may not only experience interrupted sleep because of the noise, but may also suffer from chronic nasal congestion, eye and skin irritations, and dry throat. Partners of people who use the CPAP often find the noise disruptive to sleep and may need to sleep in a another bedroom.
While, at first, adjusting to the CPAP can be hard, the results can ultimately outweigh initial discomfort. Patients who have been affected by sleep apnea for much of their life will soon find themselves feeling rested and fresh. Alertness during the day can increase memory, increase job performance, and elevate mood.