Sleep apnea is a common and serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. The disorder results in less oxygen in the blood and usually awakens sleepers throughout the night. Sufferers from sleep apnea know how it can negatively affect their quality of life. This dangerous sleep disorder may cause you to stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds while you sleep. This can happen up to 400 times each night. Lost sleep affects people of all ages in many ways — from headaches and irritability to more serious complications, such as pulmonary hypertension and even death.
2 Types of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, happens when there is a problem with breathing mechanics. In adults, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is excess weightand obesity, which is associated with the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are relaxed, the soft tissue blocks the airway. More than half of people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight or obese.
- Central Sleep Apnea, or CSA happens not because of a mechanical problem, but because your brain doesn’t signal your muscles. The failure causes you to stop breathing briefly or breathe so lightly that you don’t get enough oxygen.
Types of Sleep Apnea Devices
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy) machines are the most familiar and widely used devices for sleep apnea.
How They Work
With a mask attached to an air hose, the machine’s compressor (motor) generates a continuous stream of pressurized air that travels through an air filter into a flexible tube. The tube delivers purified air into a mask that’s sealed around your nose or mouth. As you sleep, the airstream from the CPAP machine pushes against any blockages, opening your airways so your lungs receive plenty of oxygen. CPAP breathing devices come in a wide variety of styles and prices from $100 to $1200 on average.
ResMed AirMini™ AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine around
- ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto with auto-adjusting pressure, integrated humidification, autormp advanced (breathing) even detection, quiet motor, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Masimo Sleep Monitor gathers data that helps you understand what’s going on in your body that may be impacting your sleep.
- ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine with P10 Mask Pack, the world’s smallest CPAP machine, provides travel-light convenience with high-quality CPAP therapy.
- XT Fit CPAP Machine is budget and travel-friendly. It is a single-pressure device with ramp functionality built in. Light and compact, it fits easily into carry-on luggage.
Alternatives to the Traditional CPAP
There are not many alternative devices on the market. However, one by Somnera Systems has become popular.
The Somnera System is the first sleep apnea device to deliver positive airway pressure without CPAP’s constant high-pressure airflow. Low-flow equipment and a smaller humidifier pack reduce the device’s traditionally large machines. The lighter hose reduces the feeling of being connected. The device is a good choice for people who feel claustrophobic and exhausted by the hard-rushing airflow of conventional CPAP machines.
Think Oral Implants and Periodontics provides the best in implant and periodontic care. If you live in the Paoli, PA area and have questions call us now at (610) 550-3333. Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, offices located at 250 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 215, Paoli, PA 19301.
