Sleep Apnea Devices For A Good Night’s Sleep
Are you coping with sleep apnea and looking for a solution? Those suffering from this condition are dealing with a very common sleep disorder, but according to medical experts it can be very risky, sometimes even deadly, if left untreated. To combat this problem, many turn to sleep apnea devices to help open their airway and reduce the risk of serious complications. The general term “sleep apnea devices” can refer to a whole host of treatment options, and in this article we will explain some of the more common sleep apnea devices and their function.
* What Is Sleep Apnea?
It is a common sleep disorder which is characterized by momentary lapses in breathing while you sleep. These brief interruptions in breathing are referred to as apneas and will typically last about 10 seconds, although they may occur several times throughout the night. The interruptions are caused by an obstruction in the airway that will usually take you out of a deep sleep and into a shallow sleep, sometimes completely waking you up. Most of the time you will remember nothing about the interruptions, but you will feel very restless and tired in the morning. Continuous sequences of apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart attack and even stroke, which is why many doctors prescribe sleep apnea devices to their patients.
* Sleep Apnea Devices: The CPAP Machine
The most common sleep apnea device is the CPAP machine. The CPAP machine, which is short for “continuous positive airway pressure,” is a machine which delivers a steady stream of positive airflow into the mouth or nose of the patient. This airflow can help open up obstructed airways and prevent soft tissues around the airway from collapsing.
Those using the CPAP machine will be required to wear a face mask which is connected to the CPAP machine via a long tube. While not exactly a cure, the CPAP machine will allow you to get a full night’s sleep without being woken due to continuous obstructions. The CPAP machine also has a built-in humidifier to prevent your nose, mouth and throat from drying out during the night.
Wearing a CPAP mask can be very uncomfortable, but another device, the CPAP pillow, can help alleviate some of this discomfort and allow you to get a full night’s rest without being woken due to the pressure of the mask.
* Sleep Apnea Devices: Oral Appliances
Oral appliances, also referred to as dental appliances, were originally manufactured to help people with snoring, but since snoring is one of the side effects of sleep apnea, many have found they are a great way to alleviate mild to moderate apnea as well. There are a number of oral appliances on the market today, each with a different function, but all aimed towards the same goal: keeping the airway unobstructed. One of the most common oral appliances is the mandibular advancement device, also known as MAD. This device resembles a sports mouth guard but its function is to force the lower jaw backwards to allow the maximum amount of air to enter the airway. This device is often used with a splint that keeps the tongue from blocking the airway. Both of these oral appliances are very effective sleep apnea devices and can be used instead of the CPAP machine in mild to moderate cases.
Learn more about sleep apnea devices and discover the latest information about the various treatments available for this disorder.
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