Coping With Positive Airway Pressure Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) differs from standard snoring in that the air passages
in the throat completely close up, preventing oxygen from getting to the body tissues.A common side effect from OSA is excessive tiredness, though OSA can also be linked to life threatening disorders such as high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and congestive heart failure. While there is no definitive cure for OSA, positive airway pressure treatment can effectively control sleep apnea, as long as the treatment is continued.
While losing weight and reducing alcohol intake can reduce the severity of mild OSA and surgical and dental procedures exist, the most simple and effective treatment is positive pressure airway treatment. ResMed designs both CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices and APAP (automatic positive airway pressure) devices. ResMeds CPAP devices deliver air at a fixed pressure, which prevents apnea while you sleep by keeping the upper airway open. The amount of necessary air pressure is determined by a sleep study and is unique to each patient. On the other hand, ResMeds APAP machines continually adjust the amount of necessary air pressure by monitoring your breathing throughout the night and changing the amount of pressure you need on a breath by breath basis.
Each device also requires the use of a mask, which can take some getting used to and patients can normally adjust to the mask within one to two weeks. The most common mask is a nasal mask, which only covers the nose. ResMed makes a large line of comfortable and effective nasal masks that suit different facial structures.The nasal mask should fit snuggly and create a good seal on your face, so air doesnt leak out. ResMed also makes full face masks for patients that breathe through their mouths while they sleep.These masks form a seal over both the nose and the mouth.If you use a nasal mask and still continue to snore, it may be a good idea to research full face masks in an effort to alleviate the problem.
Using a CPAP or APAP machine should not inhibit your lifestyle greatly.ResMed designs their machines to be portable and they can run on virtually any power supply. If overseas, all you will need is a plug adapter and some airlines have approved ResMeds devices for use on long haul aircraft as long as your provide documentation from your doctor or sleep clinic.
You may find that you have irritation in the nose after treatment begins. The cool, dry air of the treatment can cause a runny nose or sneezing in a lot of patients, but this normally settles down after a few days to a week.If the problem persists, you should consider a heated humidifier for your machine, which will add warmth and moisture to the air. If you have a CPAP machine, the pressure may need to be adjusted slightly by your doctor if a humidifier is used.If you are using a ResMed APAP device, the pressure will automatically compensate for the humidifier.
Using a ResMed CPAP or APAP device is a simple and effective way to treat OSA and while it may take some getting used to, you should notice an immediate improvement in the quality of your lifestyle.
by: Chris Vasta
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