CPAP Sleep Apnea

 

What is CPAP?  CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, which is a recommended treatment to be used long-term for those who suffer from sleep apnea.

 

A CPAP is a machine used to push a continuous supply of prescribed air pressure through a tube that runs through a CPAP mask, which is placed on the face while sleeping.  When the machine is on, and the mask is placed over the nose and mouth, the continuous airflow will hold the airway opened so breathing will not be interrupted while sleeping.  Wearing the CPAP mask with a constant stream of airflow being pushed through the mask will help prevent sleep apnea symptoms, which will give patients a restful sleep.

 

Each patient who requires a CPAP sleep apnea mask will most likely be prescribed a different machine as every patient is different and may require a different amount of prescribed airflow.  A doctor will be able to determine the amount of airflow that a patient needs based on the results of their sleep test.

 

Once a patient starts using their prescribed CPAP machine, they will start noticing improvements with the way they feel during the daytime.  After using the CPAP machine, you should also be more alert while driving, be in a happier mood, have more energy, have a better job performance and have more motivation.

 

It is recommended to continue using the CPAP sleep apnea treatment machine every time you are sleeping unless a doctor decides otherwise.  Just because you feel your quality of life has improved, doesn’t mean you should stop the treatments.  Stopping the therapy and leaving sleep apnea untreated can put increase the chances of getting a life-threatening health risk like a stroke, hypertension or even congestive heart failure.

 

Some other common health risks associated with sleep apnea that is undiagnosed or untreated is obesity, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, depression, glaucoma or even a heart attack.

 

Whether going to bed for the night or taking a nap, it is important to use the CPAP every time to increase the effectiveness of the treatment because if you do not consistently use it, you may put yourself at risk for serious health conditions.

 

It takes time to get used to the CPAP sleep apnea mask, and it is recommended to wear it while watching TV or doing other things while getting used to it.  Once, you get used to the CPAP machine, you will find you will have a better nights rest and will become more alert and functional during the day.  It does take time to get used to it, don’t give up on it.  Your body will become accustomed to it, and you will have a much better quality of life each day forward.