What
is CPAP
CPAP
is an acronym for Continuous Psositive Airway Pressure.
CPAP is a therapy used in
the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This therapy first
developed by Dr. Sullivan in 1981, is the most effective
treatment for sleep apnea today. While there are many manufacturers
such as Respironics, ResMed, Puritan Bennett (also known
as Mallinckrodt ), DeVilbiss, Invacare, Fisher & Paykel,
the technology used in CPAP therapy is still based on the
original concept.
CPAP
machines deliver air into your airway through a specially
designed nasal CPAP
mask or full face CPAP Mask. The CPAP mask/machine
does not breathe for you; the flow of air creates enough
pressure when you inhale to keep your airway open. CPAP
is considered the most effective non-surgical treatment
for the alleviation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Before the invention of the CPAP machine,
a recommended course of action for a
patient with sleep apnea or habitual snoring
was a tracheostomy, or creating a
temporary opening in the windpipe. People who have sleep
apnea stop breathing for
10 to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. These
stops can happen up to
400 times every night. The consequences of these disturbances
can be serious and
sometimes life-threatening. The CPAP treatment has been
found to be nearly 100
percent effective in eliminating sleep apnea and snoring
when used correctly and
will eliminate the necessity of a surgical procedure.
Scientists estimate that approximately one
in every five adults suffer from
sleep-disordered breathing/Obstructive Sleep
Apnea. As many as 80% of patients
remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is linked with many
leading health concerns including
cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity,
diabetes, and hypertension. Sleep Disorder
Breathing has also been linked with a higher risk of surgical
complications, and
increased hospital stays. An expanding body of scientific
evidence clearly indicates
that SDB has a profound negative impact on public health.
Studies conclude that the use of CPAP therapy can be instrumental
in reducing
hypertension cardiovascular disease and the likelihood of
stroke in patients who
remain compliant with their CPAP therapy. New patients to
CPAP therapy often find the CPAP therapy difficult to get
used to. CPAP users often will find themselves removing
the CPAP mask during the night. The rationale for this behavior
is a feeling of claustrophobia or general discomfort. It
is often recommended that the patient remain vigilant in
use of the CPAP machines and CPAP mask. After approximately
6 weeks, the feeling of claustrophobia or general discomfort
will subside. The use of a CPAP machines and CPAP mask is
the only proven methods for alleviating the events throughout
the night which cause patients to stop breathing. CPAP therapy
is non-invasive, non-surgical, and generally low in cost.
In fact, many insurance providers are beginning to realize
the importance of CPAP therapy and will generally reimburse
patients for many of their CPAP related costs.
Many CPAP users notice a significant difference in their
sleep patterns immediately.
In fact, within a day or two most patients realize a higher
energy level throughout the
day, a reduction in sleepiness during the afternoon, and
generally feel better.
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