Sleep apnea is a common form of sleep disorders that impacts on the lives of millions of people all over the world and is manifested in periodic suspension of breathing during the night. Such intermissions can result to interrupted sleep and several other health risks. In this case, there are management equipment referred to as apnea machines that are extensively referred to as CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines. Overview of such machines and why they are important can enable the people with sleep apnea to manage their lives and health better.
How Apnea Machines Work
Apnea machines the most common ones being the CPAP machines are devices that ensure the airway remains open during sleep and supplies constant flow of air. This constant flow of air keeps the air passage open, which is the main problem with obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
1. The CPAP Machine: One of the major subsystems of the system, CPAP Machine blows air at a particular flow rate which is then transported to the patient via a hose. This air pressure is set depending on the data provided by an individual during diagnose, which usually is during a sleep study. To avoid any halt in breathing, the machines readable pressure settings are altered to ensure that the airway remains open.
2. The Hose: There is a hose which is a flexible, light weight tube which connects CPAP machine with the mask. It disperses the pressurized air from the machine right to the mask. That is usually flexible and made from very strong material to enable smooth movement during sleep with the hose.
3. The Mask: It covers the nose, mouth or both depending on the nature of mask recommended by the doctor. It is for the purpose of forming a tight seal to guarantee that the air pressure from the device gets channeled into the airway. Some of the most common masks are the nasal masks, full-face masks, and nasal pillows which are worn depending on each person’s preference.
4. The Humidifier (Optional): Modern CPAP machines are designed to come with a built in heater/humidifier or the heater can be as an accessory. The heat enhances the creation of steam, and this steam when released in the room acts as a humidifier that is very useful in avoiding how the air dries up in the nasal passages and the throat hence making the-using process very comfortable.
Why Apnea Machines Are Necessary?
Using Apnea machines is mandatory for patients suffering from sleep apnea because of their capability of affecting sleep and health. Here are some key reasons why they are crucial:
Improved Sleep Quality: The first and most obvious advantage of an apnea machine is that it helps to get a better night sleep, as opposed to OSA patients who tend to wake up frequently throughout the night. Permanent opening of the airway removes the major problem of sleep apnea which is frequent wakefulness. This leads to what is referred to as ‘time of consolidation’ in that people can roll off their sleeping cycle with no disturbance and get to achieve the final stages of sleep which include the all important REM stage and the deep stages of sleep. Thus, the users are able to wake up with full energy and not go to bed as sleepy as before.
Reduction in Daytime Sleepiness: This is because sleep apnea affects the quality of sleep that is experienced at night and this may lead to excessive sleep during the day. This is particularly so because caffeine affects concentration, alertness and thus, productivity in individuals. The utilization of an apnea machine makes a significant difference in the quality of sleep achieved during nighttime which in turn helpful in avoiding sleepiness in the day time and enhance alertness and productivity of a person.
Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Problems: Otherwise, untreated sleep apnea predisposes people to suffer from certain cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart disorder and stroke. This kind of steady airflow offered by the apnea machine ensures the steadying of the blood oxygen-level hence relieves the burden on the heart. Sleep apnea, when well controlled minimizes the chances of suffering from the above serious health complications.
Improved Metabolic Health: Sleep apnoea is a condition that is linked to metabolic impairment such as insulin resistance and type II diabetes. These disruptions can lead to stress as well as inflammation which makes it worse for asthmatic as well as other sufferers of underlying disorders. An apnea machine is useful in regulating blood sugar with a view of encouraging better sensitivity to insulin, which is necessary for maintaining good metabolism and nourishment besides controlling body weight.
Enhanced Mental Health: The disorder compels one to sleep less as observed in sleep apnea, and can lead to a number of mood disorders including; depressions and anxiety. Therefore using an apnea machine to enhance sleep quality, an individual will have improved mental health thus less depression and anxiety symptoms.
Better Quality of Life: In general, apnea machine improves the quality of life associated with sleep apnea condition on the part of the patient. It is fulfilling because it provides users better sleep, decreased daytime fatigue and health risk thus enhancing their quality of life.
Conclusion
A good start to improving the lives of sleep apnea patients is to learn everything there is to know about apnea machines and how indispensable they are to treatment. Not only do these machines help in attaining better quality of sleep, but they also have systemic health benefits that also mitigates chances of heart issues, aids metabolism, and helps one’s mental health. Therefore, it is suggested that an apnea machine should be incorporated and used in the right manner because it offers a big boost in overall quality of life of a persons who are suffering from sleep apnea.
