Sleep apnea is an unfortunate condition that can severely impact an individual’s overall health and quality of life. Failing to address this condition can have disastrous consequences in the long run. So how does CPAP treatment work?
Thankfully, several different treatments are available to help an individual cope with sleep apnea. One of the most common and most effective treatments is a CPAP machine, or continuous positive airway pressure machine.
How Does CPAP Treatment Work?
If you suffer from sleep apnea, take a look at this outline of the basics surrounding CPAP treatment. It may help you determine whether or not this treatment would benefit you and your situation.
What Is CPAP Treatment?
CPAP is a type of respiratory treatment explicitly designed to help a patient cope with the realities of obstructive sleep apnea. It has shown itself to be one of the most effective treatments for this condition.
There are several components that make up a CPAP machine. In general, they are outlined as such:
- A mask that is fitted over the mouth and nose.
- Straps that affix the mask to the face
- A tube that connects the mask to a powered motor
- The powered motor which blows air into the tube
- An air filter, which purifies the air coming from the machine
Depending on the model you receive, your CPAP machine may have other elements as well.
Types of CPAP Machines
There are several types of CPAP machines, and the one that you end up using will have much to do with the exact specifics of your situation with Sleep Apnea. The primarily used CPAP machines include the following:
- Nasal pillow mask: This type of CPAP machine only covers your nostril area, which allows an individual to continue wearing glasses and the like while they sleep.
- Nasal mask: This type of mask primarily covers the nose. It is recommended if you tend to move around often when you sleep.
- Hybrid mask: This is a type of full-face mask that fits over the mouth and delivers prongs that seal the nostrils. It does not cover the bridge of the nose.
- Full mask: This is a triangular mask that fits over the nose and mouth. It is best if you tend to breathe through the mouth during sleep and is also recommended in cases of nasal blockage.
During your consultation, you and your provider will discuss the various options available to you. It’s might try a few of the different types of machines before settling on one that works for you.
How Does CPAP Treatment Work?
During CPAP treatment, the machine is fixed to the patient’s mouth each night, providing an uninterrupted flow of oxygen. This has the potential to counterbalance untreated sleep apnea, which can carry a number of severe health consequences if left untreated.
A CPAP machine draws in air from the surrounding area and filters and cleans it before delivering it to the sleeping patient. The continuous flow of air prevents the various impacts that sleep apnea can have in the mouth, allowing a patient to attain peaceful and restful sleep.
During sleep apnea, a patient’s airways relax to a degree and, in some cases, start to close. This can mean that a patient is constantly experiencing interrupted, low-quality sleep. This, in turn can carry with it a number of severe health consequences, including the following:
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cognitive impairment and consequences
CPAP machines are also quite commonly used to treat other respiratory diseases, including infants in intensive care, in addition to OSA.
The Benefits of CPAP Treatment
There are a number of well-documented benefits to the consistent use of a CPAP machine by those suffering from sleep apnea. This includes some of the following:
- Overall improved sleep quality
- Reduced level of snoring
- Overall less daytime sleepiness
- Improved mood
The above are listed as some of the immediate short-term benefits of the use of this machine. In addition, there are many long-term benefits that are possible with the use of this machine, including:
- Improved blood pressure
- Improved memory and cognitive function
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular events
The Top Sleep Doctor in NYC
Sleep MD NYC is well regarded as one of the best resources available for those looking to resolve various issues with their sleep in NYC. If you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and are looking to resolve it with a sleep apnea specialist in New York, contact us today to set up an appointment.
