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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