CPAP quest: is it possible to choose a device for perfect sleep?
Sleep apnea causes cognitive decline, hypertension, impotence, tension headaches, weight gain (and prevents weight loss), and in some cases can even cause death in your sleep. In addition, chronic snoring by one spouse can interfere with the healthy sleep of the other.
When a person snores, then falls silent for 10-20 seconds (sometimes up to a minute), and then snores sharply and loudly again, this is apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). At this point, the upper airways become blocked.
Sleep apnea syndrome records brief episodes of respiratory arrest.
In addition to snoring, this condition is accompanied by:
- reduced working capacity and efficiency of the work performed;
- daytime drowsiness;
- irritability;
- restless night's sleep
The presence of sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, accidents, and traffic accidents due to uncontrolled falling asleep during the day.
The most effective method of treating OSA today is the use of CPAP therapy.
How it works
This method of treatment by creating a constant positive airway pressure was described in the most authoritative scientific and medical journal The Lancet. The authors of the study Sullivan CE, Issa FG, Berthon-Jones M., Eves L. proved that if positive pressure is created in the airways during sleep, it will prevent their collapse and eliminate the main mechanism of apnea development. The patient uses a special small device that supplies a constant flow of air, which helps to keep the airways open during sleep.
How to choose a CPAP machine based on individual parameters
The choice of the appropriate CPAP device depends on your specific breathing disorders. To identify them as accurately as possible, a special diagnostic test is performed - polysomnography. This method reveals not only the existing symptoms, but also the severity of each of them. And based on this data, the doctor will select the device for you and set the appropriate mode of its operation.
What additional equipment is needed?
In addition to selecting the CPAP device itself, the choice of mask is important: they come in different sizes and types, including oronasal, nasal, and full-face.
The mask should fit snugly against the face to eliminate the risk of air leakage at different CPAP therapy settings. The mask should fit comfortably, without pressure on the face, irritation, or rubbing of the skin.
Special attention is paid to the humidification system. The humidification tank is removable. Humidification regulates the humidity and temperature of the supplied air according to external conditions.
There is no perfect CPAP therapy equipment. But choosing the device that best suits you in terms of functions and technical specifications is our expertise: rely on us.