Sleep Apnea Devices

By David Silva

Fortunately for sleep apnea sufferers there are solutions. In fact, there are more sleep apnea devices available now than ever before. In this article, we're going to explore some of these sleep apnea devices, how they work, and the benefits they provide.

Sleep apnea is defined as "a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep." These interruptions of sleep are referred to as apneas. They generally span a period of ten seconds or more and can take place any number of times throughout the course of a night. Those who suffer from this condition often wake throughout the night as a result of their struggles to catch their breath. Often, they will have no recollection of these events.

The CPAP Machine

The most common of the sleep apnea devices is the CPAP machine. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a form of therapy that creates a steady stream of air flow into the lungs in order to make it possible for "uninterrupted breathing and unobstructed airways during sleep."

This is accomplished with the use of a CPAP machine and a mask worn over the face. The CPAP machine pumps a consistent flow of air into the mask, which keeps your throat open throughout the night. The result is a reduction of snoring, which is often one of the most common signs of apnea.

A CPAP sleep apnea device should be used whenever you sleep, even for naps. And while a CPAP device will generally reduce the number of apneas throughout the night, it does not cure sleep apnea. It simply allows for a better night's sleep, with more REM sleep. The lack of REM sleep can be one of sleep apnea's most destructive results.

Some people have difficulty with CPAP devices. They find them too noisy or too uncomfortable, or in some cases they wake up with a dry, stuffy nose every morning (there are devices equipped with a heated humidifier that can minimize this last problem).

The Oral Appliance

The next of the most common sleep apnea devices is the oral appliance. Originally, oral appliances were designed to decrease the incidence of snoring and they did an excellent job. However, with improvements in their design they've also become helpful for those who suffer from mild to moderate forms of apnea.

There are a variety of oral devices available. Two of the most popular include the splint and the mandibular advancement device (MAD). The splint keeps the tongue in a particular position throughout the night. By so doing, it allows the air passage to remain open and clear.

The mandibular advancement device (MAD) looks similar to the sports mouth guards that athletes wear for protection. This apparatus forces the lower jaw in a backward direction, which allows for plenty of room for air flow. This encourages you to sleep on your back. It also improves the flow of air into and out of the lungs (although this is less the case for those who suffer from severe sleep apnea).

The oral appliance and the CPAP machine are two of the most common sleep apnea devices. They are also two of the most effective devices. If you've been diagnosed with an apnea condition, ask your doctor about the best treatments for you in your particular situation.

David Silva is the webmaster for Sleep Apnea Insights, a website dedicated to sharing information about sleep apnea, sleep apnea masks - FAQ, sleep apnea treatments, and more.

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Sleep Apnea Devices

By Tom Houser

Sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, can be treated in several ways. CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machines; simple items such as pillows that cradle the head and extend the neck; and cushions worn like a backpack to keep the patient from sleeping on his back.

One of the most common and user friendly sleep apnea devices is an oral appliance. The mandibular advancement splint (MAS), similar to a mouth guard used in sports, is a sleep apnea device that holds the lower jaw slightly down and forward to help prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Recent advances in oral appliance theory reveals that the tongue is the primary blockage point for air traveling to the lungs, a major factor in sleep apnea. New, low cost sleep apnea devices now exist which hold the tongue forward, alleviating the need for more expensive/medical options. The Food and Drug Administration accepts sixteen oral devices for the treatment of sleep apnea. Not only do these sleep apnea devices need to be supplied by a physician's prescription, they must also be approved by the FDA before being sold.

Some scientists believe that sleep apnea is a neurological condition. The basis of this condition is failure of the tongue and soft palate to stimulate their muscles, which leads to over-relaxation and airway blockage. A few studies have tried using pacemakers as sleep apnea devices, programming them to detect breathing effort, then deliver an electrical stimulation when needed. This is not a common mode of treatment for sleep apnea, but using pacemakers and similar items is an active field of research for sleep apnea devices.

Effective sleep apnea devices are CPAPs, or continuous positive airway pressure. The CPAP is a small machine about the size of a shoebox, containing a medical pump, a flexible tube and a face mask. CPAP works by pushing a controlled stream of air into the patient via the mask, keeping the airway open, much like air inflates a balloon. Three types of CPAP machine's exist: the CPAP itself, the VPAP, or variable positive airway pressure, which provides higher pressure on inhalation and lower pressure on exhalation, and the APAP, automatic positive airway pressure, a more sophisticated sleep apnea device that monitors the patient's breathing patterns and adjust the air accordingly.

Like oral appliances, CPAPs require a physician's prescription and must be FDA approved. These sleep apnea devices contain many "options" or extra features, to customize the treatment to the particular patient's needs. Features include ramps, which allow the patient to begin their sleep at a lower pressure and ramp up during the night. Heated humidifiers provide warm, moist air which eases breathing and helps prevent waking with a dry mouth and or sore throat, common side affects of sleep apnea. Compliance monitors gauge if the patient has an episode even while on a sleep apnea device, date of which can be downloaded by the patient's physician to measure effectiveness of the treatment.

Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Our site focuses on information regarding sleep apnea devices and other sleep apnea information. by T. D. Houser

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