About CPAP Machines And Sleep
By Donovan BaldwinBefore we discuss the CPAP machine itself, let's cover a few basics.
I guess a good place to start is the acronym CPAP itself. You've probably heard it or seen it, and have at least a vague idea of what it is, what it does, or the conditions it might treat, but, let's get you some more specific information.
In the first place, CPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure".
Under certain "normal" conditions, portions of your airway may close up, interrupting your breathing. This is generally a condition known as sleep apnea. "Apnea", by the way, is simply a term indicating interruption of breathing. It has been found that this breathing interruption can be controlled by providing a certain amount of pressure, which, essentially, if not medically, helps hold the airway open and keeps the air flowing to your lungs.
So, what's wrong with the occasional apnea?
Well, if it IS only occasional, nothing, but, if it becomes chronic and often it can be a sign of OSA, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and THAT, my friend can become very dangerous indeed, affecting not only the quality of your sleep and that of whoever shares a bed with you, but becoming a risk factor for heart disease and other conditions, and possibly leading to death.
A CPAP machine, which must be prescribed by a doctor, generally after a sleep study to determine if you have sleep apnea, is not much more than a small, quiet, bedside compressor, with a tube running to a mask you wear while sleeping, providing a small amount of pressure to keep your airways open. Treating sleep apnea with a CPAP machine helps you get better sleep, stay healthier, and live longer... and not get beaten by your bedmate.
Sounds Uncomfortable!
Well, like so many other things, it can get some getting used to, but, after a few nights, you'll become used to the CPAP machine and mask (took me a few days to get used to mine), and the improved sleep will be more than worth the effort.
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About CPAP Machines
Web Page Updated 8:39 AM Saturday, October 8, 2021
