CPAP Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Revealed! 0

Do you snore? Do you feel like you are not getting enough sleep? Do you wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air? Then stop procrastinating. Have your self checked. It might be sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by marked reduction or cessation of breathing that occurs during sleep, usually lasting 10 to 20 seconds or more. This cessation of breathing decreases the oxygen saturation in the blood and the entire body. This, in turn, triggers a myriad of reactions like gasping for air and restlessness leading to sleep disruption.

The diagnostic test done to evaluate this condition is a polysomnography test or an overnight sleep study wherein your vitals, EKG, breathing pattern, brainwaves, eye and muscle movements, and blood oxygen saturation are recorded and evaluated by a sleep technician while you sleep.

Adults are more commonly affected by sleep apnea. When it occurs in children, the most common causes are enlarged tonsils or adenoids. It is also often observed in babies born prematurely and those with congenital heart defects.

There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). OSA is caused by narrowing or physical obstructions in the airway. Swollen nasal turbinates, a deviated nasal septum, an enlarged uvula, and obesity are the most common causes of obstructions. CSA, on the other hand, is caused by failure of the breathing center of the brain to send a signal to the respiratory breathing muscles to initiate breathing. This is usually brought about by cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, or congenital diseases. CSA is characterized by cessation of breathing that lasts 20 seconds or more…much longer than what occurs in OSA.

It is important that you be able to recognize sleep apnea if you should see someone experiencing it. Common symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows:

?Cessation of breathing during sleep lasting 10 to 20 seconds or more

?Snoring

?Restlessness, gasping or choking in the middle of the night

?Drowsiness and fatigue

?A feeling of being unrested or unrefreshed after sleep

?Lack of concentration and memory loss

?Irritability and personality changes

?Nocturia, heartburn, headaches

Treatment of sleep apnea would depend on what it causing it. If it is obstructive sleep apnea, removal of the obstruction through surgery would be the best intervention. If it is central sleep apnea, the medical condition that is causing the apnea should be addressed first. But there are less invasive ways of managing the symptoms for both types of apnea. One of the following may work for you.

?Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) – today’s sleep apnea treatment of choice.

?Bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP) – a newer, more improved version of the CPAP. It delivers two different pressure levels, one for when the patient is breathing in and a lower pressure when the patient is breathing out, which makes it more convenient to use.

?Lifestyle changes – weight reduction, cutting back on tobacco and alcohol use.

?Avoiding use of “downers” or medications like sedatives and muscle relaxants. They can suppress the respiratory system.

?Pillar procedure – the newest form of apnea treatment. It involves injection of three small implants into the soft palate. This is less invasive, less risky and less painful than surgery.

?Use of special pillows and dental devices may also help.

Sleep apnea disorders should not be taken lightly because apnea may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. If left untreated, it can also lead to further health problems like hypertension and insomnia. Prompt evaluation must be initiated as soon as sleep apnea episodes are suspected to find out what is causing it, determine its severity, and to be able to initiate the appropriate treatment regimen and prevent serious complications.

Understanding Sleep Apnea CPAP 0

For those who have sleep apnea, a sleep apnea CPAP machine is one solution that will help you feel more at ease about breathing while sleeping. Because sleep apnea can be so severe that a person may die from this disorder, a CPAP machine can give the peace of mind needed to sleep. The main purpose of this machine is to increase the air pressure in your throat to keep your airway from failing.

When sleep apnea is diagnosed by a doctor, they normally use the CPAP machine to treat those who have moderate as well as severe sleep apnea. There are three types of sleep apnea.

Central Sleep Apnea – This is the type that is caused by a problem with the brain. The way it signals the muscles responsible for keeping us breathing is compromised. This type is usually associated with heart failure, strokes, brain infections and brain tumors.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea – This type is caused by the airflow to the throat becoming blocked while you are sleeping. It can also be caused by narrowed airways or being severely overweight can be another reason for this type of sleep apnea.

Mixed Sleep Apnea – This occurs as a combination of the two mentioned above. It is normally recognized by very loud snoring. A restless sleep as well as having difficulty breathing is another clue. The sufferer may wake feeling exhausted and may have a headache. This type may be improved by the way you sleep and the CPAP machine has had great results with this as well.

A CPAP machine usually is made with either a mask that goes over the mouth and the nose or a mask that only covers the nose. The NCPAP or nose only type is the most common. The machines may also have prongs that fit over the nose. The CPAP machine has had very good results decreasing the sleepiness sufferers of sleep apnea were experiencing. Those with severe as well as moderate sleep apnea have lowered their blood pressure by using the NCPAP machine.

People who use the CPAP that suffer from coronary artery disease have fewer heart problems – the main one being heart failure. One of the main things you must remember when using a CPAP is to have regular appointment with your doctor. Often they may need to do additional sleep studies to make sure this is the correct treatment and that it is working satisfactorily. Often the CPAP machine will have to be adjusted.

Those who have experienced any side effects from using the CPAP have mostly been moderate. Sometimes air will leak around the mask. This is only because it does not fit properly and once it is adjusted, this will stop. Some people have reported nightmares and more dreams than normal during the beginning of using the machine. This typically goes away. A dry nose, sore throat or a nose bleed can often be relieved by running a humidifier when you are sleeping and using the CPAP. There are other side effects such as headaches but seeing your doctor and advising him of these problems is the best way to take care of them.

The benefits of the sleep apnea CPAP seem to far outweigh the problems when you think about the alternative which could ultimately be a heart attack, stroke or even death.

Support Groups 0

Support Groups
FamilyLaLeche League of Hutchinson/Reno County, mother-to-mother, encouragement and information on b …

Read more on Hutchinson News

Questions About Sleep Apnea and CPAP 0

Sleep apnea and one of its most common treatment options, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP, contain an array of questions and answers for those with obstructive sleep apnea. This provides you with an overview and helps you find further information.

What is sleep apnea?

During sleep, some peoples’ breathing briefly stops many times throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing and blocking the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person’s nose or mouth through efforts to resume breathing because of confused signals from the brain to the diaphragm.

What causes sleep apnea?

Mechanical and structural problems in the airway interrupt breathing during sleep. The throat muscles and tongue relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway.

Am I at risk for sleep apnea?

This can affect anyone, however, it’s more prevalent in men. Loud snoring, weight problems and high blood pressure are risk signs. If you never feel rested, suffer from being overweight, smoke, or notice behavioral changes, such as depression, see an experienced sleep apnea specialist. Snoring is also a sign of sleep apnea, but isn’t the only indicator.

Does obstructive sleep apnea require surgery?

Oral appliance therapy is an alternative to surgery. Therapeutically, they reposition the lower jaw and tongue to reduce apneic occurrences.

If I use a CPAP do I still need surgery?

By correctly adhering to treatment, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, can be very successful. However, studies also show only 23-45% of patients attain success. CPAP is a commitment, those who think they can’t devote themselves to the program should look into oral appliance therapy. Surgery is a last resort.

For many, CPAP is uncomfortable. Less cumbersome methods use simpler mouthpieces that properly align the jaw for safer sleep. These mouthpieces resemble sports mouth guards and helps patients breathe through the nose and mouth. If CPAP is uncomfortable, look into the alternate treatment options.

Why should I seek treatment for sleep apnea?

Quality sleep is essential to wellness. Sleep apnea creates lack of energy, inhibits concentration and slows metabolism. Even worse, lost sleep increases chances for high blood pressure and heart attacks.

What You Need To Know About Sleep Apnea Treatment? 0

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person stops breathing repeatedly while sleeping.  Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, including children.  Risk factors include being overweight, male gender, being over forty years of age, having a family history of sleep apnea, having a larger neck size, or having larger tonsils.  If left untreated sleep apnea could lead to hypertension, stroke, or heart problems such as a heart attack, heart failure, or irregular heart beat.  Sleep apnea can cause you to be less productive at work or school and increases your chances of having a car accident because of your sleep loss.  There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. 

Before diagnosing sleep apnea you must understand what it is.  Sleep apnea occurs when someone has completely stopped breathing for 10 seconds or more while they are sleeping.  Sometimes these apnea episodes completely wake a person, other times they just bring someone to a shallow level of sleep from a deep level.  This interrupted sleep may not be noticed by the person with the sleep apnea, instead it may alert your bed partner.  There are two types of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.  Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t send the signal to breathe to the breathing muscles.  This is more common in people with brain injuries or heart diseases.  Obstructive sleep apnea means the airway has actually been obstructed by your tongue going backwards or enlarged tonsils.  Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder.

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea your doctor may ask you to have a sleep apnea test done at a sleep disorder center.  This test would be done after a physical exam and medical history.  People who have sleep apnea in their family history are at a higher risk for sleep apnea themselves.  A sleep study (polysomnogram) is a multiple-component test that electronically transmits and records specific physical activities while you are sleeping.  In a polysomnogram an EEG is used to record brain wave activity, an EMG records such things as teeth grinding, an EOG to record eye movements which tells the sleep stage you are in, an EKG for your heart rate, a nasal airflow sensor to record airflow, and a snore microphone records your snoring activity.  All of these results are then read by a sleep specialist and given to your doctor to determine if you have sleep apnea.

If you have a mild case of obstructive sleep apnea you may be able to fix the problem by doing some behavioral changes.  These changes include changing your position while sleeping; sometimes apneas occur only in a certain position which is usually lying flat on your back.  Obesity is a contributive factor to obstructive sleep apnea.  Losing 10% of your body weight would improve your sleep apnea.  Some people with sleep apnea find this hard to do because the sleep loss leaves them too tired to exercise; in turn making them gain more weight which worsens the sleep apnea.  If the apnea is treated a different way it usually leads to people being able to lose weight since they won’t be as tired.

Obtrusive and Central Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machines, Discussed 0

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by a pause in breathing. This pause in breathing is involuntary – and the person is not even aware that at one moment in time, he forgot to breathe.

This breathing abnormality is caused by two things – and such a cause determines the kind of sleep apnea that the person is suffering from.

Obtrusive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This type of apnea is the most common. As the name suggests, this occurs when there is an “obstruction” on the airway.

When you sleep, the muscles in your upper airway relax. You know that when muscles relax, they tend to collapse. Indeed, this is a natural occurrence. But there are dilator muscles that work to keep them from collapsing, so that the air passage remains clear. When the dilator muscles don’t do their work effectively, that’s when you have difficulty breathing, and sleep apnea occurs.

OSA is treated with the use of CPAP machines. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure. As such, CPAP machines provide a certain level of pressure – and keep it in that level – to prevent the muscles from blocking the airway.

The air pressure required by most patients ranges from 6 to 14 cm H20. Typical CPAP machines can deliver pressures at 4 to 20 cm H20. Of course, the pressure to be used in CPAP machines has to be determined by a specialist. This is established after a series of tests have been conducted. This is the reason why there has to be CPAP trials for new patients – to determine the “appropriateness” of the pressure introduced to them. Incorrect pressure could lead do more damage – than good – to the sleep apnea sufferer.

CPAP machines also come with masks to act as an interface between the person’s airway and the source of the airflow pressure. Masks could either be nasal or full-face. CPAP full-face masks – in Toronto or elsewhere – cover the whole face, while nasal masks cover only the nose.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

This type of sleep apnea is caused by an aberration in the central nervous system (CNS). Simply put, the brain fails to properly signal your airways to breathe. The CSA is the less common type, and the more dangerous one. In contrast to OSA patients, those suffering from CSA wake up as a result of reduced levels of oxygen in the brain.

Of course, if you don’t breathe, you will have less supply of oxygen, and more of carbon dioxide. The lack in oxygen will signal your lungs to suck in air, and for you to be able to do this, you have to wake up.

The field of sleep apnea is a well-researched one. The internet, for example, has loads of information about this disorder and CPAP machines. There are also a number of alternative treatments methods available, ranging from using dental devices to undergoing a surgery.

So if you suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, don’t panic. It’s not the end of the world.
Consult your doctor. And if it’s really sleep apnea that you have, there are many treatment procedures to choose from.

CPAP Clinic – healthcare at your home
We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada.
Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca

Central Sleep Apnea – Say Goodnight Insomnia Is A Possibility 0

Central Sleep Apnea

Living with insomnia is hardly residence at all. Those who experience from the real estate deal over the long haul ought to find everything properties do can be impacted. There are ways to say goodnight insomnia, if people are keen to hunt for the own cure. Learning how to say goodnight insomnia is much easier for some than it is for others. The right road to take to accomplish this will depend greatly on the individual cause.

If this is found, however, almost anyone can say goodnight insomnia quickly or at least efficiently. There are several ways to say goodnight insomnia over the short- and long-term. For those who are feeling the effects insomnia can have, it might be best to entertain short-term solutions while the long-term is addressed, as well. Short-term ways to say goodnight insomnia include: · Prescription medications. These can help almost anyone say goodnight insomnia. The problem here is that they are not advised for use over the long run.

They treat the symptoms of insomnia; they do not cure it. While they make it easy to say goodnight insomnia, they can also come with side effects and they might lead to addiction. With this in mind, it is vital for those who go this route to follow orders from medical professionals and report any concerns that might arise. · Over the counter sleep aids. These, like prescription medications, can help many say goodnight insomnia. They can, however, come with side effects, too. They are not to be seen as a long-term fix for insomnia.

While they can help people say goodnight insomnia, they should not be seen as a lasting solution. · Herbs, drinks and so on. There are other options to help people say goodnight insomnia. They include such things as chamomile tea, warm milk, hot baths and more. When these work to help a person say goodnight insomnia, they are simply wonderful options. Most do not offer side effects and few are considered addictive by their nature.

One of these options can even help a person feel a little cleaner, too! Long-term solutions for insomnia can be a little trickier to find. When the condition persists over time, however, it is vital to seek them out. People often find the best way to say goodnight insomnia over the long haul might include: · Reducing stress. This is one of the top reasons for insomnia. If stress is tackled, or at least dealt with in a healthy manner, sufferers can say goodnight insomnia. · Addressing pain. Other medical conditions can give rise to insomnia.

When they are the cause, treating them often makes it possible to say goodnight insomnia. · Letting time work its miracles. When a change of work shift or sleeping habit requirements is to blame, time might be the only long-term solution. The body generally will adjust and help people say goodnight insomnia. Dealing with insomnia is never easy.

The immediate effects of this condition can be severe. From irritability to lack of functioning, the symptoms can be life changing. Learning to say goodnight insomnia is the only real solution. Do your body a favour. Have a good sleep tonight! Download your Central Sleep Apnea eBook now!

Understanding Central Sleep Apnea – The Brain Disconnection 0

For certain biological activity to take place in the body, the brain must relay a message to that body part, or organ for that activity to be performed.  In the case of central sleep apnea, the brain sends inappropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing, resulting in the repeated stopping and starting of breathing while the person is asleep.

Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of cessation of respiration while sleeping.  The brain does not send the proper messages to the muscles of breathing.  Central sleep apnea is not as common as other sleep apneas as is counted as less than five percent of all the sleep apneas combined.
 
Symptoms:

Observed episodes of stopped breathing or abnormal breathing patterns during sleep
Suddenly awake with shortness of breath, relief brought on by sitting upright
Insomnia- inability to go to sleep and staying asleep
Hypersomnia – sleepy during the day
Reduced concentration
Snoring

Snoring can be attributed to:

Enlarged tonsils – primarily in children
Excessive throat tissue
Loss of tone in the throat muscles
Increased weight
Use of alcohol
Certain medications

Use of alcohol and some medications cause relaxation of the muscles surrounding the throat, which can obstruction of the airway.  Maintaining airway is of major importance and is always the first focus in any event.  Without proper airway patency, life hangs in the balance and death could be the result if not attended to immediately.

Causes of central sleep apnea:

Periodic cessation of breathing during sleep
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Brain stem damage
High altitudes of 15,000 feet or more
Medications: Opiates such as morphine, oxycodone, or codeine

Risks:

Gender – Males more likely to develop this disorder than females.
Heart disorders – Such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure
Stroke or brain tumor – Reduces the brain’s ability to control breathing
Sleeping at high altitudes
Taking opioid medications

Complications:

Cardiovascular (heart) problems
Cerebrovascular(brain) problems
Daytime fatigue

Testing for this sleep disorder includes:

Nocturnal polysomnography – Monitors heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels.
oximetry – monitors and records your blood oxygen level
cardiorespiratory testing – Measures airflow and breathing patterns.
Arterial blood gas testing (ABG) – Measures blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels

Treatment:

Treat other underlying medical problems
Reduction of opioid medications.
Supplemental oxygen
Medications to stimulate respiration, such as acetazolamide 
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP).
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)

Snoring may or may not be present with central sleep apnea as it is with obstructive sleep apnea. If you are always feeling overly tired during the day and irritable for no apparent reason,you should consult your physician as soon as possible.  Any type of sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that requires medical intervention.

Heart Failure and Central Sleep Apnea 0

Central sleep apnea is characterized by the temporary absence of a signal to breathe from the brains respiratory center. When this happens, there is no effort to breathe made by the individual.

Any type of sleep disordered breathing is a serious health problem that impacts the heart and whole cardiovascular system. There is evidence to show that, in persons with heart failure, there is a high incidence of sleep disordered breathing. Most frequently that disorder being obstructive or central sleep apnea.

When a patient with heart failure has central sleep apnea (CSA) they typically also exhibit a form of breathing called Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). CSR is associated with severe dysfunction of the left ventricle of the heart and patients with CSR are in a high risk category for cardiac transplantation.

Patients with CSA and Cheynes-Stokes Respirations have a very poor prognosis. There is data available that shows that survival rates decrease by 50% in patients with heart failure and CSA.

Various methods have been used to treat CSA – oxygen therapy, CPAP, BiLevel ventilation and, most recently, Adaptive Ventilatory Support (ASV).

There have been some long term advantages found by treating patients with central sleep apnea and CSR with ASV. There have been fewer respiratory disturbances when a patient is asleep and also improved sleep quality.

The conventional PAP therapies like CPAP and BIPAP have shown mixed results in dealing with patients with central sleep apnea and CSR. A unit like the Resmed VPAP Adapt SV is the first PAP device cleared by the FDA to treat central sleep apnea and CSR in the home environment.

ASV therapy has demonstrated the ability to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life in heart failure patients.

On the Level: Things to keep in mind when considering a generator 0

On the Level: Things to keep in mind when considering a generator
We live in a standard three-bedroom house with a two-car garage, all on one level. We are considering a generator that would kick in automatically when power goes off.

Read more on The Capital