Sleep is a vital component to a healthy life, yet millions of Americans don't get enough sleep and approximately 75 percent of individuals have difficulty sleeping at least a few nights per week, according to Harvard Medical School. Chronic lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain and decreased immune system function. Sleep apnea is just one of many treatable sleep disorders contributing to American's sleep problems.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which an individual stops breathing multiple times throughout the night. Sleep disturbances ensue as important sleep stages, such as deep sleep, are disturbed as the body awakens to resume breathing. Three types of sleep apnea exist---obstructive, central and mixed---all of which produce symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, snoring and morning headaches. Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity and high blood pressure, being male and a family history of sleep apnea, smoking and alcohol use, according to the MayoClinic.com. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and memory problems.
CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, therapy is the preferred and most common treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP is FDA approved and requires a prescription from a doctor for use. The machine--about the size of a shoebox--forces air through the nose and/or mouth and into the airway passages at night to prevent apnea from occurring. A single level of pressure is applied continuously throughout the night to keep the airways open, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
BiPAP
Bi-level positive airway pressure, or BiPAP, is similar to CPAP therapy, but uses two different levels of air pressure--one for inhalation and the other for expiration. Unlike the CPAP, air is not continuously applied during inhalation, but instead the BiPAP machine senses when an individual is in a state of apnea and forces them to take a breath by pushing air into the airways, according to iHealth Healthcare Information Directory. BiPAP therapy is generally used when an individual has trouble using a CPAP machine.
Side Effects
Despite an increased quality of sleep and decreased chance of developing sleep apnea-related complications, side effects can deter individuals from CPAP/BiPAP use as shown by a 60 percent compliance rate for users, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. Side effects include a dry and stuffy nose, a dry mouth and congestion, skin irritation and headaches. Stomach bloating and discomfort can occur if the air pressure of the machine is not adjusted properly. Individuals may also experience discomfort and feelings of claustrophobia while wearing the breathing mask.
Considerations
The majority of sleep apnea machines are covered by insurance and it is best to speak with a doctor to determine the best machine to use. They are designed to be used all night, every night and even during naps. The masks that deliver air through the nose and/or mouth come in many different shapes and sizes. It may take time to find the mask that works the best, but continued compliance relies heavily on a well-fitted mask. Humidifiers are also recommended to help ease the dryness and congestion often associated with sleep apnea therapy, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
