Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition affecting your breathing while you sleep. It is hard to know if you have this disorder because you are sleeping, therefore usually your spouse may be the first one to notice the symptoms. OSA causes you to stop breathing varying from 10 seconds to one minute, repeatedly during the night. Since your body struggles to get oxygen during these times, although you don't wake, your sleep is consequently interrupted, causing you to feel lethargic during the day. Risk factors for OSA include obesity, gender, nasal obstruction, or the size of your neck, tongue and airway. Once you are diagnosed, you may begin treating your condition using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy.
CPAP
CPAP is usually the first choice of treatment. Like the name says, a CPAP machine delivers pressurized air into your lungs via a mask, and the positive pressure keeps the airway open to relieve the obstruction that is causing you to stop breathing. This treatment is effective and relatively safe for people of all ages.
BiPAP
BiPAP works by continuously delivering positive pressure but differs from the CPAP machine in that it delivers air pressure at two different levels. During exhalation, BiPAP switches to a lower amount of pressure---enough to keep the airway open but reduced so that breathing is easier. Younger children with smaller lung volumes, or those with weaker respiratory muscles, may benefit from this machine.
Features
If you have been diagnosed with OSA, your doctor has to write a prescription for a CPAP or BiPAP machine. The device itself is fairly small and connects by a tube to a mask that will be fitted especially to your face so that it is delivering the pressure effectively. Depending on the degree of your apnea, the doctor will help and teach you to adjust the proper settings on the machine. The device may also include a humidification feature so that your airway does not dry out.
Considerations
With a noisy whirring sound and a mask attached to your face with air blowing in, using a CPAP or BiPAP device can take some time getting used to. Since the treatment is proven to be effective, it is important to stick to it and use it for the entire night and during napping. With the help of your health care provider, increasing the pressure gradually over time and ensuring a proper fitting mask may help you better adjust. You should also take care to prevent your mucous membranes (nose and mouth) from drying out and becoming irritated by humidifying the pressure unit.
Cost
According to HelpGuide.org, a CPAP machine can cost $1,000 or more. There are other options, such as renting and renting-to-own. Since pressure units are used as a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medical device, a CPAP or BiPAP unit is typically covered by insurance as a durable medical equipment benefit, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. Keep in mind the specific provider and cost restrictions that pertain to your health insurance.
