Shopping for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine can be a daunting undertaking, especially for someone with a new sleep apnea diagnosis. If you’re at the point where you’ve researched the benefits of CPAP therapy and decided it’s worth it to take the leap and get a prescription, you’re likely already finding comfort knowing you’re on your way to better sleep.
Your doctor can also discuss alternatives to CPAP if you are unable to use CPAP therapy, if it has not been effective for you, or if you simply want to explore your other options.
Although adjusting to CPAP therapy can come with its challenges, many side effects of CPAP can be prevented or resolved by working with a health professional.
If your sleep schedule has been off for a long time, sleeping well isn’t something you can change overnight (pelo pun intended).
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Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly stopped and started due to a narrowed or closed airway. As the throat muscles relax, the airway closes, limiting the oxygen intake to the lungs.
Best clinical practices for the sleep center adjustment of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in stable chronic alveolar hypoventilation syndromes.
Other complications of sleep apnea can include memory problems, mood disorders, heart attacks and heart rhythm disorders.
EPAP: Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) therapy is a newer alternative to CPAP. Instead of using a machine that delivers pressurized air, a nasal EPAP device uses valves to create air pressure when the user exhales, keeping the upper airway from collapsing.
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Though it may help to slowly acclimate to wearing your more info CPAP mask, it’s critical to work your way up to wearing it all night long, since you won’t reap the benefits of the last stage of sleep, rapid eye movement (or REM), if you’ve prematurely removed your mask.
Oral appliances may prove to be a preferred alternative to CPAP for some users thanks to their small, convenient size, lack of noise and little need for maintenance, says Kevin Postol, D.