The first few nights on CPAP may be difficult, while patients acclimate. Many patients at first find the mask uncomfortable, claustrophobic or embarrassing.
If a person is eligible for an oral appliance, it’s important to consult a qualified sleep dentist for a professional fitting and to help source an appliance customized for one’s individual needs, adds Dr. Postol.
Below is a summary of these problems and advice on how they can be controlled. Any major problems should be immediately reported to your doctor or nurse who will be able to deal with them in conjunction with a specialist at a Sleep Department.
“Our approach typically involves providing education and training on exercises aimed at improving posture and airway control.
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OSA is a sleep disorder where your upper airway—nasal cavities, oral cavity, throat, and voice box—narrows and restricts your breathing, causing reduced airflow and lower blood oxygen levels.
A CPAP machine is a device that delivers constant air pressure into the airway through a motor that blows air into a tube-connected mask, allowing the airway to stay open during inhalation and exhalation. The mask is worn either in a user’s nostrils or over their nose and mouth during sleep.
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Other complications of sleep apnea can include memory problems, mood disorders, heart attacks and heart rhythm disorders.
CPAP remains the gold standard for treating moderate to severe OSA, but there are many website other sleep apnea treatments to consider, from CPAP alternative devices to conterraneo solutions.
My machine is set on seis -the lowest setting! I have had several surgeries to help w sleep apnea. Should I change the ramp time? Right now it is at 20 minutes. I have the ResMed Airsense 10. I am going to try a new machine -mine has been dropped too many times & I travel alot!
Home remedies are typically complimentary to a doctor’s recommended approach for treating sleep apnea and are not enough to treat moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea.
In the long term, a CPAP machine can help prevent high blood pressure, risk of stroke, risk of heart attacks and reduce memory decline, all of which can be side effects of untreated sleep apnea.
Research shows that losing excess weight can reduce the severity of OSA symptoms. A combination of a change in diet and moderate exercise may be recommended. However, weight loss alone cannot completely eliminate OSA.