Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the main treatment for , a breathing condition that affects thousands of people. This treatment is quite effective but adjusting to it is a daily struggle for the people who have to use a every night. The good news is that accessories like an can make treatment more comfortable and ensure a good night’s .
Things to Look for to Get the for Seniors
Your on its own isn’t enough to cure this condition but can lessen the number of episodes you experience by adding comfort to the way you wear your through the night. It greatly improves the quality of your so you wake up refreshed the next morning.
Things to Consider When Selecting a P
Your position can either improve or worsen so it’s better to on your side or as opposed to sleeping on your back. This isn’t easy, but the good part is a is designed to make you as comfortable as possible while you .
Contoured pillows nicely support the shoulders and neck of a when you sideways. If you prefer to on your stomach, get a with a low height. It’ll keep the head and from being propped up uncomfortably while you lie down. A is best for those who just can’t help sleeping on their back. This is because it’ll keep your higher during your .
The loft or height of your greatly impacts the angle of your head and . Both influence the quality of your breathing and sleeping. As aforementioned, a low loft is best for . Back and side sleepers usually prefer a medium loft to cover the area between the end of their shoulders and the side of their head.
are made with many materials so you can easily find one that works for you. Latex is hypoallergenic and perfect for those with allergies. Silk apparently prevents wrinkles and acne while down and are good for those who want a that keeps its shape. Choose wool or cotton if you want to maintain a stable body temperature.
happens when all or part of your upper airway becomes blocked during . Thus, your chest and diaphragm must work harder to open the airways and get air. Your breath becomes shallow and you may stop breathing for a moment, although you usually begin to breathe again, usually with a loud snort or gasp, even with a body jerk. Of course, you’re not sleeping properly as this condition also decreases the flow of oxygen to your organs. Uneven heart rhythms are common in .
Common include sleepiness or fatigue during the day. You might wake up suddenly and feel like you’re gasping or choking and have trouble getting up. There may be dry mouth or sore throat upon waking and even a headache. When you don’t properly, you’ll have trouble concentrating, and become forgetful, depressed, or irritable. Snoring, night sweats, and restlessness are other common symptoms.
Do you share your bed with someone? They’ll surely notice your before you do. Still, your symptoms most likely include waking up several times during the night to pee, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even high blood pressure.
What Causes ?
This condition happens when the muscles that control your airway tighten your throat, so you automatically wake up in order to reopen your airway. Most people don’t remember doing it as it happens quite fast. It can happen several times throughout the night.
Other things like obesity, swollen tonsils, endocrine disorders or heart failure block your throat and can lead to .
Anyone can have but older black, Latino, or Native American males are more likely to have it. Those with a family history of will most likely be afflicted by it at some point in their lives, as well as smokers, people with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and obesity. Furthermore, people with a large or thick are more likely to have this condition as well as those with smaller airways in their nose, throat, or mouth. Too much tissue at the back of your throat that hangs down can also block your airway and so can a large tongue.
Complications of
Adults have a higher risk of accidents, and children may have a hard time at school due to sleepiness and trouble concentrating during the day. Other complications are cardiovascular problems like heart attacks, high blood pressure, stroke, and unusual heart rhythms. Not only that, can lead to dry eyes, glaucoma, Type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Likewise, pregnant women could end up with gestational diabetes, underweight babies, and post-surgery complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment of
Consult a physician affiliated with the and ask them if any of your problems could be -related. They’ll probably want to get more information from the people who live with you. They might ask you to spend a night in a lab, but you can also have a at your home. The study tracks how many times you had breathing problems while you slept and the monitors you’ll wear measure eye movement, electrical activity in the airflow of your brain, blood oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart rate, muscle activity, and limb movement.
The treatment options include weight loss if you need it. In fact, losing as little as 10% of it will make a huge difference. You should also refrain from drinking depressants like alcohol and stimulants like coffee. This is because they close your airways and you can’t breathe for longer periods while you .
Furthermore, sleeping on your side can help deter mild if you’re used to sleeping on your back. Also, nasal sprays can help if you can’t breathe due to sinus problems or nasal congestion.
Types of Surgery for O
The first type of surgery for consists of an upper airway stimulator with a small pulse generator. Your doctor puts it under the skin of your upper chest. One of the wires goes into your lung and tracks your natural breathing pattern. Another wire goes up to your and delivers mild signals to the nerves that control your airway muscles to keep them open. You can turn it on when you go to bed and turn it off when you get up with the remote control.
The second type of surgery is somnoplasty, it consists of the use of radiofrequency energy to tighten the tissue at the back of your throat. UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) or UP3, the third type of surgery consists of taking out soft tissue in the back of your throat and palate to widen the airway at the opening of your throat. Furthermore, nasal surgery can correct obstructions such as a deviated septum.
Finally, a mandibular/maxillary advancement surgery consists of moving your jaw and face bones forward to make the back of your throat roomier. This complex procedure is only suitable for those with problems with their head or face and severe .
The Machine
This device includes a to wear over your nose or mouth. It features an air blower that constantly forces air through your nose or mouth. Just the air pressure can keep your upper airway tissues from overly relaxing while you . The BPAP is a similar device but there are two levels of airflow and these change when you inhale and exhale.
Your doctor can prescribe the use of a CPAP machine if you have a hard time choosing the one that best suits your needs. This equipment isn’t usually covered by the and other insurers even though aging people might need to use it for a long time. Be sure to do your research and compare the available models before you purchase one.
The first thing to consider is comfort so be sure to have the you can afford to go with your . Pressurized air requires a closed seal to be effective so CPAP machine users must wear specialized masks when they . These are often uncomfortable and people stop using them so be sure the chin strap of your fits well. The most common problems are skin irritation, rashes, chafing, and sores.
Furthermore, a that’s the wrong size will leak and the pressurized air will escape and reduce its effectiveness. Similarly, a that’s too tight will dry your mouth, irritate your eyes and add pressure to these. The straps come in different sizes to accommodate your head so find one that is soft and stretchy.
Wearing a every night is hard but luckily there are many CPAP accessories to adjust to the machine. For instance, you can choose a that covers your whole face or one with tubes that seal inside your nostrils. Some CPAP masks work best for those who on their stomachs and there are even some for those who toss and turn all night. Experiment with accessories and find the one that’s most comfortable for you.
Do you travel frequently? Then think about portability and find a compact model you can take with you. Some machines have an optional DC power supply to plug into your car and there’s also an integrated battery that’s ideal for traveling.
A CPAP humidifier will prevent dry mouth and sinus problems caused by the stream of pressurized air. The way a CPAP humidifier works is it expels a fine mist of warm or room-temperature distilled water to moisten your nasal passages. Keep in mind that a CPAP machine with a heated humidifier attached requires space when selecting one.
A ramp can temporarily lower the air pressure of the CPAP machine and allow the user to fall asleep more easily. The pressure then gradually increases to the prescribed level.
Newer CPAP machines are quiet, some more than others. Most of the noise you’ll hear while undergoing is the sound of the air rushing through the tube. Still, you must consider the quietness of the motor.
Types of CPAP
This type of is great for overcoming problems like claustrophobia and air leaks.
s We Love
- ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow, Medium
- ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillows Mask Cushions & Seals
- Philips Healthcare Respironics DreamWear Silicone Pillow, Medium Cushion…
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These are particularly great for those who use a CPAP machine but also appropriate for anyone with . This is because you can use them to on your side or stomach and the indentations on both sides accommodate the cables of the CPAP.
s We Love
- EnduriMed Memory Foam CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers w/ Pillow Case - Reduces Full Mask Pressure & Air Leaks - Adjustable Height - Max Comfort CPAP Pillows for Stomach, Side, and Back Sleepers
- Lunderg CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers - Includes 2 Pillowcases - Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow for Sleeping on Your Side, Back & Stomach - Reduce Air Leaks & Mask Pressure for a Better Sleep
- Contour CPAPMax 2-in-1 Cooling Plush CPAP Comfort Pillow - Reduce Air Leaks, Hose Tangles, Mask Discomfort & Adjust Thickness, for Side, Stomach, Back Sleepers, All Masks - Works 1st Night
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A will be your best friend if you on your back thanks to its sloped design that naturally elevates your during and reduces snoring.
s We Love
- Kӧlbs Bed Wedge Pillow with Memory Foam Top | Stylish Chic Jacquard Cover | Wedge Pillow for Sleeping and Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD Pillow – Snoring Pillow
- Relax Home Life 7.5 Inch Bed Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux, 1.5 Inch Memory Foam Top with Bamboo Cover, 25" W x 26" L x 7.5" H, White
- Bed Wedge Pillow - Adjustable 9&12 Inch Folding Memory Foam Incline Cushion System for Legs and Back Support Pillow - Acid Reflux, Anti Snoring, Heartburn, Reading – Machine Washable
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Cervical
The support of these types of pillows will relieve the pressure on your and keep you from straining it and keeping your airway open. You can select from the various loft options according to your position. Generally, they’re great for back sleepers who can’t on the higher elevation of a .
Cervical s We Love
- Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, Contour Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Ergonomic Orthopedic Sleeping Neck Contoured Support Pillow for Side Sleepers, Back and Stomach Sleepers (White)
- ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Adjustable Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Sleeping, Orthopedic Neck Pillow with Washable Cover, Bed Pillows for Side, Back, Stomach Sleepers
- Cervical Neck Roll Memory Foam Pillow, Bolster Pillow, Round Neck Pillows Support for Sleeping | Bolster Pillow for Bed, Legs, Back and Yoga
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The Importance of Sleeping
studies conducted by the indicate that is essential for the body and mind to recharge and we’re supposed to wake up refreshed and alert. Sleeping strengthens the immune system and the brain cannot function properly without it. Thus, a lack thereof can impair your ability to concentrate, think clearly, and process memories.
Healthy adults need about seven to nine hours of every night and a healthy diet and positive lifestyle habits can help ensure you get an adequate amount. Thus, people afflicted with insomnia should know it could be the first sign of a more serious disorder.
The Science of
Humans have an internal body clock that regulates our cycle. It controls when we get sleepy and are ready to go to bed and when we’re refreshed and alert enough to get up. This clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, has a 24-hour cycle. You’ll grow tired throughout the day after waking up day after day and the feeling peaks in the evening until your bedtime.
This drive is tied to an organic compound produced in the brain known as adenosine and its levels increase throughout the day. You grow more and more tired and your body breaks down the compound while you .
Furthermore, light greatly influences the circadian rhythm as your brain contains a special region of nerve cells. This hypothalamus along with the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a cluster of cells in it, processes signals when your eyes are exposed to light – natural or artificial. It’s these signals that help your brain tell day and night apart.
Then, your body releases the hormone that induces drowsiness, melatonin when natural light disappears in the evening. The next morning when the sun rises your body releases cortisol, the hormone that makes you feel energetic and alert.
The Stages of
Your body follows a cycle divided into four stages and the first three stages are known as NREM (non-rapid eye movement) . The fourth is known as REM (rapid eye movement) .
The first NREM stage marks the transition between wakefulness and . The muscles relax and your heart rate, breathing, and eye movements begin to slow down along with your brain waves. This is the light stage and the mentioned brain waves are still active. It usually lasts minutes.
The main characteristic of the second NREM stage is deeper as your heart rate and breathing rates continue to slow down and your muscles relax. The eye movements eventually cease and your body temperature decreases. Furthermore, the brain waves remain slow besides those brief moments of higher frequency electrical activity. This stage is the longest.
Stage 3 NREM makes you feel refreshed and alert the next day as the activity in your heartbeat, breathing, and brain wave reaches their lowest levels and the muscles relax as much as they can. This stage is the longest but its duration decreases as the night advances.
The fourth stage, first REM, occurs approximately 90 minutes after you fall asleep. As per its name, your eyes quickly move back and forth rapidly under your eyelids. Also, your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure increase. Dreaming happens during REM and so your arms and legs become paralyzed, most likely to keep you from acting out on your dreams.
The duration of every REM cycle increases as the night goes by and its duration decreases with age so you spend more time in the NREM stages. The four stages of repeat all night until the moment you wake up.
Choosing the right depends on your personal preferences, budget, the type of you use, and your preferred position. Consider what you just read before you make a purchase.
