Is CPAP Therapy Effective in Treating Sleep Apnea?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. They remove sleep apnea signs but do not get rid of them. This clinically supported method gives patients a chance to live a healthy life. If you have severe sleep apnea, getting CPAP therapy quickly can help. Most patients prefer it because it is non-invasive, safe, and effective.

What Does CPAP Therapy Do?

Continuous positive airway pressure machines use mild air pressure to keep breathing airways open while sleeping.

Pros of CPAP

CPAP machine offers the following advantages:

• Minimizes daytime sleepiness.
• Enhances quality of sleep by preventing breathing interruption caused by sleep apnea.
• Reduces the risk of heart stroke and attack.
• Effectively manages sugar levels in those with diabetes.

Who Needs CPAP?

The following people can benefit from the machine:

• Those with severe OSA.
• Those with moderate OSA.

Starting CPAP Therapy

• Firstly, the doctor at ​a sleep clinic near you will give a prescription for using a CPAP device.
• He/she will refer you to an overnight sleep study to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnea.
• Once the sleep specialist determines CPAP is the most appropriate option for you, he/she located the suitable settings on the device.
• The expert adjusts the pressure settings so that the CPAP machine gives the appropriate airflow.

Does CPAP Therapy Help?

CPAP is the most effective non-surgical choice for people with ​obstructive sleep apnea near you. One research shows that it is effective in treating sleep apnea. If you are using the device, the effects will show off three months after the treatment. However, the complete recovery can take around one year. CPAP minimizes the cognitive effects of sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness.

It also works to minimize blood pressure levels and depression. A continuous positive airway pressure machine uses tubing to offer pressurized air to a nasal pillow or mask from the machine. It helps to create a large opening for respiration all across the night. The pressurized air also makes sure that the airway does not get blocked or collapsed.

The number of hours the patient needs to wear a CPAP device is for more than seven hours. But a CPAP does not work for everyone. Few patients believe that wearing a mask over the mouth and nose regularly can be inconvenient.

Individuals taking CPAP treatment for sleep apnea can do a sleep study at home and speak to the doctor about the pros and cons. For people above age 80, CPAP may be less effective.

Few users have reported side effects with the CPAP use including:

• Facial discomfort.
• Aerophagia.
• Mouth or nose dryness.
• Excess swelling of air.

The treatment focuses on the importance of using machines daily and compliance every time you sleep. CPAP compliance measures the total number of hours and nights the patient needs to use the therapy. If you use it often, it is sufficient to get an effective outcome. Regular use of CPAP machines also minimizes the risk of stroke. It is one of the main causes of death and long-term disability.

So, the advantages of the treatment with time include:

• Reduced risk of serious health issues like diabetes, heart stroke, etc.
• Reversal of brain damage.
• Improved quality of life.

How Long is CPAP Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

In most cases, CPAP treatment lasts for a lifetime in those struggling with sleep apnea. With time, the device minimizes the pressure needed to keep the airway open.

How Do CPAP Functions?

This bedside device works by pushing air via a tube into the mouth, the nose of a sleeper, or both while they sleep. They deliver air at a fixed rate or may alter the air flow rate continuously depending on the internal technology that senses changes in the breathing pattern of an individual during sleep.

Tips to Use a CPAP Comfortably at Home

If you experience discomfort, the following tips will help you feel comfortable:

• Clean your device daily.
• Adjust the airflow rate using the settings button.
• Block the sound of your device by wearing earplugs.
• Consider an APAP machine.

Minimize Snoring and Get Better Quality of Sleep with a CPAP Machine

A CPAP reduces the harmful side effects of sleep apnea. Therefore, for a better quality of life, get in touch with our sleep expert at Palmetto Sleep to know if this ​sleep apnea therapy is suitable.