Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissues and muscles, in both the throat and the airway, block breathing during sleep. The lack of oxygen rouses the patient, causing multiple wakings each night, and preventing effective sleep. CPAP treatment provides pressure in the airway, to open up passages, and allow for unobstructed breathing.

Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed during a sleep study. During the study, electrodes are placed on the patient\’s scalp, face, limbs, chest, and one of the fingers. These electrodes record blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart rate, eye movement, and brain activity. Also, elastic bands, placed around the waist, measure chest movement, along with the duration and strength of inhalations. If patients demonstrate signs of sleep apnea, they may be given a CPAP machine halfway through the night, to diagnose the appropriate air pressure for their mask.

CPAP is an acronym for \”Constant Positive Airway Pressure\”. The mask, hose, and machine in a CPAP setup work together to hold the air passages open while a patient sleeps. The machine prevents apnea and associated side effects, like fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Patients may also choose to add a humidifier to their setup. Humidifiers prevent a number of problems associated with dried out nasal passages, which may be a consequence of wearing the mask. These problems may include swelling, bleeding, sneezing, and congestion, and may greatly increase patient discomfort.

Masks come in a variety of forms. The most common mask is the nasal mask, but patients may also choose oral, full-face, or hybrid masks. Masks may also be fitted with a chinstrap, to keep the mouth closed. Most insurance policies allow patients to replace their mask every six months, because silicone tends to soften, and will not maintain a seal. When the mask does not seal, patients continuously tighten head gear, resulting in air leaks, and facial sores, at pressure points.

Patients should partner with a physician to choose a mask. Also, patients may find additional information by looking at comparison charts, or by calling experts at toll-free numbers, provided by CPAP manufacturers. Sometimes, the only way to find the best mask is through trial and error, so patients should not expect a perfect match right away.

Cleaning the mask is a simple process. Patients should wash the mask in warm water and baby shampoo, and allow the mask to air dry. Antibacterials should be avoided, as they tend to break down silicone. Also, emollients should be avoided, as they coat the mask, and keep it from sealing properly. Patients will improve the performance of their mask by cleaning it every morning, after use, and by going to bed with a clean face.

People who have sleep apnea are more susceptible to serious diseases, like heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. Studies have also demonstrated that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to have a car crash, and three to five times as likely to have a crash involving personal injury. These and other sobering statistics should convince patients with sleep apnea to initiate, and to maintain, consistent CPAP treatment.

Author Bio: In the United States, CPAP Toronto machines are often available at large discounts online, but a patient purchasing a CPAP Masks Toronto personally must handle the responsibility of securing reimbursement from from his or her insurance or Medicare.

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