Equipment for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea comes in two forms, Central Sleep Apnea which is a neurological issue, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea which is physical obstructions within the airways. There are a variety of treatments for both kinds of sleep apnea, which generally fall into the following categories: Medication, Surgery, Behavioural / Lifestyle Alteration and Machines / Devices (Equipment). In this article we are going to look at the different kinds of equipment for sleep apnea treatment.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The causes of obstructive sleep apnea vary therefore there are different pieces of equipment which can help to alleviate symptoms. Equipment which re-aligns the jaw during sleep may be used to help keep the airways open. By moving the jaw forward, the airways are opened up that little bit extra, allowing a person to breath better. For some people their tongue tends to cause much of their sleep apnea symptoms, so devices which prevent the tongue from folding back over the airways during sleep may help. Whilst these treatments can be fairly effective, they have their downsides. Jaw alignment devices can cause permanent realignment of the jaw in time or cause aching in the joints of the jaw. Devices which are placed in the mouth to hold the tongue can produce excessive saliva which can result in sporadic coughing and drooling, and perhaps damage to the teeth and gums.

Electric devices such as oxygen administration can also be used, although as this does nothing to keep the airways free of blockage, its value in sleep apnea treatment is sometimes considered minimal. The most popular and successful piece of equipment for sleep apnea of this kind is CPAP, or Continuous Positive Air Pressure. A mask is worn whilst asleep, which air pressure is applied within the airways to keep them open, thus allowing a person to breath without obstruction. Whilst this is an extremely effective treatment for sleep apnea, many people shun or abandon this form of treatment because a mask has to be worn over the face which can sometimes take a lot of getting used to.

Central Sleep Apnea

Oxygen administration is sometimes used for sufferers of Central Sleep Apnea, although CPAP is considered more effective, as it somehow stimulates the body into continuing to breathe, meaning less stoppages.