CPAP & BiPAP | Oxygen
CPAP & BiPAP:
Machines | Supplies | Troubleshooting
What is Obstrutive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep. Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?
Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as large tonsils can cause this. The tongue falling back and closing off the airway or even a decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open can all lead to a collapsed airway.
What happens if Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is not treated?
If left untreated, you are at an increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents, and a decreased quality of life.
Symptoms that may indicate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
- Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
- Large neck size (greater than 17" in men, 16" in women)
- Crowded airway
- Morning headache
- Sexual dysfunction
- Frequent urination at night
- Poor judgement or concentration
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Obesity
What is the treatment for Obstrutive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
CPAP (pronounced "see-PAP"). Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances, which may be effective in certain individuals. Any treatment should include weight loss (if needed), exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.
PAP stands for Positive Airway Pressure. Three types of therapy are available, depending on your individual needs:
CPAP- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
BiPAP- Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
AutoPAP- Automatically adjusting Positive Airway Pressure
How does CPAP therapy work?
CPAP treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep. Breathing becomes regular, snoring stops, and restful sleep is restored. Patients report an improvement in their overall quality of life. Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and motor vehicle and work accidents is reduced.
"Stacy was very pleasant and informative. She's a very compassionate therapist." ~Sue, Tonawanda
