Many people have problems falling asleep as it is not a rare condition. This can result from various causes, including stress, change in time zones, or surrounding environments. However, some sleeping issues may result from certain body disorders, making it impossible or uncomfortable to fall asleep. Various treatment plans can deal with these conditions, including one in CPAP Clinic Bridgewater. This clinic involves CPAP therapy which is discussed below in detail.
What is CPAP Therapy?
This therapy method is suitable for people who breathe spontaneously due to breathing challenges when sleeping. This therapy involves using a CPAP machine that keeps your airway open at all times and triggers breathing by pumping in air through the machine.
This machine consists of:
· A full-face mask covering your whole face
· A nasal mask covering the nose
· A full mask covering both the mouth and nose
· Nasal prongs to be inserted in the nostrils
· A nasal pillow to be placed below your nose
· A motor to pump in air
· A tube to connect the mask to the machine
A pulmonologist or a sleep physician first needs to observe the patient in a sleep study lab to identify the optimum air pressure for the patient. They choose a mask suitable for the person’s needs. This mask and the CPAP machine are required to be slept with by the patient every night.
The CPAP machine is not the only positive airway pressure machine available. Other kinds include:
· BiPAP
The Bilevel positive airway pressure offers various air pressures for exhalation and inhalation.
· APAP
The adjustable positive airway pressure device changes the air pressure depending on the breathing pattern
· CPAP
The continuous positive airway pressure offers a steady and constant air pressure supply.
Uses of CPAP
This machine is only used for people with spontaneous breathing issues. This is mainly those people with breathing challenges when asleep. Their airways can collapse or be obstructed by specific ailments or conditions, making it difficult to breathe when sleeping. This is known as obstructive sleep apnea and may result in:
· Snoring
· Poor and reduced sleep quality
· Hypertension
· Reduced oxygen intake
· Mood swings
· Daytime sleepiness
· Fatigue
· Impaired cognition
Obstructive sleep apnea can result from:
· Respiratory disorders
· Obesity
· Tissue growth in the airway
· Muscle weakness from muscular infections
· Hypothyroidism
· Enlargement or swelling of adenoids and tonsils
CPAP therapy can also be applicable for breathing challenges caused by:
· Asthma
· Lung tissue ailments like pulmonary fibrosis
· Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
· Central sleep apnea is characterized by halting and starting breathing when asleep due to certain neurological disorders
· Various bacterial and viral issues in the respiratory system
· Infant respiratory distress syndrome in newborn babies
· Heart failure
Certain conditions like physical trauma to the face or covid-19 infections are not advisable to involve using CPAP machines.
Lack of enough sleep and sleep disruptions may have consequences as you conduct your daily activities as the brain is not fully rested, needing CPAP machines. Any inquiries about CPAP therapy can be directed to our website or consultations in our offices in Bridgewater, NJ.