We now know what OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea) is, some of the symptoms and the stages to diagnosis. But what happens after being diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea? What is the treatment of Sleep Apnoea?
Well, this is dependent upon the severity and the cause of an individual’s condition. However, there are lots of options and choices when it comes to treatment.
The most likely treatment of Sleep Apnoea, and most common, is a CPAP machine or mask. This is a device that helps keep your airways remain open and clear whilst you sleep.
What Is A CPAP Machine?
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine gently blow air into your airway through your nose and/or mouth ensuring it stays open and clear during sleep.
Think of blowing up a balloon. Breathing into a balloon causes it to expand. A CPAP machine works in this way, to ensure your airway stays clear of obstruction.
By consistently blowing air through the airway and ensuring it remains open the CPAP machines combat the issue that causes individuals to stop breathing during the night, and will eliminate the symptoms associated with OSA, including but not limited to:
- Snoring
- Choking
- Gasping
- Tiredness/Unrestful Sleep
- Depression and Mood Change
This treatment of Sleep Apnoea can be offered by the sleep clinic you conducted your study with, or they will typically refer you to a specialist who can properly fit your machine or mask and support you in the use of your CPAP.
How Does It Work?
Well, we know that it works by blowing air through the airway to keep it open. But, how does it actually do that?
This font-line therapy has been tried and tested and offers many options for comfort of the individual.
Shopping for a CPAP machine is like shopping for a new outfit. There are a few elements and lots of choice.
Technically there are three main elements to a CPAP machine:
- The Machine
- The Mask
- The Tube
The tube is attached to the mask is also attached to the CPAP machine itself. This machine is the part that blows the air through your airway whilst you sleep. The machine being the starting point of the process and the mask (or your airway) being the end.
The machine supplies a continuous airflow through the tube, into the mask and thus into your own airway.
The mask itself is not one size fits all. It is very much dependent upon your own needs.
It can be facial, meaning it covers your nose and mouth, or it can just cover your nose.
There is typically no right or wrong or better or worse decisions when it comes to choosing mask as it is dependent upon which mask suits each individual best, not only in keeping airways open but allowing for a comfortable sleep.
Along with the mask and machines there are all kinds of accessories that can be purchased in order to promote your comfort. These include:
- Chin Straps
- Forehead Straps
- Padding/Covers
- Travel Bags
- Batteries
- Cushions
How Do You Know Which One To Choose?
It can be overwhelming at first to see the quantity and variety of masks and machines out there.
ResMed is a global leader in design and manufacturing of medical products for the treatment and management of respiratory disorders, with a focus on sleep-disordered breathing. When it comes to treatment of sleep apnoea they are one of the leading brands!
Awareness about the dangers of untreated obstructive sleep apnoea has increased, and ResMed aims to help as many people with sleep apnoea as possible.
If you are unsure of where to start, it would be a great idea to look at a reputable brand like ResMed.
They offer a range of CPAP machines, but all are comprised of the three basic components. Those being the machine which houses a motor which filters and even humidifies the air you breathe.
Then the mask in which you put on your face, and the tube which connects the CPAP machine to the mask.
The ResMed AirMini Automatic CPAP Machine is the smallest portable automatic CPAP machine which gives quality bedside therapy wherever you are.
They also offer ResMed AirSense 10 Elite CPAP Machine, which is a premium obstructive sleep apnoea machine with a built-in humidifier, and no complicated settings or menus.
Most of all you need to consider your own comfort, your sleep preferences and your lifestyle.
If you travel a lot you would need a more portable machine, a travel bag to keep everything safe and portable cleaning equipment.
Consider whether you would feel more comfortable with your mouth and nose covered or just your nose. Which can feel less restrictive.
Everyone is different, hence the variety of machines and masks out there.
What Are The Alternative Treatments?
Yes, is the simple answer. There are a number of lifestyle changes and alternative treatments of Sleep Apnoea.
Whether these treatments are suitable for you as an individual is dependent upon the severity and cause of OSA for you.
These treatments include:
- Weight loss
- Change in diet
- Change in work life/home life/stress management
- Specific pillows to encourage side sleeping
- Removal of tonsils
- Increase in exercise
- Gum shields
These are all reputable treatments but may not be suitable for you! After conducting your sleep study and receiving diagnosis your Doctor will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment option for your case.
It may even be a combination of all of the above with the view that use of a CPAP machine is temporary whilst the lifestyle treatments take effect.
Either way, the most important thing is your wellbeing. And your treatment should be reflective of this.
