CPAP - an apnea machine that gives you a restful sleep
There are numerous methods of treating apnea, of which the CPAP machine (CPAP – continuous positive airway pressure) stands out.
Due to symptoms that can easily be confused with other health problems, sleep apnea is usually diagnosed only when serious disorders such as sleep suffocation episodes or chronic exhaustion that has arisen as a result of poor sleep occur.
There are numerous methods of treating apnea, of which the CPAP machine (CPAP – continuous positive airway pressure) stands out. This type of apnea machine keeps the airways clear, which prevents breathing difficulties.
Obstructive apnea occurs when there is a narrowing of the upper airways due to relaxed muscles of the tongue, pharynx or soft palate. The narrowing results in shortness of breath, and the most common symptom of this type of apnea is snoring and gasping when sleeping.
Central apnea occurs due to poor function of the vegetative nervous system. In the case of this apnea, the brain stem, responsible for regulating automatic functions (such as heartbeat, breathing, and intestinal movement), fails to send nerve impulses to the lungs, resulting in a complete cessation of breathing.
You can recognize apnea by symptoms such as loud snoring, fatigue, high blood pressure or lack of concentration. However, these symptoms do not necessarily guarantee the development of apnea.
The safest way to diagnose apnea is to go for an examination. At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we perform tests such as:
In the office, we hand over a set of devices that you carry with you and apply at home during the night. The next day, you return the device so that we can interpret the registered data (heart rate, breathing rhythm, blood oxygen level, etc.).
We analyze your vital functions when sleeping. In the evening, you come to the polyclinic and stay here during the night.
We give you a sleeping pill and use an endoscope to observe possible abnormalities in the tissue (deviated septum, swollen mucous membrane, polyps in the nose, etc.).
With the recordings, we get an insight into the cavities of the respiratory tract and recognize possible reasons for shortness of breath.
A CPAP machine for apnea works by keeping the upper airway passable.
The CPAP machine is supplied complete with a nasal or oronasal mask, hose, humidifier, bacterial power cord with adapter, and user instructions.
The device works on the principle that positive pressures flowing through the nostrils and oral cavity ensure that the air circulates continuously, which also prevents the narrowing of the airways and prevents the cessation of breathing due to apnea.
An integral and certainly the most important part of any CPAP therapy is a breathing mask.
There are several different models of masks, and the most common are:
This version of the appliance contains a mask intended for the nose only. The advantage of a mask device is that it generally places a larger amount of air into the airways, which makes breathing easier, and the device will not interfere with changing the sleeping position.
This mask is used only for the nose, and is attached to the head with straps that are easy to adjust. Two silicone tips are used that are placed in the nose as opposed to a nasal and oronasal mask.
This type of machine consists of a mask that covers the face and nose and is considered the optimal version of a CPAP machine. It covers the mouth and nose.
This appliance allows you to sleep on your back, as breathing through the mouth eliminates snoring and breathing problems.
The benefits of a CPAP machine are numerous. A continuous supply of oxygen makes you more rested, cheerful and, ultimately, healthier.
Advantages of using a CPAP machine:
The positive pressure of the appliance allows for an uninterrupted supply of oxygen, which allows for undisturbed sleep.
Due to shortness of breath, increased blood pressure occurs, and high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
By using a CPAP machine, there is no strain when sleeping. Unhindered breathing maintains stable blood pressure.
A proper supply of oxygen during sleep will make you rested, cheerful and more focused on the tasks you face in everyday life.
A sufficient amount of oxygen is a prerequisite for proper metabolic processes that adequately break down increased amounts of glucose and cholesterol in the blood.
The CPAP machine may be responsible for the following side effects:
In addition to CPAP machines, there are other devices for the treatment of apnea:
Unlike a CPAP machine that blows the same amount of pressure during sleep, an APAP machine (APAP – auto-titrating positive airway pressure) recognizes the amount of air you need at a given moment. The pump automatically adjusts the pressure level required with each inhalation.
The advantage of this device is that it adjusts the oxygen level depending on the circumstances during sleep. For example, if you sleep on your back, the appliance will produce more pressure to make it easier for you to breathe.
This apparatus has special pressure settings for inhalation and exhalation. It is suitable for those people who have higher levels of carbon dioxide in their blood or for those people who cannot adapt to a CPAP machine. The ability to adjust the pressure when inhaling and exhaling makes this device suitable for people suffering from central apnea.
Apnea can also be treated with other methods:
Surgical procedures correct all abnormalities in the structure of the nose and allow you to breathe unhindered. We decide to have surgery when you have been diagnosed with problems such as septal deformity, polyps in the nose or hypertrophy of the nasal concha. Surgeries, thanks to modern technology, are performed with minimally invasive techniques, and recovery rarely results in the occurrence of major complications.
Nose surgeries are now considered a routine procedure, they are performed in the presence of general anesthesia, and you return to daily activities after only a few days.
The soft palate and uvula (bell-shaped tissue in the mouth) can narrow or completely block the airways in rare situations. According to statistics, uvula and soft palate surgery is performed less frequently than nose surgery.
Positional therapy is useful if sleep apnea is caused by sleeping on your back. Placing a device on the back of the neck creates uncomfortable vibrations when you roll over onto your back. The resulting vibrations force you to change position , allowing you to breathe smoothly and get a good night’s sleep.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we do everything we can to make you wake up cheerful, more rested and healthier. We are aware of the possible complications caused by sleep apnea, and we know that late diagnosis can be responsible for serious health problems.
CPAP therapy is just one of many therapies that we try to treat breathing problems. If you notice that the quality of your sleep decreases over time, perhaps therapy with an apnea machine is the solution for you.
Make an appointment today and take the first step towards better dreams. Call +3581 2444 646 or fill out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
