Sleep Apnea Machines:  The Benefits  

Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder.  This sleeping disorder involves the cessation or interruption of normal breathing patterns while sleeping.  The interruptions usually last for ten to twenty seconds and can scare the person who is affected or the people around them.  When you add bed wetting into the mix, the condition becomes even more frightening.  The fact of the matter is that there are different types of sleep apnea such as obstructive, central, and mixed. 

Luckily, sleep apnea machines provide enormous health benefits and protection from more the often serious complications that accompany this condition when left untreated. 

Sleep Apnea Machines 

You’ll likely be happy to know that there are different types of sleep apnea machines, and the severity of your condition will determine which one is right for you. The basic principle on which all of the sleep apnea machines operate is to allow the patient to have a continuous, uninterrupted flow of air in their breathing passages. The various types of machines accomplish this a little differently, but all of the machines have the goal of reducing apnea episodes and doing away with negative complications of the condition. 

The most well known sleep apnea machine is known as CPAP or the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine.  This machine has a high success rate and is used in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Basically, it's a nasal mask that is connected to the machine which blows a steady stream of air into the breathing passages, which keeps the passages open and allows for the patient to breathe easily and normally. 

Another type of sleep apnea machine is Variable Positive Airway Pressure (VPAP). This device monitors the patient's breathing and provides two types of pressures: one of inhalation and a lower one of exhalation. This is successful in patients that have additional respiratory conditions besides the sleep apnea.  This is not used as often because it is more expensive.  Most doctors will only prescribe this machine after the CPAP has failed. 

Yet another type of sleep apnea machine is the Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP). This was recently approved by the FDA and uses sensors and computer technology to monitor the patient's breathing. This device automatically adjusts the pressure on the airways as the patient's breathing patterns shift, which effectively controls episodes of sleep apnea but in a slightly different manner than the CPAP or the VPAP.  

Which One Is Right for You? 

Wondering which machine you’ll need?  The severity of your condition will determine which sleep machine is right for you. With increasing advances in technology, machines to help a person diagnosed with sleep apnea will only improve. All three of the devices mentioned incorporate sound principles and are relatively easy to use. If your doctor recommends one of these devices, you'll quickly find that you're getting a more restful sleep so there is no reason not to give it a try even if you are feeling a little bit hesitant.