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What is CPAP

here are various reasons why a person suffers interrupted

sleep, and obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is one of the most
disruptive. OSA is primarily caused by obstruction on the
upper airway thus resulting in regular pauses in breathing as
one sleeps. A person with OSA wakes up every time he stops
breathing and these interruptions deprive him of a restful
night’s sleep. OSA is manageable and one of the most
effective ways to treat the problem is with a CPAP or
.Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine

?How to work

The purpose of a CPAP machine is to keep the airway of the patient open as he sleeps which
in turn impedes breathing, allowing the patient and sleeping partner to get a restful sleep.
The machine also reduces snoring. A CPAP machine has three basic components: the air
pump; a mask that covers the nose or mouth or both; and a tube to link the air pump and
the mask. The CPAP machine has a filter and a small tank of water which act as purifiers and
.increase air humidity

In some cases two prongs are used for the nose instead of a mask but most patients prefer
to use the nose mask. Some CPAP machines have integrated chinstrap to help keep the
mouth closed so that breathing is through the nose and not though the mouth. A continuous
flow of air passed through the tube, into the mask and into the airway. The recommended
air pressure created by the CPAP machine prevents the airway of the patient from collapsing
thus affording him uninterrupted breathing during sleep. In some instances, it takes time to

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Gadgets and Devices

The goal of sleep apnea treatment is to open your airway so you can breathe better at night.
Many devices can help that happen. Among the most common options are CPAP machines,
mouth appliances, and specially designed pillows.

Here’s a look at what's available:

Mouth Devices

You can get these custom-made or buy them over the counter. Whatever type you choose,
you’ll need to see a dentist to have it fitted.

 Mandibular advancement device (MAD). This looks like a mouth guard that athletes
wear. It snaps over your top and bottom teeth. Hinges let your lower jaw ease
forward, which keeps your tongue and soft palate stable so your airway stays open
while you’re asleep.
  Tongue retaining device. This is sort of like a splint that holds
your tongue in place to keep your airway open. Doctors don’t
prescribe it as often as the MAD. It can be harder to get used to
and less comfortable.

Position Pillows

Do a quick online search, and you’ll find many types of pillows to relieve sleep apnea.
They're designed for use with a CPAP machine or without. They come in different styles,
including a wedge shape, which raises your upper body.

Sleeping on your back with your body elevated from the waist up may help keep your airway
from collapsing and, in turn, improve your condition, the American Sleep Apnea Association
says. Use foam wedges, not soft pillows.

Sleep apnea pillows that you can use without a CPAP machine position your neck so your
airway is more likely to stay open. Ones you use with the machine are meant to make you
more comfortable when you wear your CPAP mask. Some have features that reduce
pressure from the mask or keep it from rotating out of place.

A small study of pillow use with CPAP showed that they do make users more comfortable.
But the people were no more likely to keep using their machines than those who didn’t use
special pillows.

CPAP masks for sleep apnea

As the number one sleep apnea mask brand preferred by patients,* ResMed’s
masks provide the most effective sleep therapy possible — they’re
comfortable, lightweight and engineered for minimal coverage. Search masks
below by breathing, treatment needs, lifestyle and other options.
There are 4 masks types:
1-paediatric masks.
2-nasal masks.
3-full face masks.
4-nasal pillows.

1-Pediatric masks:
Designed especially for children, ResMed’s pediatric masks were the first
to be cleared by the FDA for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in
children.

2-Nasal masks:
-Nasal masks combine the minimal design of nasal pillows masks but
with slightly more coverage over your nose. They’re also designed for a
clear field of vision, so you can comfortably wear your glasses or watch
TV

-It’s designed to be so lightweight

t’s also extremely soft and designed to leave no marks on your face
 Flexibility: The mask connects to the air tube with a flexible rotating
joint, so you can move around in bed with ease

3-Full face masks:

Full face masks cover more of your face to accommodate people who
mostly breathe through their mouths. ResMed’s full face masks offer a
minimal design, and are designed to be lightweight and non-intrusive.

4-nasal pillows:
Experience the openness and freedom of nasal pillows masks!
Lightweight, unobtrusive and designed to keep your field of vision clear,
this type of sleep apnea mask fits snugly and comfortably over your
nasal passages.

Customers Reviews
ResMed Air Sense 10:

“This piece replaces a 19-year-old model and what a major difference!

I am now much more rested and look forward going to bed. I can’t say
enough positive things about it or the staff that handles the product.”
By Phil
 ResMed Air Sense 10 Elite
“This is my first CPAP. I've always heard about how loud and clunky these
machines are. Not this one! This Machine is virtually silent. Coupled along
with my Phillips view full faced mask, I've never felt so good. I can't tell you
about any other CPAP machines but I can without a doubt tell you that I
love my ResMed 10 with the heated humidifier.” By Japatrick

“love this unit. Compared to my first machine, this one is a godsend. Thank
you ResMed!! 
Still a problem with dry mouth in the morning.” By George iv

“It's so cool to check out the information on the machine, I've been using the
machine for a couple months now and have to say I haven't had a better
quality of sleep. It's small enough that it's not a total eyesore and I love it!”
By Chris

HDM Z1 Travel CPAP

“I have had this for 2 years and I am ready to retire it. I travel frequently and
this machine has not provided the results I looked for. After spending over $1K
on this you can imagine how disappointed I am. It is loud and the noise carries
up the tube into the nose piece.” By Mark

“Bought this in 2014 and took to Europe. Worked perfectly. I travel about 75
nights per year for work and this is a super product. No problems at all so far. 
It is easy to carry, light, long power cord, quiet. My regular CPAP broke about
2 months ago and this is now my everyday machine.” By Robert

“I have had this machine for 18 months, and I love it! It works perfectly, and is
so much better than lugging around my huge older machine. The only issue I
have is the humidification units don't last very long. I hope the manufacturer
will fix this problem soon.” By Yf