Sleep Apnea & CPAP Facts

Article by: The Relief Shop Medical Supplies Team

What is sleep apnea and what do you do about it?

Sleep apnea is a treatable sleep disorder which affects millions of people and is distinguished by abnormal pauses in breathing or abnormally low breathing while sleeping. Each pause is called an apnea and each low breathe is a hypopnea.

There are three types of sleep apnea; obstructive, central and mixed. Overall, symptoms include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, loud snoring and restless sleep. Most individuals do not realize they suffer from sleep apnea until someone brings it to their attention, usually due to a snore followed by a lengthy period of not breathing.

Sleep apnea can increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, memory loss, arrhythmias, diabetes, headaches, impotency and weight gain. Central sleep apnea can cause sudden death or trigger seizures. Diagnosis is based on a sleep study.

Treatments vary depending on severity and can include losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and muscle relaxants, sleeping on your side, sleeping with the upper body elevated 30 degrees, use of an oral appliance (a mouth piece), surgery, and using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine/mask while sleeping.

Use of a Cpap machine with hose and mask is the most common and effective treatment. The machine gently blows pressurized room air through a connected hose and mask so your airway stays open for normal breathing to occur. The pressure set is a prescription determined by your doctor for the CPAP machine.

There are several types of machines and masks to choose from. When choosing a machine, take into account your travel needs. Some units are more compact or will travel better than others. Also consider the noise level a machine creates. Some are quiet and others are not.

There are also various mask styles to choose from. Select a mask based on your sleep position habits. If you find one mask uncomfortable, try another, but also try a cpap pillow that fits your mask. It is hard to sleep on a regular pillow with cpap head gear on. Sleep apnea CPAP pillows are natural sleep aids and are designed specifically with cut out or indented areas to accommodate a cpap mask and hose while supporting you.

The Core Cpap Pillow was designed by Cpap users, for Cpap users. The pillow is comfortable for both side and stomach sleepers, is hypo-allergenic, has a synthetic down fill, comes with a fitted pillowcase and is available in 3 heights and a mini travel size.

The Contour cpap Pillow works with all masks and minimizes mask leaks, whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach. It is made of thick molded foam with a removable, silky dual fabric pillowcase that follows the pillows contours so your mask, neck and shoulders easily glide over the pillow. In the center is a soft velour material that cradles and cushions your head.

The SleePAP CPAP and BI-PAP Pillow was designed for sleeping on either the side, stomach or back, has hypoallergenic polyester fill, is machine washable, and comes with a fitted polycotton pillowcase.

If you are prescribed a cpap device to improve your quality of sleep and negate potential health problems, consider a machine that will meet your needs in noise level produced and travelability. When choosing a mask style, as well as a cpap pillow, consider your sleep position habits. With these considerations, you’ll be sleeping soundly throughout the night – night after night!

Quality sleep apnea Cpap / CPAP / cpap pillows for a restful nights sleep.
Cpap Pillows are a natural sleep aid.