Use CPAP Machines and Bi-PAP Machines to Stop Sleep Apnea Now!
Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010
by Ray Burk
DME+
If you are like one of the 18 million people that suffer from sleep apnea then you know the discomfort that this condition can have on your life in general. It is not unusual for you to wake up several times a night because you may have stopped breathing for periods of 20-30 seconds at a time. Sleep apnea will lead you to have disturbed sleep all through the night. The good news is that millions of people are successfully treating sleep apnea with medical devices such as CPAP Machines that are designed to give you a better night's sleep and reduce your sleep apnea events.
CPAP Machines
CPAP machines or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices are designed to ensure that you have a constant flow of air going into your lungs. This machine is equipped with a compressor (about the size of a shoe box) and sleep mask that is usually worn over the nose while the person breathes through their mouth at night. Air delivered from the compressor and mask forces the "obstructed airway" to open up and gives the person the ability to breathe and sleep. CPAP Machines are typically used for people who are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (the most prevalent form of sleep apnea).
It is worth noting that CPAP machines and sleep masks can be a little uncomfortable to use at first. It will take several days to weeks in order to get fully adjusted to using this device. This has forced makers of these devices to make improvements to the design and implement features to try and make them more comfortable. For most people using CPAP Machines, their key to compliance is finding a comfortable mask.
Bi-PAP Machines
The next device is called a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure machine or Bi-PAP for short. Unlike its counterpart the CPAP, a Bi-PAP not only pushes air into the body, but, relieves the air pressure (via sensors) so that exhalation can occur more easily. Because of the extra sensors that regulate the air pressures, Bi-PAP machines are much more expensive than there cousin the CPAP machine, but the level of relief is greater and more effective for those that have difficulty exhaling. Typically, Bi-PAP machines are used for people who suffer from the Neurological condition called Central Sleep Apnea (which is fairly rare).
Paying Sources, the Rx, and Sleep Study
The good news is that most major insurance companies and Medicare will pay for the cost of CPAP machines and Bi-PAP's. However, they do require a prescription from your doctor and extensive pre-testing in order to qualify for their use. In fact, such testing typically involves a two night Sleep Study test that is performed at a Sleep Lab in order to determine the official diagnosis of sleep apnea.
These are just two of several methods that are used in the treatment of sleep apnea. Regardless of the method that you choose, you will need to do your homework and talk to your doctor so that the two of you will be able to figure out which treatment is best for your condition. While there are other methods that are out there to help in the treatment of sleep apnea, it is important to note that these two medical devices are the most effective and popular.
Happy dreams to you and have a good night's sleep.
Ray Burk is the Publisher of CPAPMachinesNow.com a website that explores the latest sleep apnea treatments. To learn more, go here to find out the best ways to fight sleep apnea and why CPAP Machines are the most popular form of treatment.
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