The CPAP Machine - Helping People Breath Better Through Technology

Twenty percent of Americans have been diagnosed with a sleeping disorder at some time in their lives. There are three general classifications of sleep disorders; disturbed, excessive or lack of sleep. Sleep apnea is one of the most common of these disorders. Approximately 18 million Americans suffer from this disease, which is characterized by rest disturbances. These figures only represent those who have been diagnosed. Most people with this disease are unaware of it.

Rest is one of the basic needs of life. During slumber, the body regenerates itself. For instance, this is when cells are repaired and the immune system is revved up. People suffering from sleep apnea have this healing process disrupted by lapses in breathing. These episodes, which last for seconds or even minutes, can occur as little as five times an hour or more than thirty times an hour. Sleep deprivation causes a variety of health issues for those who suffer from it, so treatment is needed for long-term slumbering problems.

Before sleep apnea can be treated, a sleeping study must be done. Based on the results of this study, the patient may be placed on a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A mask that covers the nose, or a mask that covers the mouth and nose, is connected by a tube to the machine. The machine forces air through this flexible tube into the airway, preventing it from collapsing. The pressure with which the air is forced is based on the severity of the health problem.

Using a CPAP machine can drastically change the lives of these patients. Some of the most severe problems associated with this disease concern the heart. Over a period of time, the heart is affected by up and down changes in oxygen levels, caused by breathing stoppages during sleep. This can lead to strokes, heart disease, or arrhythmia.

In addition to heart disease, this medical problem has also been linked to diabetes, depression, and fatigue. Using a CPAP helps restore normal breathing patterns, and health problems improve. Since some patients find it difficult to breathe out because of the pressure of the airflow, newer CPAP machines lower the air flow pressure when the patient exhales.

Although the CPAP was developed mainly to treat sleep apnea, today it is being used for a variety of problems associated with the airway. Hospitals use it for patients suffering from respiratory failure and heart surgery patients, and the neonatal unit uses it on premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed.