Sleep apnea can be a debilitating condition, robbing individuals of sleep and affecting their waking performance in every area of their lives. But a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device can alleviate apnea, allowing you to experience untroubled sleep. These devices can be bought used from medical suppliers for reasonable prices.
Sleep apnea occurs in two varieties: obstructive and central. Both types involve an interruption in a person’s intake of air while asleep, which causes the body to wake up. Usually, these instances of waking are brief enough that the person does not remember them in the morning, but if they occur frequently enough during the night, they can cause symptoms of sleep deprivation. Sleep apnea usually manifests as excessive snoring, interruptions in breathing patterns while asleep, or as excessive, seemingly-inexplicable fatigue while awake. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles of the airway relax during sleep and occasionally block the flow of air. Muscle relaxation is normal during sleep, but does not result in a blocked airway. Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by obesity, sleeping position, or a genetic predisposition to narrowed airways. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain’s signals to the breathing muscles become interrupted, usually due to neurological conditions or heart failure. CPAP therapy is effective at treating obstructive sleep apnea, but cannot treat the neurological basis of central sleep apnea.
A CPAP device consists of a mask that covers the mouth and/or nose, and a compressed air pump attached to the mask via a tube. The pump provides a constant stream of air to the sleeper, which increases air pressure in the throat and prevents the airway muscles from falling closed as they relax during sleep.
Because sleep apnea is a chronic condition which lasts indefinitely, CPAP therapy is likewise ongoing. Sleeping with the mask on may be a significant adjustment at first, and you may experience a few minor side effects such as skin irritation and dry nose, but these should go away after a few days. CPAP devices can be bought used, offering you an uninterrupted night’s sleep for a modest investment.