Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 11:38 am
If you have had signs of possible sleep apnoea — like loud snoring and daytime fatigue — your doctor will be able to diagnose the condition. It’s very critical to take this seriously as Sleep Apnoea is a life threatening disorder. By using the CPAP therapy, you can get back to enjoying your life.
There are three types of sleep apnoea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
– This is the most common form of sleep apnoea. During the night, the throat muscles relax and tissue (often the tongue) closes the airway. This occurs frequently during the night, often hundreds of times. About 80 to 90 percent of adults with OSA are undiagnosed — so they don’t get the treatment their bodies need to stay healthy.
Central Sleep Apnoea
– This occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome
– This occurs when an individual has both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.
Your doctor can diagnose sleep apnoea based on the results of sleep studies, starting with an at-home sleep study. Visit this site to learn more about the Home Sleep Test for Sleep Apnoea: https://www.cpap.co.uk/shop/home-sleep-apnoea-test.html
Based on those results, your doctor will require additional sleep studies to determine the type of sleep apnoea you have.
Is it Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
If you have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), you will be able to receive sufficient treatment to live a normal life. CPAP is considered the gold standard treatment and although it does present some challenges, most people can expect to finally get the restorative sleep they need for a healthy, vital, energetic lifestyle.
What is CPAP?
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is used to treat the symptoms of sleep apnea. A CPAP machine cannot be obtained without documentation from a sleep study, confirming your suitability to use it.
CPAP therapy works by applying a constant stream of air to your airways, preventing them from closing and causing a blockage. This therefore prevents apnoeas (awakenings) from occurring during the night — meaning you can experience a better quality of sleep.
CPAP therapy consists of three main pieces of equipment. These include:
CPAP mask – A CPAP mask delivers the constant air pressure from the CPAP machine to your airways. Different mask styles are available so you can find the correct mask for your individual breathing style. There are a range of masks that cover just your nose, just your mouth, or even a full face option covering both areas of your face.
CPAP tube– A CPAP tube is required to connect the mask to machine monitor,
in order to transport the pressurised air.
CPAP machine– A CPAP machine provides a constant stream of air, dependant on the amount of air pressure needed to clear the obstruction, in order to prevent apneas from occurring.
CPAP heated humidifier– A CPAP humidifier helps to ensure comfort but you will need to find the best temperature setting for your needs
CPAP therapy can be a challenge
You will need to find the best combination of CPAP device, CPAP heated humidifier, and CPAP mask. You will adjust these often, at the beginning, to find the greatest comfort.
Finding the perfect mask will take some trial and error — so you may need to dig deep for internal fortitude.
You must learn to persevere so you can get the good night’s sleep you deserve.
Positive attitude will help
Just as with anything in life, your attitude is absolutely critical. You’ve faced difficulties before and overcome them, correct?
You know that a positive attitude will help you accept these challenges and conquer CPAP therapy.
First: Learn how to operate your machine’s comfort settings and your mask. Test the combination to see what’s working or not. If something feels wrong, talk to your supplier.
Make sure you understand the equipment’s comfort setting features. Figure out your mask — what works best for you. Don’t give up in this very early stage.
Those who are successful with CPAP have adopted a “can do” attitude. They have found motivation in their lives — in the things that are meaningful to them.
After all, CPAP — and a good night’s sleep — has multiple benefits:
- Increase libido
- Eliminate snoring
- Reduce risk of heart attack or stroke
- Reduce risk of congestive heart failure
- Lower your blood pressure
- Reduce/eliminate heartburn or GERD
- Increase memory and concentration
- End daytime sleepiness
- End headaches
- End depression and moodiness
You’ll get your life back — spending more quality time with your loved ones. You’ll be more productive at work, home, or school. You’ll be more energetic, less moody. You will feel more like exercising and eating right — all of which improves your health and your enjoyment of life.
CPAP therapy is an excellent step toward a longer, healthier life. You deserve to have a life you love, with people who love you. Don’t let the early challenges of CPAP get in the way.
You will never regret getting your life back on track with CPAP!
Read more:
https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/cpap-therapy/attitude-and-expectations/