CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are popular health care machines, used for treating patients suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes interruption of natural breathing during sleep. The CPAP uses compressed air to keep the air passage open so breathing continues normally. This machine basically consists of two components; one is an electronic assembly, while the other is a mask.
Sleep apnea and CPAP
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder, where the person may suddenly wake up in the night due to inability to breathe. In obstructive sleep apnea, the lungs don't receive the proper amount of air during sleep since the tongue, as well as the skin flap called the uvula at the back of the throat, block the airway. This is a serious condition since a person with sleep apnea may stop breathing many times during the night or even during a nap. A CPAP hose connects the mask to the machine and this system works to prevent airway blockage by creating air pressure that opens the tongue and uvula to allow air to reach the lungs. Proper fit is essential in a CPAP mask. Sleep apnea patients need to wear this mask while sleeping. Sleep apnea is links with medicals problem which are heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, risk of heart attack.
CPAP MASK
A CPAP mask is a piece of respiratory medical equipment that works with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to help people with obstructive sleep apnea.
There are two basic types of CPAP masks. One kind fits over the nose and creates a seal, while the other main type of CPAP mask has pillow-like pieces that fit into the nostrils. Many people prefer the nostril type as they don't like the idea of having their nose completely sealed off. Either type is considered effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea a" the type of CPAP mask used depends on the wearer's preference.
CPAP masks are designed to fit different face shapes. Some of the head gear attached to the masks can resemble a horse's halter as they have a strap that fits across the jaw as well as one that goes around the upper part of the head. If a CPAP mask doesn't fit correctly, air leakage may occur. Air leaks are usually caused by the jaw opening during sleep and CPAP masks with a chin strap can help solve this problem. There are several designs of CPAP masks including a full face mask, nasal mask, nasal pillow mask and nasal prong mask. They all have different characteristics and people usually favor one type of mask over another.
Adults are not the only ones who can suffer from a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. It can affect children as well. When children have sleep apnea they are not getting the sleep that they need to keep them healthy and active during the day...
A manufacturer of sleep apnea supplies, Resmed, has a CPAP mask available for children aged seven and older, or who weigh at least 40 pounds, called the Mirage Kidsta Nasal Mask. It was designed with a child's needs in mind and can be used with both CPAP and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP). The Mirage Kidsta Nasal Mask does not contain any latex material, so there is no danger for those who are allergic to this material.
If your child snores at night or has periods in which they stop breathing for several seconds at a time, you should take them to see a sleep specialist for an evaluation. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences like high blood pressure and has even been associated with later development of diabetes. A CPAP machine and CPAP mask may be what your child needs to get the quality sleep that they need.
Since sleep apnea can have an overall effect on a person's wakefulness during the day, a CPAP is a useful tool. One study originating from New Zealand suggests that untreated cases of sleep apnea create a state similar to intoxication. Drivers with sleep apnea are much more likely to be involved in car accidents than those without.