Sleep Apnoea is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders that many individuals experience in their lifetime. It is a medical condition that causes an interruption in a person’s breathing while they are asleep and if left untreated can lead to irregular breathing patterns. A person that is diagnosed with sleep apnoea will stop breathing while asleep, intermittently and too often. In some cases, this happens at least a hundred times per night.
There are three different forms of Sleep Apnoea that a person may be diagnosed with: Obstructive, Central, and Mixed. The most common is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. This is experienced by people whose upper airway is partly or entirely blocked. Central Sleep Apnoea, on the other hand, occurs when the brain falls short of signalling the muscles to breathe due to vulnerabilities in one’s respiratory control centre. The last type, as the name suggests, is a combination of both.
Unsurprisingly, Sleep Apnoea affects a person's quality of sleep. As such, the reduced flow of oxygen to other vital organs can give rise to health complications such as stroke, heart problems, and, in extreme cases, can even lead to sudden death.
On the brighter side, sleep apnoea is manageable through some forms of therapy, such as Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy. Additionally, another option is the use of Sleep Apnoea devices, which is designed to help you breathe better, specifically while you are asleep which aids in the reduction of health complications directly associated with sleep apnoea.
Home Healthcare Online are advocates for a healthier life whose goal is to ensure that even those who suffer from sleep apnoea can still enjoy a rejuvenating night's sleep. That is why we have created a list of devices you can use to aid your Sleep Apnoea. If you’re someone who has been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, the below devices are bound to improve your quality of sleep and enhance your overall health. Take a closer look!
CPAP Machine
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine is considered the most effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. With a mask, filter, and tube, the machine keeps your airway open by blowing air with continuous pressure when worn.
This device is proven to ease snoring, which improves one’s sleep quality and blood pressure. Plus, it is compact, lightweight, and relatively quiet meaning that you won’t have any trouble sleeping soundly at night. Another added bonus is that it is easy to travel with because of its light design.
BiPAP Machine
A BiPAP (Bilevel PAP) Machine is one of the CPAP machine alternatives you can utilise. In contrast to the latter, this device uses a relatively lower pressure, which is better for individuals who find it challenging to tolerate higher levels. The BiPAP machine provides compressed air of different levels for inhalation and exhalation.
This pressure difference has proved to challenge the risk of bloat and other potential side effects attributed to CPAP.
Dental Mouthpiece for Sleep Apnoea
If you want to know how to cure Sleep Apnoea naturally at home without CPAP, we have some good news for you. You can wear orthodontic devices for Sleep Apnoea to manage it!
These oral gadgets assist the jaw in moving forward, as a result, the tongue follows in the same direction, leaving more breathing space at the back of your throat without much trouble. In contrast, other devices help to keep the tongue in place for similar results.
Regardless of the type, these instruments lower the frequency and loudness of snoring. If you are going to use one, ensure that you consult your sleep specialist for the best fit.
Somnibel
A somnibel is a small, less invasive, and cheaper alternative to CPAP. Easy to use meaning all you have to do is attach it to your forehead while you sleep. If you happen to snooze in a supine position, or on your back, this device will give you a gentle nudge by vibrating, which is a signal for you to lie on your side.
Research shows this aids with snoring and position-dependent Sleep Apnoea.
Pillows Designed for Sleep Apnoea
If you want to sleep more comfortably, you can make use of pillows that are specially made to aid in positional therapy for Sleep Apnoea—with or without a CPAP machine. These come in different styles and supports so you can choose the one that best suits you!
An adjustable wedge pillow helps alleviate nasal congestion by elevating your upper body from the waist up. Conversely, Memory foam allows for a more comfortable sleeping position while wearing a CPAP mask. Lastly, firm, contoured pillows cradle the head, neck, and shoulders while you sleep on your side.
Although these bedroom essentials might seem ordinary, at a practical level they can do wonders for your sleep problems!
Visit a sleep specialist about which device is best for your condition. Let them know about your symptoms and sleep habits, so they can get a clearer view of how your sleeping difficulties affect your daily life. Together, you can develop a treatment plan to support you in managing your symptoms and preventing Sleep Apnoea episodes.
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