Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, known as apneas, must last 10 seconds or more. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat excessively relax, temporarily blocking or narrowing the upper airway.
As a result, the person's breathing stops or is significantly reduced. OSA is often associated with loud snoring and can cause brief awakenings throughout the night as the person struggles to resume normal breathing.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is less common than OSA and occurs due to a dysfunction in the brain's respiratory control center. In CSA, the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Mixed Sleep Apnea: This is a combination of both OSA and CSA. It is less common than the other two types and usually develops in someone who initially has OSA and later develops CSA.
A sleep apnea device, especially used for treating the most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA),is a medical device designed to help individuals maintain a consistent and uninterrupted airflow during sleep by keeping the airways open. This prevents the periodic breathing stoppages and oxygen supply interruptions that occur in sleep apnea.
Some of the most commonly used and reliable brands for sleep apnea devices are ResMed, Löwenstein Medical, Philips Respironics, RespiroX, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, DeVilbiss Healthcare, and Somnetics.
A sleep apnea machine, such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) device, is relatively simple to use.
Here are the general steps for using a CPAP or BiPAP device:
Before using a sleep apnea device, a sleep test should be performed and a sleep doctor should determine that you need this device. After the sleep test, the device is put to sleep and a test is performed again, the purpose of which is to determine the appropriate pressure settings for the machine.
After the appropriate pressure is found, your doctor will write you a prescription and report. This pressure is adjusted in the device you will receive when you go to a medical doctor. If an automatic device is recommended, no pressure adjustment is made because the machine will give you the pressure you need. One of the most important things in a sleep apnea device is the choice of mask. You should choose the most suitable mask for you. We recommend masks that will preferably cover the mouth and nose. It is very important for the mask to be sized according to your facial structure in order to prevent leakage and provide the appropriate pressure.
After receiving the mask, CPAP device and the humidifier system you will use with this device (fill the humidifier container with distilled water to the recommended level and connect the humidifier to the machine - if it is a separate component),you should place the CPAP device by your bedside and plug it into the electrical outlet. After attaching the mask hose to the machine, you should pass the mask over your head and fix it to your head with its adhesives.
You can then turn it on with the on button on the machine. You will feel a constant flow of pressurized air through the mask to keep your airway open throughout the night. Using a sleep apnea machine can take some getting used to, but with regular use and proper setup, you can effectively treat sleep apnea and significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Social Security partially covers the cost of a sleep apnea device.
A sleep apnea device is typically used for life.
CPAP, automatic CPAP, or BiPAP devices are used for sleep apnea.
If sleep apnea is not mild, it is unlikely to be completely cured.
The definitive solution for sleep apnea is to use a sleep apnea device.
Sleep apnea device prices range from 5,000 to 30,000 lira.
The best sleep apnea device price is around 30,000 lira.
The Philips sleep apnea device is around 24,000 lira, but its sale has been suspended for the time being.
Patients with obstructive, central, or mixed-type sleep apnea should use a sleep apnea device. Additionally, individuals with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and related severe respiratory failure may also benefit from this device.