Sleep Apnea Insights

We thought we’d give you some basic sleep apnea information in order to provide you with a quick overview. So here, in the most general of terms, it comes …

Sleep apnea is characterised by an interruption or prevention of breathing while asleep. There are two main types – obstructive apnea (which is more common) and central apnea, though a combination of these two types is also common.

Central sleep apnea is caused when the brain fails to send signals to the respiratory muscles. This is most common in babies, and in adults with heart problems, but can also be caused by some medicines.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction that interferes with the flow of air. It affects more men than women and tends to be more severe in the overweight and obese. And it not only disrupts sleep, it can also cause heart problems, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke.

Treatment for sleep apnea is generally categorized as nonsurgical or surgical.

Nonsurgical options vary from behavioral changes to medications and dental appliances.

Behavioral changes may simply involve changing your sleeping position, as most apneas seem to occur while sleeping on the back. A change in diet and lifestyle, accompanied by weight reduction can also dramatically reduce the severity of symptoms.

For mild cases, dental appliances that hold the jaw and tongue forward and the palate up to prevent the airway from closing can sometimes be effective.

For more troublesome cases, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines can deliver heated and humidified air under pressure through a mask to the sufferer during sleep. The machine is light and portable, and most people quickly adjust to the awkwardness of the mask and the noise of the machine.

Surgical options for obstructive sleep apnea include palate implants, reducing the size of the tongue, procedures on the jaws, and surgery of the nasal passages.

Although typically known as a condition that primarily affects adults, sleep apnea is also found in children. Childhood sleep apnea generally affects children between the ages of two and six.  Seldomly does it affect infants and adolescents. The most common cause for childhood sleep apnea is the large size of adenoids and tonsils that prevent the correct passage of the air flow towards the lungs.

Other, though rarer, causes underlying childhood sleep apnea include allergies, cleft palate, obesity or a receding chin.  Researchers have also noted that children with Downs Syndrome are more likely to experience sleep apnea, since they have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.

So what are the symptoms that should alert a parent? Snoring, heavy sweating, frequent wake ups, bed wetting, restlessness and night terrors are the main signs indicating a sleep disorder, which may include sleep apnea.

The most common treatment for childhood sleep apne is the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids, the primary factors responsible for blocking the airway. If enlarged tonsils and adenoids are not the causes underlying childhood sleep apnea, then the use of CPAP treatment is usually recommended.

A breakthrough sleep apnea treatment has emerged from Restore Medical that will give sleep apnea patients yet another option for relief from their symptoms. The initial results are promising, especially in comparison with more conventional treatment options such as the surgical laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

The Pillar Procedure has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be used to treat snoring as well as sleep apnea. Gaining in popularity because it’s not as invasive as other surgical procedures, on average the Pillar Procedure requires one quick visit to the physician’s office. But more important than its convenience, the Pillar Procedure has received great results … approximately eighty percent of sufferers noted a positive improvement in their nightly sleep apnea patterns. Many noted that episodes were dramatically decreased.

One reason for sleep apnea is that the soft palate vibrates during snoring and can block the airway. With the Pillar Procedure three tiny inserts are placed into the soft palate for support in order to minimize the vibration. At the time of the procedure, the patient’s soft palate is given a local anesthetic to numb it. The doctor then implants the inserts by way of a special medical tool. In some cases a mild painkiller will be prescribed to the patient for use if there is discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. This procedure does not even have to be done at the hospital; it can be done right in the doctor’s office.

To further explain, the Pillar Procedure injects three tiny woven inserts into the soft palate. These inserts are designed to decrease the vibrations that underlie snoring responses as well as prevent the soft palate from interfering with or blocking the flow of air. Over time the inserts blend into the natural tissue structure while continuing to offer support to the soft palate. The inserts are not visible to the human eye, and they do not cause problems either with speech or with swallowing. These reasons alone make the Pillar Procedure a viable option for many sleep apnea sufferers.

The Pillar inserts consist of material that has been used in other implantable medical devices for better than fifty years. Most patients report little if any discomfort, and there’s a short recuperation period. Many people return to their regular eating habits, as well as their regular activities, very quickly. Some as soon as the same day or the day preceding the procedure.

The risks involved with the Pillar Procedure are very minimal. In fact, only one percent of those treated with this method ever suffer any adverse effects. In addition, if so desired, the procedure can be reversed. It is important to be aware that the effectiveness of this sleep apnea treatment depends on a number of factors which include the size of a patient’s tonsils, their tongue position and their body mass.

Since chronic breathing cessation during sleep is most frequently triggered by the obstruction of the  airways, a <b>sleep apnea pillow</b> can often provide sleep assistance. Designed to follow the anatomical contour of the body, these specially-designed pillows enable even distribution of the body forces on the shoulders and the arms, so that your resting position is completely unrestrictive.

A sleep apnea pillow elevates your head at the correct angle, allowing for the full extension of the neck. As a result, your airways are opened. This is ideal for side sleepers in particular, a position which is encouraged by the pillow. In fact, resting on your stomach or your back has often been associated with severe cases of breathing cessation.

By the way, snoring is also dramatically reduced since the spinal alignment receives a full support of the body frame.

It is worth noting, however, that using a sleep apnea pillow is generall more effective for those with a mild to moderate apnea condition. It’s less effective for those who have a severe condition.

Usually manufactured from polyurethane memory foam, the sleep apnea pillow can be bought from special shops or ordered directly on the Internet. Prices vary between $100 and $200 depending on the brand and the special features that may be incorporated in the structure.

Check one out for yourself: <a rel=”no follow” href=”http://www.allegromedical.com/gift-ideas-c573/better-sleep-pillow-side-sleeper-sleep-apnea-pillow-p216902.html?a_aid=32c31498&amp;a_bid=38e08753″>sleep apnea pillow</a>.

Can I mix and match brands between the CPAP machine and sleep apnea masks?
If you want to use different brands you might want to check with the manufacturers. For the most part, machines and masks are generally compatible. However, sometimes CPAP machines cannot be used in conjunction with all sleep apnea masks. When in doubt, take the time to find out.

What is a nasal mask?
A nasal mask is an excellent mask for those who are just beginning CPAP therapy. It fits comfortably around the nose and is held there by way of special headgear or straps.

What is a full-face mask?
As the name implies, the full-face sleep apnea mask covers not just the nose, but also the mouth. This CPAP devise also makes use of straps or headgear and is the best choice for those who prefer to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses.