Observing and monitoring your nighttime sleep

At present there is no cure for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP is the most widely accepted treatment. Fortunately, CPAP is non-invasive and quite easy to use over time. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure.

Certain mechanical and structural problems in the airway cause the interruptions in breathing during sleep. In some people, apnea occurs when the throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially block the opening of the airway.

CPAP consists of gently pressurized air coming through a small mask that fits securely over or in your nose. The purpose of the pressurized air is to keep your airway open and eliminate any obstructions of your airway which cause you to waken many times a night.

The key to CPAP therapy is to begin with a positive attitude. There are millions of people currently happy with their equipment and ecstatic about how they feel during the day.

Remember that there are many machine and mask options available and the one that suits your uncle will not necessarily be the one that you are happy with.

That is why it is imperative to use a company like Apnix that carries a wide range of equipment and spends the extra time consulting with you to tailor an optimal system.

If you are having trouble with your current CPAP, please see our sleep FAQ section or call our office for an appointment to speak with one of our respiratory therapists. Please also consult the FAQ section for cleaning and traveling tips on your CPAP.