Defeat Sleep Apnea With Respironics Cpap Machines

It is estimated that nearly 60 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. Between 17 and 18 million of those are afflicted with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with another 10 million estimated as being undiagnosed. Treatment options available for sleep apnea can vary from surgical to intervention to homeopathic remedies such as hypnosis and acupuncture. However, the primary and perhaps most effective measure used in treating sleep apnea is the use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. The original designs for these devices were modeled after the Respironics CPAP machine.

Sleep disorders like OSA result in personal sleep deprivation. Consequently, this can affect all aspects of a normal daily routine like work obligations, driving a car, or social functions. This does not include the nearly 20 billion dollars in associated health care costs that sleep disorders are estimated to cost in the United States every year. The only good news about these disorders is that there are plenty of options for treatment, and most can be effectively treated.

Interruption of sleep due to a halt in breathing is the definition of sleep apnea. This occurs due to an obstruction within a person's airway that eventually causes a lack of oxygen that reaches the brain.

Once the airway has become obstructed, and the breathing process has stopped, the brain can sense the lack of oxygen within the blood stream. As soon as it senses this, it 'wakes' the person up to restart the breathing. This reaction results in a 'snort' or a loud 'snore' indicating that the person is starting to breathe again.

When an OSA sufferer stops breathing, it is because the surrounding muscles of the windpipe have become too relaxed, resulting in complete airway collapse. This results in the complete obstruction of the windpipe and therefore the airway, which is the clinical definition of OSA.

Besides the complications associated with the lack of sleep, OSA can contribute to serious life threatening diseases. When someone is feeling as if they never get a good night's sleep it can affect their mental health which can manifest itself as depression or irritability. Lack of oxygen has also been shown to affect a person's libido, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart disease.

OSA is quite treatable with CPAP therapy. A CPAP works by blowing a stream of air into the back of the throat, thereby forcing the airway open and preventing it's collapse during sleep. This ultimately increases the flow of oxygen to the blood stream, the body, and of course the brain. Treatment with a CPAP machine results in better rest for the normally unrested OSA sufferer.

In 1985, Respironics developed the first CPAP machine. Since then they have not only grown but have quietly established themselves as the premier of the CPAP industry. Respironics also developed the bi-CPAP which is a more advanced model used to treat sufferers of severe OSA.

Respironics CPAP machines are currently sold under the Philips Respironics brand, have developed one of the largest CPAP selections available today. They offer very competitive prices for some of the most advanced devices on the market. If you or someone you know is suffering from OSA, please seek assistance from your personal health care provider. This is something that can be treated and could change your life.