How many hours do you sleep each night? In a perfect world, a person should get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Lack of enough sleep is detrimental as it can increase the chances of health complications like heart disease and diabetes. Healthcare practitioners report that sleep apnea The Woodlands has been the major cause of poor sleeping habits for most people. Luckily, the problem is treatable by surgery, medication, and therapy. In this article, let’s examine some therapy treatments for sleep apnea you may be unaware of.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
In most cases, healthcare practitioners rate CPAP as an effective therapeutic treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is the initial treatment doctors prescribe for individuals with mild or severe OSA. During the procedure, your specialist normally plugs a CPAP machine into an outlet and stays next to your bed. Afterward, the provider connects the sleeper’s face via a tube that covers the mouth, nostril, or nose. Then the CPAP machine blows into the person’s airway, making it less possible to close when sleeping.
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)
The APAP machine is similar to CPAP because it connects to the sleeper’s face utilizing a mask and tube and then pushes the air outward to ensure the airway is always open. Additionally, the machine varies from CPAP because of its capability to automatically regulate the pressure of the released air. This capability is ideal as the machine is more comfortable than CPAP because the sleepers require different levels of pressure and different time during the night based on sleep stage, sleeping position, and amount of congestion.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
In most cases, your doctor can recommend a BiPAP machine if you cannot tolerate CPAP. The machine works like the CPAP machine by linking to the sleeper’s face through a tube and mask. Afterward, it pushes out air to maintain the airway open. Nevertheless, the BiPAP machine varies from CPAP as it releases air at a greater pressure during the sleeper’s inhale and reduced pressure during an exhale.
Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP)
EPAP, unlike BiPAP and CPAP, is not a motor-powered device. Instead, it comprises two small valves which fit inside the sleeper’s nostrils. EPAP therapy offers air pressure by developing resistance which keeps the airway expanded whenever an individual exhales. Sometimes, it can be more convenient for certain sleepers as it does not necessarily need electricity, involves minimum or no noise, and is light.
Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)
Doctors mainly use ASV machines to treat individuals with central sleep apnea. It operates similarly to PAP therapy by pushing the air out via the tube and mask the sleeper is wearing. Nonetheless, instead of delivering a set of air on inhalation and exhalation, it is designed to release customized air pressure which adapts in actual time whereby it anticipates and responds to central apneic situations.
The experience of sleep apnea can be overwhelming as it causes heart problems and inflammation. Luckily, the availability of several therapy treatments can effectively solve the problem. Scott Young, DDS of The Woodlands, Houston, TX, can help you if you are looking for sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Young is dedicated to providing wide-ranging services making all clients leave the premises smiling. To get started, call or schedule an online appointment today.