You already understand the value of a good night’s sleep. Sleep is critical to one’s well-being and health. It is critical to get enough sleep in order to protect both your mental and physical functioning. When a patient does not get enough sleep, it can be harmful over time. Sleep deprivation can lead to chronic health problems such as stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and kidney diseases. It may also increase the likelihood of obesity.
As per the American Psychological Association, more than 70 different kinds of sleep disorders affect up to 40 million Americans. Various health issues can occur in individuals who suffer from apnea due to a lack of quality sleep.
We’ll look at the benefits and drawbacks of APAP therapy below so you can talk to your patients about their sleep apnea treatment in a knowledgeable and helpful way.
What Precisely Is APAP Machines Therapy?
APAP is one of the three main kinds of devices that open the air passages while sleeping. A mask connects the APAP machine to a pressure generator. This therapy works by using air pressure to act as a splint. It prevents the throat from collapsing in on itself, enabling you to breathe freely throughout the night and avoid sleep apnea episodes.
The majority of APAP machines use a preset pressure that is identified during a sleep centre titration study. There are two settings on the APAP machine. One has low pressure, while the other has high pressure. These various pressures enable the machine to constantly adjust your varying pressure needs throughout the night as they alter sleeping positions or progress through their various sleep stages.
The APAP machines automatically adjust to allow normal breathing while sleeping. When you have obstructive apnea, the APAP adds pressure just enough to restore normal breathing. The machine’s air pressure increases and decreases as required to keep the air passages open throughout the night.
How to Use APAP?
The APAP device includes a mask that you wear over your mouth. It’s linked to a small device that pushes air into your throat gently.
If your sleep apnea is simple, you may be able to begin using your APAP immediately after your doctor diagnoses you without first visiting a sleep centre.
Following your training, ensure that you are confident in your ability to use your APAP. On your checklist, you might include the following:
Before you begin, make sure the mask fits properly.
- Inform your doctor if the mask does not stay on or leaks air.
- Allow for some adjustment time to the machine and the varying air pressure.
- Discuss with your physician if you should keep track of your symptoms to see how much APAP helps.
Benefits of APAP Machines
This has a number of advantages. These are some instances:
● Different Modes
Continuous mode (CPAP) and auto-adjusting mode are available on APAP machines. This allows patients to try both CPAP and APAP without having to switch devices.
Modified Pressure for Various Sleeping Positions
Individuals can change sleeping positions and obtain the amount of pressure they require because the pressure can alter throughout the night.
● Enhanced Comfort
In lighter sleep phases, individuals typically need less pressure, but APAP machines only produce higher pressure when apnea occurrences happen. Patients who use APAP frequently report a more comfortable night’s sleep because they are only getting the pressure they require. This is also why APAP therapy has a higher rate of adherence than CPAP therapy.
● Adapts to Changing Circumstances or Lifestyle
If you lose weight or develop allergies that trigger congestion, the APAP pressure setting does not need to be adapted by the doctor because it will adjust to your changing needs. If you have congestion or a stuffy nose, for example, the APAP adjusts pressure to produce just the right level of air pressure to enable you to breathe.
● Get Better Sleep and Feel Refreshed
When you have sleep apnea, your body wakes you just enough for your breathing to return to normal. This means that sleep apnea causes poor sleep quality and fatigue during the day. When you use an APAP machine, your body is likely to drop into a deep sleep and provide you with the rest you require.
Drawbacks of APAP Machines
Although APAP has many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. These are some of them:
● Price
APAP machines are advanced pieces of equipment. As a result, they are more expensive than CPAP machines, and some insurance plans do not cover them.
● Adjustments Can Take Time
When the machine adapts, it can be a little slow to make modifications, which can cause sleep problems. Sleep quality may suffer if the machine makes numerous disturbing modifications all through the night.
● Not Suitable for Those With Health Problems
This therapy is not appropriate for people who have chronic heart failure or obesity.
