By A CPAP pillow can help a victim of sleep apnea to breathe better by ensuring that their neck and head are correctly aligned while they are sleeping. By having the neck and head properly aligned, the patient will have a much clearer airway, which will allow them to breathe better. If you’re someone who suffers from sleep apnea, then a clear airway can be hard for you to obtain, which is why you can use a sleep apnea pillow in order to promote a better night’s rest. The sleep apnea pillow is also an effective treatment for snoring or difficulty breathing due to respiratory disorders.
The two main types of apnea include the more common obstructive sleep apnea and the more severe central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is considered a mild form of apnea, which results from physical blockage in the respiratory system. Central sleep apnea involves poor respiratory control by the brain. Obstructive apnea can be managed in several ways, with one of the main treatment options involving the use of a physical device in order to keep the airway open. This type of apnea can result from soft tissue moving into the airway during sleep, lung collapse during sleep or blockage by the tonsils. Sleep apnea can have many symptoms such as;
- Sleepiness during the day
- Poor vision
- Chronic headaches
- Snoring
- Slow response time
- Fatigue
All of these symptoms are a direct result of the sleep interference caused by apnea. While a patient is sleeping, apnea can cause them to stop breathing, or their breathing will become shallow, preventing their body from breathing in the required amount of oxygen, while also failing to allow them to expel waste gas from their lungs.
A sleep apnea CPAP pillow is specially designed and shaped to provide the correct kind of head and neck support. The best type of sleep apnea CPAP pillow will be one that’s made in the correct shape and from the right kind of material. The pillow should be able to support both the neck and head.
Other Treatments for Sleep Apnea
These CPAP pillows are often used in conjunction with other types of sleep apnea treatments such as CPAP therapy or oral appliance therapy.
An oral appliance is designed to slightly shift the lower jaw, pushing it forward and allowing for the airway to remain open. These devices are available with prescription or over the counter. Most physicians recommend being fitted for a customized oral appliance in order to experience the best results with this type of treatment. A CPAP pillow can also be used by patients when using a CPAP machine. The CPAP machine is designed to administer a constant flow of air through a mask, which will keep the patient’s airways open.
The most effective and common nonsurgical treatment for apnea is the use of a CPAP machine consistently during sleep. Air from CPAP machine is administered through tubing and received through a CPAP mask. The machine doesn’t breathe for you, instead it works by creating a flow of air pressure when the user inhales, which is strong enough to keep their airways open. Once your physician determines that CPAP therapy is the right type of treatment for you, you will then need to use a CPAP mask every night. At this moment, I invite you to come here and check out the best CPAP masks on the market.
How to determine if you need CPAP therapy?
When having your sleep apnea evaluated, your physician will ask you such questions as whether you suffer from daytime sleepiness, if you snore loud enough to disturb your bed partner or other people in the household, if your bed partner has reported obstructed breathing sounds while you sleep, and whether or not you frequently wake in the night or suffer from chronic headaches.
After your physician examines your airways and reviews your medical history they will order an overnight sleep study. A sleep study will determine whether or not you need CPAP therapy.
If your doctor recommends CPAP therapy, you can schedule an appointment for an additional sleep study, in which the physician will fit you for a CPAP mask. They will also determine the level of air to use that will be effective in eliminating airway obstructions.
CPAP therapy is considered to be the most effective treatment for both sleep apnea and snoring. This type of treatment will keep the airways open which will prevent the user from pausing their breathing during the night. This will in turn help to reduce fatigue during the day and can even reduce high blood pressure.
Other Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Some patients will complain regarding the discomfort they experience when using the device. The side effects of CPAP therapy include dry nose or throat, redness and irritation caused by the mask and runny nose. Other people may simply stop using this type of treatment because it feels too cumbersome while they sleep.
The lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss can help to improve sleep apnea or any other related health problems. The oral appliances and sleep positions can also be effective in treating sleep apnea and snoring. If wearing a CPAP mask and using this type of machine fails to provide effective results, a physician can advise you on other treatment options.
