CPAP Information
About my condition - OSA
What is snoring and how is it different from OSA?
During normal sleep, the muscles that control the tongue and soft palate hold the airway open. If these muscles relax, the airway will become narrower, partially blocking the passage. As one breathes in, the soft or floppy part of the throat vibrates and the noise of snoring results. If the throat is already narrow, or the muscles relax too much, the airway can become completely blocked, preventing breathing. When this happens repeatedly over the night, it is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) syndrome. When a blockage happens, it may last anywhere from ten seconds to two minutes or longer. During this time, if the brain experiences a lack of oxygen, it will alert the body to wake up in order to open the airway and breathe again. Although the person is normally not aware of it, this cycle can occur several hundred times during the night, severely disturbing sleep.
How common is OSA?
OSA is the most common type of sleep disorder. It can affect people of any age, from newborns to elderly adults. Some predict that about four percent of women and nine percent of men have OSA.
How can I tell if someone has OSA?
Normally a sleep test will be ordered by your physician to assist in diagnosis of OSA. However, there are many signs and symptoms that you may want to look for. Typical OSA can usually be seen while a person sleeps. An event may be heard as snoring followed by a period of silence that is then broken by a loud snort or gasp. The person will usually breathe more heavily afterward. Some symptoms of OSA may include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and irregular or restless sleep.
Treatment and therapy - CPAP
How is OSA treated?
The most common treatment for OSA is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. It is effective in almost all cases. CPAP provides light air pressure to hold the airway open and, as a result, allows for uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. Normally the air is delivered through a small mask worn over the nose during sleep. There are many different types of masks, and finding the most comfortable one is very important.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP therapy may be the best and most effective treatment for OSA, therapy consists of a flow generator , a mask / patient interface and optional h umidifier and accessories.
Flow generators are machines that generate positive pressure to the airway, which acts much in the same way as a splint, holding the airway open.
CPAP Machines: How They Work?
- Applies positive air pressure through a nasal mask to hold the upper airway open and prevent its collapse.
- This mechanically assisted restoration of regular breathing eliminates both apnoea and snoring.
- The most important obstacle to successful therapy is mask fit and comfort.
The goal of treatment is to relieve apnoea, normalize oxygen and improve sleep quality. (Positive pressure maintains an open airway).
Humidification
Humidifiers add moisture to the air with low heat and minimal condensation. Effectively providing heated humidification to standard CPAP therapy to improve treatment efficacy and comfort, by reducing the obstruction caused by swollen tissues. Studies indicate that heated humidification can resolve the symptoms of dry nasal passages and sinuses, sore throat and congestion.
Air Liquide Healthcare Services
Rely on world-class expertise in Home Respiratory services
Air Liquide Healthcare is a leading provider of Respiratory Services. They have the privilege of caring for more than 150,000 respiratory patients worldwide. Their international affiliation allows them to keep in touch with the latest developments so that we can provide you with the best solutions.
From across the country, their focus has always been to our customers. Air Liquide Healthcare’s friendly, down to earth, services are available at more than 40 offices across Australia.
CPAP Services
Air Liquide Healthcare understands that choosing a CPAP device comprises of countless decisions. The appointed agents' trained and professional staff are devoted to providing their customers and the support network with expert services to suit every situation.
Your comfort and privacy is of the utmost importance to us. Hence AustralCare's Maryborough and Hervey Bay outlets, like other agents' premises, feature private fitting rooms for confidential, no rush consultations with a trained and experienced staff member.
CPAP Trial Program
Unsure of which model to choose? Don’t worry. Air Liquide Healthcare’s unique CPAP trial program allows you to switch from one model to another one at no extra cost within the limit of your 60 - day trial period. To find out more about our unique trial program, please visit our Maryborough and Hervey Bay outlet where we stock a full range of CPAP systems and masks from ResMed. Respironics and Fisher & Paykel brands are also available on order.
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