If you are experiencing all of these then you might have obstructive sleep apnea. But before you call your lawyer and decide to change your will naming your pet dog, Debbie, to be the sole heiress, read this article first.
Obstructive sleep apnea is not a terminal disease. It is simply a breathing disorder. But take heed, it is a relatively serious disorder if not detected earlier. It occurs during sleep and interrupts your breathing. On the average, apnea patients stop breathing for about 10 seconds. That is why; you sometimes wake up gasping and have shortness of breath. To be a little technical, obstructive sleep apnea causes your respiratory muscles to relax. This will narrow your airway, hence the gasping. The frequency may range from 20 to 60 times within an hour. Without treatment, the effects of disturbed sleep will haunt you for the rest of your life. And it will be a short one if you do not do anything sooner.
Yes, you heard me right. There is treatment available for obstructive sleep apnea. It doesn't even involve surgery or taking lots of pills. It simply employs the use of a machine, the BIPAP. You might wonder what this machine does to earn it its ominous name. Trust me, it isn't scary at all.
BiLevel PAP or r Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure is a machine that blows air at different pressures. Altering airway pressure inhibits your respiratory muscles to relax and stops the narrowing of your airway. BIPAP is sort of a second generation of the original CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. Recommended for apnea patients who can't stand a high constant pressure, BIPAP is the best treatment around. You can ask your doctor about it and believe me, you will be ordered to start treatment immediately.
BIPAP machines are manufactured by several companies like Respironics, Puritan Bennett, DeVilbiss, Fisher & Paykel, and many more. If you find the task of choosing one quite daunting, browse the internet and you will find sites like CPAP Supplies Plus Direct. This site will enlighten you on how to use BIPAP equipments. It has a detailed description of obstructive sleep apnea and the treatments that are available as well.
For first time buyers, they have highly qualified customer support agents ready to answer all your inquiries. Also, you do not have to look for other BIPAP equipment-selling stores since CPAP Supplies Plus Direct carries all brands and assist you in choosing one that will fit your needs. Even better are the discounts they give all throughout the year. That's what I call quality service.
So now that you know that obstructive sleep apnea is treatable and importantly, that there are online help available, you might just find yourself breathing a little easier.
