Details of the CPAP Therapy
The CPAP therapy has been successfully used for the treatment of apnea during sleep. In the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) treatment, the airways by slight pressure pneumatic splint and prevents apnea.
1. Sleep Laboratory
In the sleep laboratory, the sleep of the patients studied by polysomnography. During the night several vital functions, such as Brain waves, eye movements, respiration, muscle tension and oxygen saturation recorded. The next morning, the results are evaluated by a sleep specialist. The second night, the patient is asleep, if necessary, with a CPAP device. It is tested with the pressure the pauses in breathing can be reduced to a minimum.
2. Appliances
Modern CPAP devices are small, quiet and easy to transport. Via a hose system and a breathing mask to the patient room air is supplied via the respiratory mask. The slight positive pressure thus preventing apneas and hypopneas.
Further developments of the CPAP and BiLevel devices are AutoCPAP equipment devices. In the AutoCPAP devices required therapy pressure to the individual needs of the patient is automatically adjusted. In a bilevel device can be adjusted for different pressures and exhalation.
Detailed records of the data in the device helps the physician to monitor the success of the treatment. The useful life is saved and lends them a guide to compliance.
3. Breathing mask
The most important link between the device and patient is the CPAP mask. They come in various designs and sizes. A distinction between the nose masks, nose masks, olive, oral masks and full face masks. The CPAP mask has to fit the anatomy of the user, since this would cause pressure points and leaks. You can prevent this by choosing the correct size and type of CPAP mask.
4. Heated Humidifier
The continuous stream of air with CPAP therapy, the airways dry out. If you have already suffered prior to CPAP treatment in dry airways, a heated humidifier to bring relief. The Atembefeuchter is inserted between generator and CPAP breathing tube and moistened so the airway during the treatment. When using a hot-air humidifier must be respected absolutely hygiene, germinate otherwise humidifiers, breathing tube and mask can.
5. Nasal Irrigation
Especially helpful may be a douche. The use of nasal irrigation can be used with dry nasal mucous, colds, sinus problems, allergies, hay fever and rhinitis. For daily care of the nose, we recommend a good nose oil.
Glossary
- Apnea – breathing stops
- AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) – the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep.
- AI (Apnea Index) – number of apneas per hour of sleep.
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
- HI (hypopnea index) – the number of hypopneas per hour of sleep.
- Hypopnea – the reduction in airflow by at least 50%.
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Tags: cpap, cpap therapy