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Sleep is essential for our overall well-being, yet many of us struggle with sleep-related issues at some point in our lives. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor sleep quality, these problems can have a significant impact on our health and daily functioning. In some cases, these issues may be indicative of underlying sleep disorders that require professional attention. This is where sleep studies come into play. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the main reasons why someone might need a sleep study and how it can help improve sleep and overall health.

Suspected Sleep Disorders: One of the primary reasons for undergoing a sleep study is to diagnose or rule out sleep disorders. These disorders can range from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, to insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and parasomnias such as sleepwalking or night terrors. Sleep studies, also known as polysomnography (PSG), help healthcare providers monitor various physiological parameters during sleep, such as brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and muscle activity, to identify patterns indicative of specific sleep disorders.
Chronic Fatigue or Daytime Sleepiness: Persistent fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. While these symptoms can be caused by various factors, including poor sleep hygiene, stress, or lifestyle habits, they can also be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. A sleep study can help determine if conditions like sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder are contributing to these symptoms, guiding appropriate treatment strategies to alleviate daytime sleepiness and improve overall well-being.
Snoring and Breathing Irregularities: While occasional snoring is common and often benign, habitual loud snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing could indicate a more serious condition like obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep studies can assess breathing patterns during sleep and identify any abnormalities that may be disrupting airflow and causing interruptions in breathing. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for better sleep but also for reducing the risk of associated health problems such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy: For individuals already diagnosed with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or insomnia, sleep studies may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea, medications for insomnia or restless leg syndrome, or lifestyle modifications may all be implemented to manage sleep-related issues. Periodic follow-up sleep studies can help assess treatment compliance and effectiveness, guiding adjustments as needed to optimize outcomes.
Assessment of Sleep Quality and Architecture: Sleep studies not only diagnose specific sleep disorders but also provide valuable insights into overall sleep quality and architecture. By monitoring different sleep stages (such as REM and non-REM sleep), sleep latency, and sleep efficiency, healthcare providers can assess the overall health of an individual’s sleep and identify any abnormalities or disruptions that may be impacting restorative sleep processes.

Sleep studies play a crucial role in diagnosing sleep disorders, evaluating treatment efficacy, and improving overall sleep quality and health. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness, snoring, or suspected sleep disorders, undergoing a sleep study can provide valuable information and guidance for effective management and treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent sleep-related issues, don’t hesitate to discuss the possibility of a sleep study with your healthcare provider—it could be the first step toward achieving better sleep and a healthier life.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. Evaluating the root of the problem will help determine the best treatment for sleep apnea. Whatever PAP device you need, we have the perfect CPAP equipment for sale on our CPAP shop. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 to schedule an appointment. Soon you’ll get a restful night’s sleep and wake up with energy.

Brandon Giegling

President of Parkway SleepHealth Centers

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It is estimated that between 10% and 30% of adults in the US have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. One of the most common ways of treating sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. If you need CPAP therapy, it is helpful to know how a CPAP machine works, how it can help a person with sleep-related breathing problems, and how to troubleshoot some issues that may occur when using a CPAP machine.

What is a CPAP Machine?

A CPAP machine is a medical device that uses a stream of pressurized air to keep a patient’s airways open, encouraging stable breathing while asleep. The air pressurized in the CPAP machine is pumped through a hose into a mask worn on the face.

Components of a CPAP Machine

There are many different brands and models, but all CPAP devices have these standard components.

Machine – it includes the motor that generates streams of pressurized air and controls for operating the device.
Hose – it’s a long tube connected to the CPAP machine and carries air to the mask.
Mask – it delivers pressurized air into the nose and mouth in a way that holds the airway open. There are different CPAP mask styles. All masks include straps to keep them in place.
Air Filter – it filters the air from the CPAP machine.
Humidifier – most CPAP devices have a heated humidifier using water from an attached reservoir to add moisture to the airflow. The humidifier reduces discomfort from dryness in the nose caused by the pressurized air.

Types of CPAP Masks

Before using CPAP therapy, a sleep specialist or doctor will help you select a mask. The different types include:

Nasal mask – only covers the nose.
Oronasal mask – goes over the mouth and nose, covering an area from the bridge of the nose to the bottom of the mouth.
Nasal pillows – instead of going over the nose, this mask sits under the nose and above the upper lip. Some types have prongs fitting into each nostril.
Oral mask – covers the mouth only.
Full-Face mask – covers most of the face. This type is rarely used.

Mask Fit

A CPAP mask has to fit correctly against the face to ensure no air leaks. In addition, the mask must be comfortable enough to be used night after night. Different straps and cushions are available to help keep the mask in place, making it comfortable to wear. The best CPAP mask offers a combination of comfort and performance.

Benefits of CPAP Machines

Regular use of CPAP therapy may resolve or reduce obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, improving sleep and a patient’s quality of life. Some of the benefits that might come from the use of CPAP include:

Reduced snoring
Consistent breathing during sleep
Reduced daytime sleepiness
Improved thinking and focus
Healthier blood pressure
Improved quality of sleep for a bed partner
Few mornings headaches
Enhanced mood

Side Effects of CPAP Machines

For most people, it is challenging to get accustomed to sleeping with a CPAP machine. It takes weeks or days to get used to the machine through the night. Some side effects of using CPAP machines include:

Dry mouth
Discomfort from the mask and stream of pressurized air
Nasal congestion
Eye and skin irritation
Anxiety or claustrophobia when wearing the mask
Chest muscle discomfort

In most cases, adjustments to CPAP settings might resolve these side effects making nightly CPAP use even more comfortable.

Tips for Using CPAP Machines

Here are tips to help make the adjustment process smoother when using a CPAP machine.

Research – seek quality information to resolve the most common questions about using a CPAP machine.
Work with a specialist – keep in touch with the healthcare team when you start using the CPAP machine to help resolve any challenges. For example, a specialist might suggest modifying the mask or trying a different one.
Patience – the CPAP mask or airflow might initially make sleeping hard or uncomfortable. It is usual for it to take time to adjust using the machine. Despite the difficulties, using the CPAP machine for an entire night might speed up the acclimation process.

CPAP Cleaning and Maintenance

CPAP devices come with specific instructions for maintenance and cleaning. It is vital to follow these directions and any guidance a specialist gives. For example, some parts of the machine, such as the mask, might need cleaning daily, while others require thorough cleaning and disinfection weekly.

Watch for wear and tear of the CPAP components and replace them when necessary. Masks, hoses, and straps should be periodically replaced based on the instructions from the manufacturer. If the material on these items becomes noticeably dirty or damaged, they should be discarded.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Do you struggle with a sleep disorder? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After a thorough evaluation, our team can recommend a treatment plan, including a CPAP machine, if necessary. So, if you need a CPAP machine in Cary NC, we’re ready to help. Contact us at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment today.

Parkway Sleep

Roughly 25% of adults suffer from sleep apnea. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is PAP therapy (positive airway pressure therapy) which delivers air through a mask to help steady breathing while asleep. The CPAP machine is the most common, offering consistent airflow. A BiPAP machine works the same but offers different air pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation. These machines are generally used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

When is ASV Therapy Used?

ASV therapy is used to treat central sleep apnea. Both central and obstructive sleep apnea involves irregular breathing patterns during sleep, but their causes are unrelated. While obstructive sleep apnea happens because of a blockage in the airway, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain and the muscles that control breathing do not correlate properly.

The failure of the brain to trigger the respiratory muscles, also known as an apneic event, is when an ASV machine is used. This therapy often helps those suffering from central sleep apnea resolve the issue over time. The machine trains the body to breathe correctly without forcing the airflow when it isn’t necessary, which in turn allows your body to pick the pace and learn from its mistakes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, but occasionally this issue can correct itself with treatment.

ASV vs. PAP Machines

ASV machines must be adjusted and modified for the individual. They differ from PAP machines because they monitor breathing while the person sleeps, customizing the air pressure delivered to help steady their breathing. By contrast, CPAP and BiPAP machines provide a consistent, generic airflow.

What is an ASV Machine?

ASV machines include the machine, the mask, and the hose that connects the two. There are also different styles of masks, such as mouth and nose coverings or just the nose. While the machine monitors throughout the night, the machine responds when breathing slows, pushing air flow with enough pressure to regain a steady breathing pattern. Once the target pattern is reached, the machine’s pressure automatically lowers, often still providing a continuous flow, but with much less force, to maintain consistent and repetitive breathing.

If CPAP is uncomfortable for you, or your sleep apnea doesn’t respond well to the treatment, ASV therapy might be a good alternative. In addition, the flexibility in air pressure can be more soothing to sleep with instead of the steady airflow given by the other machines.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Are you having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep? Do you wake up tired, or does your partner complain about you snoring? You could have a sleep disorder, and Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After an evaluation, our expert team can recommend a treatment for sleep apnea, insomnia, snoring, or other sleep-related disorder. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment.

Parkway Sleep

Sleeping apnea is a severe medical condition characterized by intermittent, irregular breathing, which involves the cessation and continuation of breathing during sleep. It is common in people who snore loudly during sleep and requires medical intervention. However, it can be managed effectively using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. These machines use various masks designed to customize the user’s comfort level. The article discusses the four best CPAP masks for women to help manage sleep apnea.

ResMed Airfit P30i Nasal Pillow

This mask’s QuietAir vent technology offers a quiet dispersion of exhaled hair for a good night’s sleep for light sleepers. The top-of-head tube design allows for sleeping in any position and movement during the night. This mask is ideal for nose breathers since it doesn’t cover the mouth. In addition, this mask has an open field of vision that allows for watching television or reading books unobstructed. In addition, this feature is beneficial for patients with claustrophobia.

ResMed P10 CPAP Mask

This CPAP mask has less obstructive properties compared to many other CPAP masks. It also comes in various sizes that fit different sizes of women. Its cushion is kept in place during use and thus does not cause irritation. The minimalist design (nose cover only) is suitable for those with claustrophobia, glasses, or sensitive skin.

ResMed Airfit N20

For a comfortable sleeping experience, this is the facemask to use. The silicone cushions used in this mask are pliable and can adapt to different face shapes and sizes. The flexible tubing allows active sleepers to move without hindrance throughout the night. This mask uses a minimum of facial contact points, avoiding creating marks on the face. The headgear for this mask is lightweight and soft, allowing for increased sleeping comfort.

ResMed Airfit F20

The ResMed F20 is a compact full-face mask. Full-face masks are recommended for mouth breathers or those with allergies or frequent stuffy noses. This mask can fit various facial shapes and sizes by selecting the proper size of the interchangeable cushion. In addition, the silicone cushion maintains an adequate seal even when using high therapy pressures.

Which to Choose?

In summary, ResMed is known to produce all kinds of quality CPAP masks, and thus it should not be a surprise they dominate the list of best masks for women. Most types of masks are not designed specifically for women. These masks are designed with women in mind and will provide the best user experience. If you are new to using a CPAP machine, work with a technician to find the best style/type for your situation. Changing machines is always an option if you continue to have sleep problems.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Do you have trouble sleeping or getting a good night’s sleep? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After a thorough evaluation, a treatment plan is developed, which can include a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment.

Parkway Sleep

Sleep can be a trickier prospect than some people realize. One has to fall asleep, stay asleep, and then wake rested and energized for the new day. At any point in this process, problems can occur. Those problems easily result in improper or lack of sleep. These issues are genuine for those with medical conditions like sleep apnea. Apnea can make it extremely difficult to obtain a good night’s sleep, but what causes it in the first place? It depends on the kinds of apnea at work. This article will discuss the causes and the best treatment for sleep apnea.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two common forms of sleep apnea, obstructive and central. Knowing the best treatment will depend on what form it takes.

Obstructive Apnea

Obstructive apnea is a result of brief, interrupted breathing. The muscles in the back of the throat become too relaxed, blocking the airway, and as a result, breathing is stopped. The body then wakes up to prevent asphyxiation –recent research has led some to believe a similar issue causes sudden infant death syndrome. This constant repetition of falling asleep and waking up prevents proper rest.

Central Apnea

Central apnea is neurological in nature and involves the brain not communicating correctly to airway muscles, preventing proper breathing while asleep. This form of apnea is common among stroke survivors. It is also found in persons with heart disease, kidney failure, or using certain opioids.

Other Causes

Apnea can also have other causes and can create all manner of issues, such as high blood pressure. Obesity, smoking, and chronic nasal congestion are potential causes of sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Knowing the warning signs provides an excellent start to finding the best treatment for sleep apnea. For example, loud snoring, insomnia, waking up with a dry mouth, and waking up snorting or gasping for breath are common signs of sleep apnea.

Regardless of the form sleep apnea takes, it is a severe condition that requires treatment. Talking to an expert and testing can confirm the type of apnea one is suffering, and then the proper treatment can be implemented.

It can be hard enough to ensure a good night’s sleep. Having to deal with constant interruptions from apnea makes it nearly impossible to enjoy restful sleep and can create further health issues. Don’t ignore the signs. Determine the cause, and seek the best treatment for sleep apnea depending on the cause and kind suffered. That is the best plan to ensure apnea concerns are put to rest.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Parkway Sleep

People who have sleep apnea often use a machine to help them breathe while they sleep. Most people have heard about these machines, or at least one of them – the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). But there are other machines used. Another is called the BiPAP. So, what is a BiPAP machine?

The BiPAP Machine

A BiPAP machine, or a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machine, helps to regulate breathing on two levels: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. It’s designed to force pressurized air through a BiPAP mask and into the upper airway. This forced air benefits those with respiratory problems or breathing conditions such as sleep apnea.

The machine provides two different levels of air pressure. One is for inhaling, which is known as IPAP, or inspiratory positive airway pressure. The other is for exhaling, also known as EPAP, or expiratory positive airway pressure. The air pressure for inhalation is notably higher than for exhaling. The higher pressure helps the tissue around the upper airway remain unblocked, reduces pauses in breathing and snoring, and can aid in regulating sleep patterns.

PAP Therapies

Everyone’s condition is different, and each individual needs specific treatment, but there is no shortage of PAP therapy options. Consulting a sleep specialist is the first step because a prescription is required to obtain a PAP device. Then, the specialist will determine the treatment option based on your specific condition.

Machine Options

These machines have many ways to help with sleep apnea and many other breathing disorders and respiratory issues. This high-pressure machine is often used to replace others unable to deliver sufficient air to the lungs. Sometimes CPAP, APAP, or ASV machines are not enough for some respiratory conditions – that’s when BiPAP machines are used.

The BiPAP machines have also benefited Covid-19 patients with acute lung function loss. While this machine isn’t a treatment for the virus itself, it does help to maintain consistent breathing patterns. This is called noninvasive respiratory support, and it keeps patients from having to hook up to a mechanical ventilator or utilize intubation.

The machine has a few other components as well. The device that pressurizes the air is where it all begins, then the air is fed through a hose attached to the machine, and on the other end is the BiPAP mask. These BiPAP masks deliver air through the mouth, nose, or both, depending on the one you have. We sell various BIPAP masks and accessories on our CPAP shop. Lastly, a filter purifies the air and a humidifier that heats it slightly as it funnels through the machine.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you wake in the morning but do not feel rested? You may have a sleeping disorder. Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After an evaluation, our professional staff can recommend the proper treatment and the equipment for your CPAP device. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment.

Parkway Sleep

Parkway SleepHealth Centers

Blog

Do I Need a Sleep Study?

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Your Guide to CPAP Machines

What is a CPAP Machine?

Components of a CPAP Machine

Types of CPAP Masks

Mask Fit

Benefits of CPAP Machines

Side Effects of CPAP Machines

Tips for Using CPAP Machines

CPAP Cleaning and Maintenance

Parkway Sleep Health Center

What is ASV Therapy?

When is ASV Therapy Used?

ASV vs. PAP Machines

What is an ASV Machine?

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Top CPAP Masks for Women

ResMed Airfit P30i Nasal Pillow

ResMed P10 CPAP Mask

ResMed Airfit N20

ResMed Airfit F20

Which to Choose?

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Apnea

Central Apnea

Other Causes

Symptoms

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

What is a BiPAP Machine?

The BiPAP Machine

PAP Therapies

Machine Options

Parkway Sleep Health Centers