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Sleep Apnea Pillows to Eliminate Apnea Right Now
The problem of sleep apnea is becoming a severe difficulty around the globe. It has impacted a great deal of individuals wherein if not cured instantly, it may well seriously impact your well being. Most people who have it don’t truly know that they have this kind of disorder. They will only discover about it if he or she are going to be observed in the course of asleep. On the other hand, in the event you notice that you simply frequently wake up in the middle of the night breathless or you think that you are drowning, that is by now a sign of it. Anyone may be affected by rest apnea and it can be mostly widespread to infant who are 6 to 12 months old. Fortunately, you’ll find previously treatment to this kind of sleeping condition and an example of this would be the rest apnea pillows.
Originally, the device was developed to treat snoring but since the causes of apnea and snoring are pretty much comparable, there are individuals that manufacture this unique kind of pillow that enhances it in order that even individuals who are suffering from sleep apnea may be cured. These pillows have six crucial components that were especially made to eradicate or treat apnea. The back and neck assistance may be the most critical component of the pillow due to the fact it helps in supporting the head from slipping and will permit it to the right position. Other components are the shoulder rest, head assistance, forehead help, ear comfort depression, along with the pressure-mask region.
The very first three nights of making use of the slumber apnea pillows could be very uncomfortable by as you get employed to employing the pillow, you’ll definitely think at ease. Should you be to compare the pillow to CPAP it truly is far more convenient to use rather than wearing the mask whilst sleeping. Apnea might not be an irritating as other slumber problem but it can still have an impact on out life that’s why it really is significant to treat it as early as probable.
An important article on childhood sleep apnea from the University of Chicago.
University of Chicago Researchers Developing Urine Test to Identify Childhood Sleep Apnea
Released December 10, 2009 [Excerpt] A pilot study has found that levels of four proteins in a child’s urine can reliably distinguish between obstructive sleep apnea, which should receive prompt treatment, and habitual snoring, which does not require medical attention.
Such a test could alleviate the need for costly and inconvenient sleep studies in children who snore, researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of Louisville report in the December 15, 2009, issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
A simpler test could also speed up screening, diagnosis and treatment and “ameliorate the overall outcome,” the authors suggest.
“We did not expect that urine would enable us to identify OSA,” said study director David Gozal, MD, professor and chairman of pediatrics at the University of Chicago.
“However, the field of biomarkers is rapidly expanding. This opens the way for possible simple diagnostic screening methods in the future.”
There is a new technique being applied to a sleep apnea surgery procedure that now involves minimally invasive surgery. This new technique is called the pillar procedure.
The pillar procedure promises to cure snoring and reduce sleep apnea problems without undergoing invasive and radical surgery. The treatment was approved by the FDA back in 2004 but the pillar procedure technique uses small implants to stiffen the soft palate in snorers.
The technique is relatively new with a reported 30 thousand snorers having the procedure done worldwide. To see if the pillar procedure is available in your area contact your ear nose and throat specialist.
The Pillar Procedure is a new FDA approved office procedure to treat primarily snoring disorders and select cases of sleep apnea.
The most common source of snoring is from the fluttering of the soft palate which is the soft part of the top of the mouth. Often the uvula which is hanging tissue at the back of the throat will also flutter causing the snoring or increasing the sound intensity.
This technique lessens the incidences of snoring by stiffening the soft palate thereby reducing the vibration of the soft palate.
This new technique is done in an outpatient setting, often right in the physician’s office, typically in less than one hour under local anesthesia. The doctor will “freeze” your throat using sprays, gels, and Lidocaine. Then three small “pillar” implants which are about 2 mm in diameter are placed inside the soft palate to cause scarring to stiffen the palate. As the implants stimulate scarring, the soft palate will stiffen resulting in continued reduction of snoring for 4-6 weeks.
Since the procedure is done in an outpatient setting, recovery is much quicker and with less discomfort than other sleep apnea surgery procedures. Pain after the surgery varies widely depending on individual tolerances and personalities. Generally speaking, on average a person should anticipate soreness in the area for a few days after the procedure.
Is This Procedure Right For You?
Ask your ENR specialist or physician. You can’t determine the proper answer just from information that you read here or anywhere else. Only a licensed physician can determine if the pillar procedure is appropriate for your individual situation. The procedure was developed for people who are “palatal” snorers with small tonsils and a favorable tongue position. These factors can only be determined after a proper assessment and physical exam during your visit to a physician. If you have severe sleep apnea, this technique may not be recommended.
Does It Work?
Current studies vary. It is reported that in general 70-90% of patients or their partners were satisfied with the reduction of snoring. Long-term studies are currently still being conducted and results compiled. Remember, the pillar procedure is a relatively new procedure.
This new procedure has many advantages compared to standard sleep apnea surgery and other snoring surgical treatments.
It is minimally invasive
Performed under local anesthesia
It is performed in an outpatient setting (less disruption to your schedule)
It is a less painful procedure and recovery is also faster
The Pillar Procedure is the latest and greatest procedure aimed at treating snoring and various degrees of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Mask
The sleep apnea mask is a lightweight plastic/silicon device that fits on or over the nose and connected to the sleep apnea machine via a flexible hose.
This hose is typically about 6ft. in length. The fit and comfort of the sleep apnea mask is critical for your comfort while sleeping.
A poorly fitting sleep apnea mask is not only uncomfortable but will allow air to leak. This creates noise for you and your sleeping partner and causes the sleep apnea machine to under perform its function. You may have to try different sleep apnea masks to find the one that works best for your sleeping habits.
All the sleep apnea machines deliver the air pressure to you through a reinforced flexible hose that is attached to the sleep apnea mask you select. This mask must fit your nose properly to get a good seal and to work properly.
There are three styles of sleep apnea masks available:
The nasal sleep apnea mask is the most commonly used mask by apnea sufferers and is the one typically prescribed for first time users.
It can be bulky and take awhile to get used to the mask but, most people tolerate it fairly well. This is the mask style that almost every newly diagnosed individual will use with their new sleep apnea machine.
Most people will never change the type of mask they first use. In addition, this type of sleep apnea mask is popular with people who are restless sleepers. This mask covers the entire nose and is held in place by straps or headgear.
The full face sleep apnea mask may be needed if you breathe through your mouth or your mouth tends to drop open while you sleep.
The chin strap is disliked by many people because it requires using two different devices. It creates a situation where there is just too many straps to manipulate.
All you have to do is try an untangle your mask straps in the middle of the night after taking it off for a quick bathroom break.
It is also an alternative for people who suffer from chronic sinus issues. It is also held in place by straps and headgear. The full face mask eliminates the need for a separate chin strap. It is however, the most bulky and uncomfortable mask used for sleep apnea.
For side sleepers the nasal prong device is the sleep apnea mask of choice. This type of sleep apnea mask fits under the nose with nasal openings that fit inside the nostril. It sounds intrusive but it is quite comfortable.
The prongs are pliable and made from a silicon based material.
The advantage is obvious once you see this unique sleep apnea device.
Their are no obstructions to the ability to turn side to side. The hose attaches from the top which keeps it out of the way while you are sleeping. No more getting tangled in the air supply hose.
Newer models introduced are the nasal pillows. This mask doesn’t seal as well as the nasal prong device and it is more uncomfortable to wear.
The nasal pillow fits up against the nostrils but does not insert into the nostrils like the nasal prong.
The differences between the two are subtle but users will have clear preferences depending on their facial structure and sleeping habits.
No matter which sleep apnea mask style you choose you will want to make sure to get one that fits well and does not leak.
A mask should last 6 months to a year though manufacturers recommend replacing the mask every 3 months and the entire mask setup (mask, hose, head gear) every 6 months. If you clean your sleep apnea machine, mask and the air hose everyday your mask may last you much longer. You may have to tighten the head gear straps to get a better seal over time but as long as you don’t have leaks and the gear is still comfortable your mask should work fine.
Exactly when should you consider taking a sleep apnea test?
You need to take a sleep apnea test if you snore so loudly it can be heard in another room or find yourself waking repeatedly during the night. Often your sleep partner may notice that you stop breathing for short periods of times or gasp often while sleeping.
Other sleep apnea symptoms that indicate you need a sleep apnea test are:
You feel tired and low on energy
You wake up with headaches or in a daze
You feel sleepy and struggle to stay awake during the day
You fight falling asleep while driving
If you experience one or more of these symptoms you should get a sleep apnea test ASAP.
Sleep Apnea Test Procedures
The test is easy and painless. It can be done at home but most doctors will insist you get the test done at a sleep clinic. The test is called a sleep study, or Polysomnogram. We’ll stick with the term “sleep study”. This study will determine if you suffer from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder such as restless leg syndrome.
During the sleep apnea test monitors and records these apnea events, the number of apnea events and how long each event lasts. In addition, your blood oxygen level is recorded to determine the extent of potential damage to your heart and other vital organs. Finally, the percentage of time your sleep in REM and the amount of snoring you exhibit allows the sleep specialists and your physician to properly diagnose the type of sleep disorder you have and its severity.
Home Sleep Apnea Test
While there are home monitors and even a fingertip and wrist device available for a sleep study, you should consider spending the night at a sleep center for the most complete diagnosis.
It is only your health. And no matter how much money or wealth you may or may not have, a high quality of life is 100% dependent on your health.
As stated by Dr. Michael J. Twery, director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research:
“Sleep apnea is not a condition that kills you acutely. It is a condition that erodes your health over time.”
Over time, sleep apnea has been proven to lead to a long list of nasty diseases.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these are just some of the side effects of sleep apnea:
High blood pressure
Eye disorders, including glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and dry eye
Irregular menstrual periods
High-risk pregnancies
Liver damage
Seizures, epilepsy, and other nerve disorders
Diabetes
Kidney failure
Stroke
Heart failure
Some people even believe that there is something everyone should do before taking a sleep apnea test.
Read, “Cure Your Sleep Apnea Without CPAP” because the #1 cause of sleep apnea is obesity – and we all know that obesity is a huge trend across the world.
In these real-life case studies you’ll learn in-depth about the lives and treatments of 9 people who have conquered their apnea.
