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CPAP can change the way you sleep.

If statistics from The National Institute of Health are to be believed, about 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and almost 80% of those suffering aren’t aware about their problem. Sleep apnea effects routine life adversely and is also potentially life threatening in some cases. The most common type of sleep apnea (that afflicts almost 90% of sufferers) is OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. PAP machine with the right CPAP masks are probably the most effective treatment for OSA.

Sleep apnea — a Greek word meaning "without breath" — used to be a largely unrecognized condition, but the diagnosis is becoming much more common. The incidence rises with age: Experts estimate that it affects about 40% of people ages 65 and older. In women, the prevalence rises steeply after menopause. And as people get older, the throat muscles become more prone to collapse.

But age isn't the only factor. Being overweight more than doubles your risk of having sleep apnea, says Dr. Lawrence Epstein, chief medical officer at Sleep HealthCenters, a network of clinics based in Brighton, Mass. And the number of people being treated for the condition is climbing along with rising obesity: a 2005 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that the average weight of women referred to sleep centers for treatment of a breathing disorder had increased by nearly 10% over a nine-year period and the average weight of men rose almost 5%.

In children, sleep apnea was traditionally associated with enlarged tonsils and adenoids or skeletal abnormalities, which can constrict the airway. But doctors are finding that more children are being treated for sleep apnea as a result of being overweight. Dr. David Gozal, a pediatric sleep specialist at the University of Chicago, says the percentage of obese children being treated for sleep apnea in his program has increased from 23% in 1995 to more than 57% now.

"We're now seeing it in young teens and even kids in the 7- to 9-year age range," says Dr. Meir Kryger, the director of Sleep Medicine Research and Education at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, Conn. Kryger says he has treated children as young as 4 for obstructive sleep apnea related to weight.

“ Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure is a system that’s designed to help sleep apnea sufferers combat sleep problems. They provide positive pressure in the airways and prevent it from collapsing at the end of the respiration. The mask is usually worn over the nose and is attached to the PAP device. There are several types of  mask that you can choose from. A user can either choose from a full face mask, nasal mask or a nasal pillow.

If you have the following symptoms, snoring, stop breathing or choking for breath, tossing & turning, headache, unrefreshing sleep, tired & sleepy in the day or at the wheel, consult your Physician.

“There are several options for buyers to choose from. Respironics, Resmed, Fisher & Paykel and more brands. Although technological breakthroughs have made these devices user friendly there still exists a general discomfort when wearing a  mask. Most of the problems however can be solved with proper consultation from a sleep health professional specialist"

The PAP is undoubtedly the most effective way to tackle sleep apnea. It’s important that these masks should be purchased with guidance from your Physician or a sleep specialist who is the best person to determine a mask that’s comfortable for the user.

The classic manifestations of sleep apnea -- loud snoring, interrupted breathing and sleep disruption nearly double the risk for chronic disease and premature death among middle-aged and elderly men. Even patients with moderate sleep apnea face an increased death risk, as much as 17 percent, compared with those who do not have sleep-disordered breathing problems.

Sleep apnea can increase the risk of death by about 40 percent, even after other factors have been accounted for. The decrease in oxygen levels during sleep from sleep apnea that explains the increased risk of death.. Men with sleep apnea between the ages of 40 and 70 are particularly at risk of death from any source, but especially from cardiovascular disease.

How do you find the mask that is right for you?

First you have to consider whether you are a mouth breather, a nose breather, or a combination mouth and nose breather. It is important to make this distinction in order to allow the CPAP machine to be most effective in delivering its therapy.

Next, you have to consider the shape of your nose, mouth, head, and face. We offer many different styles of masks because there are many different facial features and structures to fit. Most masks we carry feature adjustable straps so you can choose the tightness that you prefer. It is vitally important that your mask be the right tightness and fit. For instance, if your straps are not properly secured, you can experience skin irritation. An ill fitting mask can also cause disruption in sleep due to its poor fit quality.

It is vital that you find a CPAP mask that you both find comfortable and that fits your unique facial features well and sleeping position. That is the key to success with CPAP!

Types of sleep apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea. The more common is called obstructive sleep apnea and involves a blocked airway. This blockage can result from over-relaxed throat muscles and tongue, obesity, and facial and bone structure deformities. Once the airway is blocked, breathing stops and the person begins to gasp and snort.

The oxygen level decreases, while carbon dioxide level increases. This then stimulates the brain to normalize the breathing process and prompts the person to wake up and to open the airway by adjusting the tongue and throat muscles. Normal breathing then ensues followed usually by loud snoring. The person, however, may neither remember being awake for a short time nor be aware of his gasps for air.

The other type is called central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain's delayed signals to the breathing muscles. Breathing stops and oxygen level begins to drop. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is less common. It is a central nervous system disorder and can result from an injury or disease that involves the brainstem. This can be in the form of stroke and brain tumor, among other things. Though people with central sleep apnea may not typically snore, they may experience shortness of breath.

Both types have different causes, but their effects are the same: low level of oxygen in the brain, poor sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and even depression. They can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart irregularities when the oxygen reaches a dangerously low level. However, sleep apnea can also be literally disturbing to the bed partner because of the loud snoring that can cause sleep deprivation.

Upon diagnosis, the sleep specialist would recommend treatments or surgeries depending on the severity of the condition. But for minor sleep apnea, some behavioral treatments or lifestyle changes can be helpful.