Sleep Apnea Supplies – What You May Need!
Sleep apnea is more common than you think. The breathing stops sometime as many as 30 times in an hour with the most common form of this condition. Usually lasting from 10 to 20 seconds each time, this can be a life-threatening problem. You will need specialized sleep apnea supplies.
What You May Need
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will most likely prescribe a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This works by wearing a mask while sleeping. The mask, which covers the mouth and nose, delivers air using a constant pressure compressor.
This is one of the most common devices used by people who have sleep apnea. A price tag of anywhere from $300 to $550 without a humidifier is what you will pay for this machine. With a humidifier, it will cost more.
Another machine that is often prescribed is the Variable Positive Airway Pressure (VPAP). This type is often called BiPAP as well. The person wearing the mask for this type of equipment benefits from having their breathing monitored so the machine can deliver the air pressure needed.
The need for this type of machine is usually for people who not only have sleep apnea, but other respiratory problems as well. BiPAP machines are even more expensive, starting at about $1200. This is for the basic type without a humidifier.
Still another machine that is used for sleep apnea is the Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) machine. This type is at the present, the most highly developed machine for sleep apnea. The APAP machine monitors breathing and either decreases the air pressure or increases it as needed. Around $600 to $800 is what you will expect to pay for an APAP machine. Of course, as with the others, ones with humidifiers are more.
What are the other accessories you will need if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea? The mask, for one is necessary to use with the machine. This can cost anywhere from $120 and up. Many people find this is the most comfortable type to wear.
Chin straps, tubing and cleaners will have to be purchased for keeping the machine in good working condition. Battery packs that are rechargeable are also going to be needed for ensuring the machine works no matter where you go. Portable machines are available for traveling. Filters for the machine are another necessary supply. If you decide to take a trip abroad, electrical conversions may be needed.
There are also rocking beds that keep breathing regular. This is done by gravity which causes the diaphragm to move up and down. The Cuirasse is another device that looks like a shell. This fits around the person who has sleep apnea and has a vacuum pump that causes the chest wall to expand.
The humidifier is usually necessary for helping to keep the mouth and nose from drying out and making it difficult to swallow as well as keeping the membranes in the nose from becoming too dry.
If you have been diagnosed with this condition, these are a few of the sleep apnea supplies you will need to prevent this problem from becoming more serious and life-threatening.
To learn more about this condition and also find out where to obtain discounted sleep apnea supplies, visit http://www.SleepApneaMadeSimple.com.
Dianna Yvonne Smith is a dedicated internet researcher of health issues including sleep apnea. She shares her research on her website, Sleep Apnea Made Simple.
Related posts: