Did you know there are approximately 18 million Americans that have sleep apnea? The statistics are staggering if you consider that 1 in 15 people in the U.S. are suffering from this problem every night. Many people suffer from sleep apnea for various reasons. For the person suffering from this disorder, there has to be a solution because this is one problem that can be a killer.
Sleep Apnea Machines are one way the person who has this problem can rest a little easier. They are also called CPAP machines for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This makes it a little more clear. They do exactly what they say they do. They are handy machines with a lot of different features.
They have a mask and hose, a Bi-level pressure or C-flex and a data card. Ok, so now you are asking what these are and what do they do.
The mask is pretty self explanatory except the one thing it must do is fit properly. If it does not the air can leak out and this is defeating the purpose as well as being an annoyance to someone who is trying to sleep.
The main reason the mask may slip is that the person suffering from sleep apnea is supposed to sleep on their side. If you have ever tried sleeping on your side with a mask on your face, you know the pillow can push the mask and make it slip and slide. So you should choose a smaller mask as well as a couple different types. One that sends the air to your mouth and not your nose or one that sends the air to your nose is available.
Next is the bi-level pressure or C-Flex. The pressure is either a continual pressure such as the older models had or bi-level. This means the pressure is not as high when you breathe out. Called C-Flex as well this is a feature that if you did not have would make it very hard to breathe out. There is a model that will increase the pressure every so often (usually 5 minute intervals) until the full capacity is reached.
There are heated humidifiers that are designed for keeping the airway from becoming too dry. Included as well is a battery pack. They also come with an adapter that you can use to hook to your car battery.
A data storage is also available which records the information that it gathers as you are sleeping. The sleep apnea you experience and the amount of sleep you are getting are recorded and stored for a doctor to examine. The data can be stored for up to 9 months if necessary. Using a data card the information can be sent to your doctor or there are ones that you can hook to your personal computer. The method is up to you.
The sleep apnea machines come with a choice of AC. It can be used in the U.S. or Europe. The hose that comes with the machine is standard at 6 feet however; you can get longer ones, up to 12 feet. Over 12 feet though and the pressure will not be maintained. If you need a hose longer than 12 feet you will have to use a machine that has increased pressure.
Sleep apnea machines are very beneficial equipment for those who suffer from this problem. Without these, there could very well be many more people who would succumb to this disease.
Sleep Apnea MaskTo learn much more about Sleep Apnea, visit http://www.SleepApneaMadeSimple.com Dianna Yvonne Smith is a consultant and expert in several areas of internet marketing. She has published articles and e-books in the family, home, fitness, business and cooking categories.