Do they force air in? Wouldn’t that be super uncomfortable
In: Biology
A stent is a tiny wire mesh or plastic tube that it placed inside a vessel to keep it open and maintain a proper flow.
A CPAP machine creates a stent made of air that forces your larynx and pharynx to remain open.
Think of it as a continuous circulation: air at a positive pressure enters your respiratory system, goes into the lungs and returns via the same route. Because it is continuous, there is never a chance for the “breathing” cycle to be interrupted.
With obstructive sleep apnea, some part of that open circuit is closed. When partially closed, you get snoring, much like partially obstructing a balloon that is emptying of air makes a lot of noise. Sometimes, from poor musculature or problems in anatomy, a portion collapses and breathing is interrupted completely. There is no exchange of inhalation and exhalation, something is closed off and it’s not possible.
Thus the air “stent” is created by the positive pressure and keeps everything open and breathing possible.
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