Do they force air in? Wouldn’t that be super uncomfortable
In: Biology
I just want to add that CPAP machines aren’t always a fixed pressure. Mine ramps up or down based on whether I’m breathing or not. It’s customisable, starts at 4psi and ramps up to 12 (if needed.) I can hear it increase the pressure if I hold my breath. Additionally, mine backs off a little as you take a breath to make exhaling easier.
In terms of comfort, I can’t sleep without it. Because I can feel my airways collapsing if I sleep somewhere and didn’t take my machine with me. The more difficult part to get used to was not getting the hose wrapped around my neck as I tossed and turned, or not yanking it suddenly because it got stuck. I’ve actually knocked my machine over a few times doing that. And given it has a humidifier filled with water, that’s not good for it lol.
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.
CPAP stands for consistant positive airway pressure. It’s set at a point that won’t feel like it’s blowing in your airway, but will still keep your airway open. That being said, many people find the mask that fits around the face (while you’re asleep mind you) is extremely uncomfortable. However, it’s really the only good way to control sleep apnea, which kills seemingly healthy young-sih people every year. I have a cousin who lost her 26 year old son to sleep apnea – it’s devastating.
As a user of a CPAP, it is a bit odd, but it doesn’t feel like it’s PUSHING air in, it just feels like you have a cool intake of air.
There is also a BIPAP which is intake and exhaust for people with very weak lungs that can’t push against that air being inhaled.
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