Read Sleep Apnea Pillow - How Can it Can Help Me? more
It is not uncommon that what commonly starts as snoring to turn into sleep apnea. There are three forms in which this condition occurs:
obstructive
central
and mixed
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most known type that occur. When the soft tissue near the back of the throat blocks the airway, this is what causes sleep apnea. If untreated, it can lead to:
memory loss
headaches
high blood pressure
other types of cardiovascular disease
The sleeping apnea pillow is usually designed for:
back
stomach
side sleepers
Pillows for sleeping apnea sufferers come in shapes that look like a:
wedge
boomerang
a tooth
or a standard rectangular pillow
The two key points to these pillows are the elevation of the head and a groove for arm placement. Most of these pillows allow for comfortable sleeping even for stomach sleepers, due to a groove for the arm to be positioned comfortably. The arm is able to be placed under the sleep apnea pillow, but without having the weight of the head applied to it.
The shape of the sleeping apnea pillow is specially designed to elevate the head correctly and evenly distribute the pressure away from the arm and shoulder, thus enabling blood flow to be properly maintained. Often the arm begins to tingle or you can have an aching shoulder due to the weight applied by the head.
The innovative design keeps the head properly aligned and allows the arm to be placed in a comfortable position when sleeping on the stomach or side. This way, a pillow for this disorder can help unblock the airways.
When we sleep, maintaining correct head alignment opens the airways all the way and proper breathing can occur. Using a pillow designed specifically for this kind of sleeping disorders, as opposed to having surgery for this condition, can produce other benefits as well.
To learn about other benefits using a sleep apnea pillow [http://www.sleepapneanatural.com/sleep-apnea-pillow-avoid-surgery-with-sleep-apnea-pillow] visit this site SleepApneaNatural.com, where you could also find out what are the sleep apnea causes [http://www.sleepapneanatural.com/sleep-apnea-causes-what-are-the-sleep-apnea-causes] and other things related to this condition.
Sleep Apnea Pillow - How Can it Can Help Me?
Understand Sleep Apnea Remedies - From Weight Loss to Surgery much more
Sleep apnea is a condition that prevents the sleeper from breathing properly which in turn wakens the sleeper, and can become a bad enough condition that it can lead to heart disease and many other serious ailments. It can even become life threatening if allowed to reach critical stages. There are various sleep apnea remedies available depending your situation. Consult with your doctor before embarking on any treatment.
It is generally accepted that there are two distinct types of sleep apnea. Central apnea is caused by a lack of body messages to the brain to stimulate regular breathing while asleep. Additionally, there is Obstructive Sleep Apnea that is characterized as having a physical reason for breath blockage during sleep. This would, of course, happen despite the concentrated exertion of the sleeper to breathe.
Regardless of which type of sleep apnea you have, listed are some of the following methods that may work. Since this a condition that can be potentially life threatening, do not start any treatment without the advise from your doctor.
Because your blockage may be caused by excess tissue in your mouth and palate attributable to being obese, you may try to lose weight. This can only help your general well being.
Smoking and drinking alcohol may also prevent you from controlling the soft tissues in your throat, thus you might try to eliminate those habits.
If you suffer from apnea only when sleeping on your back, a tennis ball sewn into the back of your pajamas may prevent that and encourage you to sleep on your side. This is an old school remedy.
Some people find that it helps to raise the bed a few inches. Sleep apnea pillows (wedge pillows) are very popular and have been know to lessen the problem.
Sleeping pills or over-the-counter sleep aids been known to cause relaxation of the throat and help with sleep apnea.
Your doctor may suggest a sleep mask to be worn in conjunction with an air-producing device called a C-PAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine or a BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) machine that actually allows you to breathe out without the continuous air pressure that a C-PAP produces. Either one of these machines will keep the passageway unobstructed via air pressure to enable you to breathe properly and no longer have to struggle for breath.
Some people swear by oral prosthetics that keep the airway open, and others swear by strange operations entailing scarring of their palate, insertion of polyester substances into the palate, or even having radio frequencies introduced into their palates.
There is also surgery available for some, which entails removing the uvula, tonsils or the adenoids in an effort to clear or widen the airway.
Finally, a more dramatic solution for sleep apnea is Maxillomandibular Osteotomy or Advancement (MMO or MMA), procedures which entail detachment of both the upper and lower jaw, adjusting their placement and finally using pins and plates to solidify the new placement.
Great care needs to be taken when using sleep apnea remedies. Discuss any remedy with your doctor to understand the ramifications of any treatment.
Concerned about your sleeping problems? Take a short Sleep Apnea Quiz, visit http://www.SleepApneaMadeSimple.com Dianna Yvonne Smith is a consultant and expert in several areas of internet marketing. She has published articles and eBooks in the family, home, fitness, business and cooking categories.
Sleep Apnea Remedies - From Weight Loss to Surgery
Sleep Apnea PillowRead through Tips in Using CPAP Nasal Pillows additional
More often than not, sleep apnea requires the use of CPAP nasal pillows. As the name implies, these devices are positioned against the nostrils and, hence, are the least bulky of all the mask types. Since the air is delivered right into the nostrils, you can use nasal pillows with a heated humidifier especially if you have a deviated septum.
Due to the light weight and open configuration of nasal pillows, these are the preferred methods of using the CPAP machine without inducing claustrophobia. Of course, there are differences in the size, shape and comfort level from one brand to the next. The trick is in knowing which one is right for you by actually testing it. Or better yet, you can read through this article to have a better idea of how to choose and use a CPAP nasal pillow.
In Choosing
The main determinant of choosing the right CPAP pillow is your sleeping habits. This is because your comfort level in using it will depend on your favored sleeping position socially in light of the fact that you want the nasal pillow to stay on your face and nostrils. The general rules in this case are: If you sleep on your side or on your stomach, then look at larger-sized CPAP nasal pillows. You will be able to change positions so much easier without losing the support necessary to keep the pillow in place.
It is a different story if you can sleep on your back for hours at a time. A smaller nasal pillow is sufficient for the purpose. Such a choice is particularly convenient when you travel for days at a time. Of course, you should ask your doctor for specific brands and models of CPAP nasal pillows to narrow down your choices. Plus, it definitely helps to have your doctor's approval since he is your partner in ensuring that your sleep apnea does not get any worse than it already is at present.
In Using
Once you have chosen the right pillow, your next step is to ensure that you can be comfortable while wearing it. Keep in mind that it will be your companion for the 8 hours of your straight sleep. (Give thanks on the continuous sleep after months of snoring and interrupted breathing)
The following tips should ensure that you can be comfortable with any of the CPAP nasal pillows available in the market:
* Use Carmex on the pillow's exteriors if your nose gets irritated. It will lessen air leaks and soften the nostril's surface.
* Wash you face with a mild cleanser before putting on the pillow. Your facial oils will impair the pillow's seal and, hence, lead to skin irritations and other problems.
* Avoid drinking alcohol two hours before bedtime since it impairs sleep patterns. You already have enough sleeping problems as it is, meaning that adding to them will do no good for you and your bedmate, if you have any.
* Avoid any food item with caffeine in it (read: coffee, tea and soda) within 6 hours before bedtime since it is a stimulant. You want to go to sleep with as little stimulant in your body as possible.
In conclusion, CPAP nasal pillows make for better, longer and healthier sleep. Just make sure that you choose and use them to your advantage.
CPAP Clinic - HealthCare at your home
We serve Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada.
Contact us: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca
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