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cpap masks and accessories for sleep apnea patients
in association with cpap superstore, a division of sallberg medical, inc.
cpap (continuous positive airway pressure)
CPAP otherwise known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure systems were originally designed for sleep apnea patients who not only benefit from, but actually need pressurized air flow pumped into their respiratory system to get a good night's sleep. This form of respiratory ventilation is reported to have been first developed in 1981 by Professor Colin Sullivan at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by the narrowing of the upper airway of the patient as the muscles relax reducing oxygen in the blood and causing the patient to wake up. Sleep apnea is not typically life threatening in and of itself. Generally the patient's associated problems stem from consistent disruption of sleep. The development of continuous positive airway pressure systems (CPAP) has contributed greatly to alleviate symptoms in patients associated with the sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea.
cpap masks
CPAP masks are designed to fit comfortably over a patient's head during sleep while facilitating the attachment of a CPAP Machine by way of a flexible hose. Considerable research and development and manufacturing dollars have been invested by numerous manufacturers in developing masks that are both comfortable and effective. These manufacturers compete for the business in what appears to be an increasing market of diagnosed sleep apnea patients. According to one study, an estimated 40 million people in the United States actually have sleep apnea, while only 0.6 million (600,000), or 1.5% have been professionally diagnosed with symptoms. Diagnosed patients are steadily on the rise not in small part due to the high rate of success of CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Patients typically experience immediate results in improved sleep and quality of life. Often, a patent's sleep partner experiences the added benefit of considerable relief from the patient's loud snoring.
cpap machines
CPAP machines blow continuous air pressure at rates of air flow typically prescribed for patients by a sleep physician after review of a sleep study. Sleep studies are usually conducted by sleep technicians as part of overnight monitored sleep observation in a sleep laboratory resulting in a report called a polysomnography. The appropriate pressure for a patient is ascertained by this study. The prescribed pressure is the pressure of air determined to be appropirate for the specific patient. The pressure required by most patients with sleep apnea ranges between 6 and 14 cm H2O. Typically, a CPAP machine can deliver pressures between 4 and 20 cm H2O. CPAP Machines are acquired by patients from durable medical equipment suppliers who specialize in these devices and are qualified to calibrate the machines.
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