Data indicate that the Inspire device reduces sleep apnea by an average of 79% and significantly reduces snoring and daytime sleepiness. In addition to daytime tiredness and irritability, people with sleep apnea are at higher risk for stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and liver problems.
Boston Medical Center is committed to empowering all patients to thrive, through our innovative and equitable care. In addition to this commitment, our leadership in health equity, research, and teaching is driving the future of care.
Nasal cushions and nasal pillows – these masks are inserted into the nostrils. They offer a useful alternative to the different type of masks, especially for people who feel claustrophobic with a face mask or who cannot find a mask that suits them.
BMC physicians are leaders in their fields with the most advanced medical technology at their fingertips and working alongside a highly skilled nursing and professional staff.
I’ve been using CPAP nightly for about six hours for fourteen months. My fatigue is so severe that I’m barely able to function. I am an otherwise healthy person, no heart/lung issues, diabetes or any other serious disease.
The device monitors a user’s breathing and stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement, to move the tongue away from the airway when breathing stops.
Reducing alcohol and tobacco use may be helpful for lessening the symptoms of OSA. Drinking alcohol before bed can worsen OSA, promote snoring, and depress the central nervous system.
CPAP can aid oxygenation via PEEP prior to placement of an artificial airway during endotracheal intubation.
The ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet checks all of the important boxes when it comes to comfortable CPAP therapy. Highlights include automatic pressure adjustments based on your breathing, a heated humidifier, up to an hour of ramp-up time.
For patients using CPAP in the outpatient setting at home, it is important to wear it regularly while asleep overnight and during daytime naps.
One study showed it can take three weeks for here daytime sleepiness to improve, but some may still feel tired after CPAP for months. When we say CPAP therapy takes time, we don’t just mean a few days or weeks, so make your best effort to adjust to sleep therapy.
Home remedies are typically complimentary to a doctor’s recommended approach for treating sleep apnea and are not enough to treat moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea.
Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone, but it can be an effective solution. The American Thoracic Society recommends gastric bypass surgery in people with a body mass index (BMI)ⓘ Body mass index (BMI) measures body fat based on height and weight. of 35 or higher to improve OSA. A recent study showed bariatric surgery, which is a procedure removing the portion of your stomach producing the hormone ghrelin—which signals hunger to your brain—improved OSA and caused remission in 65% of patients. [10]Oweidat K, et al. Sleep and Breathing. May 5, 2023.
If you feel depressed after starting CPAP, share your symptoms with your physician to determine if you could benefit from working with a therapist, as well.