Sleep is important to stay healthy and happy. When you struggle to get enough sleep, the quality of your life decreases. However, for some people going to sleep may be deadly. People with sleep disorders like sleep apnea are at risk while they sleep. This is why wearing a CPAP mask is crucial. Some people prefer to wear a BiPap instead. But what are they? And are there any alternatives?
What Is CPAP Therapy?
If you have sleep apnea, you probably know just how important it is to have a sleep mask and a machine. A CPAP machine alternates air for you, allowing you to breathe without any risks. CPAP machines are the most common form of therapy for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
A CPAP machine helps the user breathe by forcing air pressure when you inhale and lowering the pressure while you exhale. These machines are connected to a mask that goes over your nose and mouth, helping you breathe consistently. However, these machines may not be the right choice, depending on the severity of your sleep disorder.
CPAP is the most common and most affordable type of sleep disorder therapy, at least for the sleep machine variety. Because of this, most people utilize these machines, even with their possible faults and risks of their own. This is because CPAP machines are so well-known and have served many people very well over the past few decades.
What Is BiPap Therapy?
BiPap therapy is sort of like using a CPAP machine. This machine also utilizes air pressure to help you breathe consistently. However, instead of forcing air when you inhale, this machine will also force air when you exhale. Because of this, a BiPap machine is often recommended for those who suffer from serious cases of sleep apnea, as well as more serious sleep disorders.
A BiPap machine offers two distinct pressure settings, whereas a CPAP machine offers one. For some people, this is necessary, while for many other people, it is not. Both machines use air tubing and a sleep mask to work, which sometimes can be uncomfortable for some users.
What Are The Alternatives?
While most people do just fine using CPAP therapy or BiPap therapy, some other people do well with an alternative to a CPAP machine. These alternatives are proving to be an effective way to treat sleep apnea. Especially those fitted for a custom sleep apnea mouthpiece. These allow for greater airflow as you sleep and offer a more comfortable experience.
Some other people may also be interested in being fitted for medical devices that open your airways as you sleep. However, these devices are new and can be rather costly. There is also the option of APAP therapy, among other forms of sleep apnea therapy. Depending on the cause of your sleep apnea, weight loss has also been shown to be a semi-effective therapy for sleep apnea. However, this only works if your sleep apnea is a direct result of being overweight.
Which Is Right For Me?
Figuring out which sleep apnea treatment that suits you best depends on a lot of different factors. Firstly, you’ll need to assess how serious your condition is. The more serious a condition that you suffer from, the more likely it is that you’ll need a BiPap machine or an alternative therapy option.
Be sure to speak with your doctor to get a good idea of the severity of your condition. This will help you decide which therapy would be most effective. You’ll also want to consider comfort levels. Having a custom piece made and exploring other options for treatment is often preferable for comfort levels. While there are many different solutions and treatments, the choice ultimately depends on your condition, the severity of your condition, and what makes you the most comfortable.
BiPap and CPAP therapy are great for treating dangerous sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Those who suffer from sleep apnea probably know just how important it is that their treatment is not only effective but somewhat comfortable as well. There are many different alternatives to a CPAP machine, all of which are rather effective. Choosing which therapy suits you depends on many factors. Sleep apnea is dangerous, but effective treatments and alternatives make it less so.
