Sleep Apnea Treatment for Young People … the illness that knows no age limit

Another restless night of tossing and turning, recurrent awakenings and a spouse revisiting the spare room sound familiar? Well, with over 40% of adult males and 24% adult females habitual snorers, your household is not alone. But when was the last time you paid close attention to how your child is sleeping? With approximately 15% of children diagnosed snorers, sleep apnea treatment may well be needed.

What can cause us to snore?

Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose and mouth is hindered by a blockage in the upper airway. When children (and adults) fall asleep, this blockage can interrupt their breathing once muscles have relaxed. Loud snoring is often a tell-tale sign of OSA, and usually first diagnosed by the sufferer’s loved one.

Could my child have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Like in adults, some possible symptoms of OSA your child may display include:

• Loud snoring, pauses in breathing and difficulty breathing during sleep
• Restless and sweaty while asleep
• Chokes, gasps or snorts in their sleep
• Unusual sleeping positions, for example propped up high on pillows
• Breathing through their mouth instead of their nose at night
• Frequent headaches
• Tired in the morning
• Blocked nose, poor appetite and/or problems swallowing

Remember, a disrupted sleep the night before can also lead to attention and concentration difficulties for an OSA sufferer the next day… whether that’s your preschool-aged son or your retired mother.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

There are various ways to treat the symptoms of OSA once you receive a diagnosis. In children, surgery to remove their adenoids and tonsils may be required. A range of lifestyle and dietary changes for both adults and children can also be implemented in daily life to assist with easing the symptoms. Another sleep apnea treatment option for adults and children with OSA is a Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) machine and customised ApneaSeal mask to help them breathe at night. This mask is designed specifically to optimally fit the contours of each individual’s nose, making it suitable for all ages. To find out more about the CPAP machine and mask, contact ApneaSeal to make your obligation-free appointment.

How to talk to a partner about sleep apnea

It can be difficult to talk to a partner about their snoring or gasping during the night, especially if it’s keeping you awake. But if you’re worried these symptoms could be pointing towards sleep apnea, it might be time to broach the topic. Here are some ways to make the conversation easier:

1. Do your research

If you fully understand sleep apnea before you begin the conversation, you can more easily explain what it is and its effects. Make sure you know everything about the different treatment options such as CPAP therapy, as well as any symptoms. It’s equally important to have carefully observed your partner. Is it just snoring or do they stop breathing? If their breathing stops, for how long and how often does it occur? Having these facts on hand can make them see sense and understand that they have a problem when you talk to a partner. If they want to see for themselves, they may consent to you filming them when their interrupted breathing occurs so that they can fully understand what’s going on.

2. Express your concern for their wellbeing

By keeping the focus on their health and your worries, you’re less likely to seem confrontational and argumentative. If you begin the discussion by complaining about your lack of sleep, they may be less responsive to what you’re saying and become defensive. Your partner may have been feeling more tired than usual, so could agree that finding a solution would beneficial.

3. Keep it light at first

There’s no need to be melodramatic and worry your partner with all the consequences that sleep apnea can bring. Their snoring could be something else, but either way, it’s best to get it checked out. If your partner dismisses your concerns, then mentioning sleep apnea and the ways it can be treated could be a good way to urge them to make an appointment without too much panic.

4. Explain how it’s affecting you

Although it’s important not to make this the main focus, if your partner is reluctant to seek help for their own well being, they may do so for yours. Sleep apnea doesn’t have to affect you and your partner’s life. With so many treatment options available, the first step is seeking help.

Sufferers of sleep apnea (or apnoea) may be familiar with experiencing a poor night’s rest, but what they might not realise is the effect this is having on them during the day. Feeling tired and groggy isn’t the only consequence of tossing and turning; many people will also experience microsleeps, which can be dangerous if left unrecognised.

What are microsleeps?

Microsleeps occurs when a person is awake, or feels themselves to be awake, but really they have dozed off for somewhere between a second and two minutes. During this time, the brain cannot recognise the state of sleep, but equally won’t be alert to surroundings, making driving or operating machinery a serious hazard. You can look out for episodes of microsleeps by identifying yourself staring blankly into the distance, closing your eyes for an extended period of time, or the snapping-up of your head as it begins to fall. It’s common for it to occur when carrying out repetitive actions or activities that are usually done on autopilot, as the brain is not fully engaged or challenged. Everyone experiences microsleeps at some point; in fact, it occurs normally as part of the sleep cycle before you fully drift off. However, if it’s happening in the day and not just as a one-off after that all-nighter you pulled, then it’s time to take action.

The connection between sleep apnea and microsleeps

Microsleeps are more a symptom of sleep deprivation rather than sleep apnea directly, though many sufferers do experience it. Even if someone with sleep apnea appears to sleep through the whole night, it’s likely that the sleep is not of particularly good quality, leaving them prone to experiencing microsleeps. Frequently experiencing episodes could also be the symptom of other sleep disorders, so it’s always best to raise any concerns you might have with your doctor.

The solution

It’s difficult to present a solution to preventing microsleeps when the brain isn’t aware it’s happening. However, when driving, if you do notice yourself drifting to the side of the road or losing awareness, it’s important you stop and get some rest. However, as the root cause of this happening is sleep apnea, treating the condition is the best course of action you can take. Fortunately, there are many ways you can do this, from trying out a CPAP mask to making lifestyle changes. Nodding off doesn’t have to be a daily occurrence forever.

Sleep Disorder – 5 Essential Bedroom Tips

If you’re tired of having a bad night and suspect you have a sleep disorder, here are five bedroom essentials to help improve your sleep!

1. Get Tested!

Ok, so this isn’t a bedroom tip – but it makes sense. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, ask a professional! Getting a referral means a visit to your GP, who will be able to refer you to a medical specialist. There are a large number of factors that can cause you to lose sleep, wake up tired or fall asleep during the day. A common cause for this is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)- where your breathing is interrupted for short periods of time whilst asleep, semi-waking you up. It is quite common for sleep apnea to be mistaken as snoring by your partner.

2. Sleep apnea mask

If you are diagnosed with OSA, chances are you will be given a recommendation for a CPAP machine. An apnea machine, or CPAP mask, is a bedroom necessity to truly help combat your sleep apnea. If you’re worried about adjusting to sleeping with an apnea mask, don’t.There are many mask type around such as pillow masks or a nasal pillow / nasal mask. The problem with these type of mask is that they are manufactured as “one-size fits all”. ApneaSeal create custom 3D fitted masks for individuals so you are guaranteed a mask that is perfect for you. Use the mask every night without fail and you will soon hardly notice the mask at all. If you’ve been using a mouth piece and are curious about a mask read our previous post explaining the differences.

3. Remove all screens

It is important to remove all screens in your bedroom, such as a TV or desktop computer as not only will they omit disturbing light in the night, they may also tempt you to watch or play games before bed. Stimulation from screens is often associated with developing a sleep disorder. Replace watching TV before bed with reading instead. Reading will relax your mind rather than stimulate it which will help you fall into a peaceful sleep.

4. A hot, soothing beverage

Drinking something like tea, preferably herbal like chamomile or green tea, before bed is a much healthier alternative to alcohol. Don’t delude yourself into thinking alcohol will counter a sleep disorder to relax you and help you sleep, as alcohol can actually worsen the effects of sleep apnea. A mug of sweet tea is, therefore, a much more beneficial addition to your bedside table and night time routine.

5. A firm pillow

Having a comfortable bed is not only appealing, it is also essential. A firm pillow is particularly important when wearing a CPAP machine as it supports your neck while wearing the mask. Many people favour memory foam pillows which mould to the shape of the individual and often help create a comfortable night’s sleep. For more information please browse our <a href=”https://apneaseal.com.au/faq/”>FAQ page,</a> or <a href=”https://apneaseal.com.au/contact-us/”>contact us</a> to learn more about our customised sleep apnea masks.

A CPAP Machine can help manage sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition affecting millions of people throughout the world. Affected persons usually gasp for air during their sleep and may sometimes wake up due breathe shortage. This breathing difficulty during sleep are caused by throat obstruction. The condition is incurable, but it’s possible to manage sleep apnea through the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Apnea Pressure machine (CPAP machine). These machines are usually fitted with the CPAP mask for better breathing and comfort. At Apnea Seal we can provide custom 3D masks for patients of all ages. The treatment is one of the most effective interventions and is popular for the following reasons.

Enables Better Breathing

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a disorder that causes a shortage of breathing every five to ten minutes. The CPAP machine pushes air into the patient’s lungs thus making breathing a lot easier. It also prevents the throat from obstructing and assures the patient of uninterrupted sleep.

Small And Portable

The CPAP machine is very small and can be carried around with ease. This feature enables patients to have their machine even on trips by road or air.

High Efficiency

The efficiency of the machines is unmatched. The machines help the patient breathe by pumping air through a patient’s nostrils into their lungs while they sleep. Coupled with a good mask, the machines can work noiselessly while providing them with all the air they need for a good night’s sleep.

A Range of Masks

Most CPAP machines are supplied with a mask, and these range from a small nasal pillow that fits under the patient’s nose, to a nasal mask (covers the nose) through to a full face mask (covers the nose and mouth). These masks are made with a “one size fits all approach”, where the only real “customisation” is a selection of nose size fittings. A real breakthrough has recently happened with the introduction of a custom CPAP mask, that is produced by 3D printing after a photographic capture is taken of the patient’s nasal area. The ApneaSeal is available in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Yes, lifestyle changes can make a difference.

If you struggle with sleep apnea, there are positive lifestyle changes you can make to improve your situation. From eating healthily to using a sleep apnea mask, small changes can enhance your chances at a good night’s sleep.

Improve your diet & exercise

Changing your diet will not cure your sleep apnea, however, enjoying a healthy balanced diet will improve your likelihood of having a sound sleep. Here are some of the foods and drinks to avoid or increase consumption of to improve the quality of your sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant and can stay in your system for several hours, keeping you awake and your body restless. Swap coffee for chamomile tea. Chamomile tea is full of antioxidants which are believed to relax the body and encourage sleep. If you can’t go without coffee, ensure you only drink it in the morning and avoid it at all costs in the afternoon/evening. For an afternoon snack try nuts, particularly almonds as they are a source of melatonin, which is a sleep-regulating hormone. For your evening meal try to include more fatty fish in your diet as fish contains vitamin D which can help improve sleep. Several studies have shown a favourable effect of supervised exercise training on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you are diagnosed with OSA, or have chronic high blood pressure, make sure you consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise changes.

Use a sleep apnea mask

Purchasing and using a sleep apnea machine is another of the lifestyle changes, a positive change, but a change nonetheless. To adapt to this lifestyle change you must become comfortable with using your mask. Use your mask every night without fail, even if at first it feels a little unusual, to help your body adjust to sleeping with the mask. Adjust your mask during the day so you are not adjusting your mask while you are tired and you can go to bed each night knowing the mask will fit comfortably rather than feeling anxious about its fit. For more information of sleeping with an apnea mask, read our previous blog post offering further tips and guidance.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake

There are many positive benefits to quitting smoking, and there is much help available from local doctors or chemists. Smoking particularly damages your throat and airways, and may even cause your airways to swell. Although alcohol is a sedative, this does not mean it will help you sleep. Research has shown that alcohol can relax the muscles in your throat, which can actually encourage sleep apnea. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information about sleep apnea, or for help selecting your own custom sleep apnea mask.

Can you get a CPAP mask refund? Does your loved one suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? Have you thought about using the funding from their home care package (HCP) for medical equipment and aids, particularly CPAP masks?

CPAP masks and OSA

OSA may present as frequent and excessive sleepiness during the day, and an increased need for daytime naps. OSA is more common in elderly people because their muscle tone begins to lose definition which causes the muscles to collapse into their airways while they are asleep. However, although it is more common in the elderly population, OSA is less likely to be diagnosed, as the only diagnostic tools at present require an overnight sleep study. It is important to note that obstructive sleep apnea is linked to cardiovascular mortality in elderly people. However, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and the use of a CPAP mask may assist to reduce this risk.

CPAP masks available with home care packages

As home care packages in Australia are now delivered on a consumer directed care basis, your loved one may elect to use their package funds to pay for medical aids and equipment that will assist with their sleep apnea. In particular, the use of funds to pay for custom aids, such as a precise 3D custom CPAP mask, is acceptable practice. You can contact your home care package provider to enquire as to whether a CPAP mask refund is available in your package, and request that your HCP provider organises this on your behalf.

DVA funding for veterans

If you are a veteran, you may also be able to receive funding to pay for your CPAP mask through DVA. The Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) provides equipment for veterans to enable them to continue to live at home independently. Contact your DVA provider for an occupational therapist assessment to see whether a CPAP mask refund is available for your loved one’s needs. CPAP masks are a pivotal aid in the treatment of OSA in elderly people. Federal government funding, through home care packages or Department of Veteran Affairs may assist you or your loved one to receive funding to cover the cost of a CPAP mask. Treatment of OSA may decrease fatigue and sleepiness in elderly people, reducing their risk of a cardiovascular event, or falls and injuries as a result of tiredness. Speak to your funding provider to find out more information on the funding available to you or your loved one.

How many sleep apnea masks are there?

Sleep apnea masks are used on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines as part of an effective therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs during sleep when throat muscles relax causing the airway to close thereby stopping oxygen intake. This condition happens intermittently while the patient is sleeping and can affect his/her well-being and health.

What are sleep apnea masks?

Patients with OSA benefit from continuous airway pressure (CPAP). Sleep apnea masks (or CPAP mask) fit over your nose or nose and mouth. They work by gently blowing air into the airway to keep the pressure constant. That way the upper airway passages stay open while the patient sleeps.

Types of sleep apnea masks

Sleep apnea masks come in many options to suit different preferences. Some of the more common sleep apnea masks include:

• Nasal pillow masks that fit the nares of the nostril. Nasal pillows and nasal cradles suit patients who:
  • do not breathe through their mouths
  • do not like the feeling of wearing larger masks (claustrophobia)
  • wear glasses
  • have facial hair
• Nasal masks that cover the entire nose.  These suite patients that:
  • do not breathe through their mouths
  • do not suffer from nasal congestion
  • do not like the feeling of having something in their nostrils
  • move around during sleep
• Full face masks that cover both mouth and nose. These are for patients that
  • breathe through their mouths
  • suffer from nasal congestion
  • move around during sleep

Choosing a mask

Once you have been prescribed CPAP therapy, you will have to be fitted for a connection to your nose (or nose and mouth), headgear, tubing and an interface. The most important considerations for you are comfort, a good seal, and lifestyle choices and personal preference. The sleep apnea mask you choose must feel comfortable and with a good fit to ensure proper flow of pressurised air. However! Every patient is different. This is why the ApneaSeal was developed. The ApneaSeal is a custom moulded mask designed to optimally fit the contours of each individual’s nose. It fits straight on to a standard CPAP machine. Contact us today for a free consultation.