Do CPAP Machines Work for Snoring?
One of the major effects of Sleep Apnea just so happens to be snoring. But that’s not the only thing that can cause snoring. Check out our other articles and posts if you snore but don’t happen to have a sleep apnea condition this article on why we snore will be a good place to start.
The answer to the question of whether CPAP Machines are a good option if you want to eliminate snoring will be outlined further in this post.
What is a CPAP Machine?
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a device that gently blows air in through your airway. This helps to prevent breathing stoppages which might affect the patient while they sleep. This type of cpap machine does eventually reduce the effects of snoring however its main purpose is intended to stabilise the air flow for the user to ensure air is kept flowing at a consistent rate.
This machine is pretty simple to understand and use. Here are its main components:
CPAP Mask
The mask comes in all different shapes and sizes. Therefore you need to take the time to find the one that is most likely the best fit for you. Otherwise, if you buy a mask that’s smaller or larger than your required size, you risk feeling uncomfortable during the therapy or indeed not get the full positive benefits of its functionality. This is one of the most important parts of the CPAP machine.
CPAP Hoses
This is the tube that connects the mask to the machine. It is capable of transporting the pressurized air to the wearer of the mask. The diameter of the hoses will vary depending on the CPAP machine. Recently, most hoses are now providing heated functionality to ensure that there’s no condensation which might be caused by the humidifier.
CPAP Motor
The motor is typically a small air compressor. The machine works by drawing air in from its surroundings and gently pressurizing it. Then the device delivers the pressurized air to the hose and all the way in to your respiratory system. The pressure ensures that you have no obstruction of your airway or breathing.
Most of the motors come with a small tank of water that is heated to ensure the air is well moisturized. This reduces the chance of any soreness or dryness that might develop while you are breathing through the machine.
What are the difficulties that you might face while using a CPAP machine?
Admittedly sleeping with a machine strapped around your face isn’t quite an easy thing to get used to. You will need to find a way to get used to the extra weight and sensation of wearing the mask which can be difficult for some people. Some of the problems you will likely face include:
Lack of Sleep
Your first few days might be quite troublesome. More likely than not, you will find it difficult to drift off to asleep. But you will gradually get used to the idea of wearing the mask and get used to the sensation of the air supply.
Soreness and Dryness
Forcing pressurized air down your throat will leave some soreness in your airway. This will quickly go away after a few uses of the machine and as your body adapts itself. On top of that, you will also most likely experience dryness in your mouth also. Take a few cups of water every morning and indeed before using the machine to relieve this feeling. You can also reduce this dryness by using CPAP machines that come with a humidifier.
Additionally, you might have a problem tolerating the forced air. But thanks to the ramp feature, you can now start with air that has low pressure. Then the machine will automatically increase the pressure as you fall asleep until it reaches the prescribed pressure. You will need to talk to your doctor or qualified specialist to select the right pressure.
On top of that, you will need to constantly check if your mask is fitted perfectly. A small leak in the mask might be the cause of your dryness. In case the mask has a leak, it will result in dryness of your nose area. Use a nasal saline spray to help relieve this dryness. You can also adjust the level of the humidification to suit your needs.
Claustrophobic Feeling
This might be a big problem especially if you haven’t practiced using the mask. Start by practicing while you are awake. You can start by simply holding the mask on your face even without putting all the parts together. When you are comfortable with that, you can put the rest of the machine together then fit the mask on your face.
Next, when you are comfortable with the above procedure, you can now turn on the machine with the ramp on. This will ensure that the air gently flows through your airway and will continue to ramp up as you sleep. Don’t worry it has a built in control system to govern the air supply you receive.
Start doing relaxation exercises to reduce any anxiety you may experience when you are using the machine. If you still feel claustrophobic after the above procedure, then you need to talk to your doctor.
Does It Mean That Snoring is a Sign of Sleep Apnea?
Definitely NO. Sleep Apnea is a complicated condition that can result in snoring. But that doesn’t mean that everyone who snores is in the early stages of sleep Apnea. To get that right, you need to understand what sleep apnea is and how snoring can be cured. More importantly, before you start using this treatment, you will have to talk to your doctor.
Will I Use the CPAP Machine Forever?
Well, it will depend on the severity of your problem. However, if you are showing signs of sleep apnea, this is the most effective treatment that currently exists. That doesn’t mean you will have to use this machine forever.
Other Alternatives
Thanks to the latest advancements in technology, there are various ways to treat your snoring problem. Some of them include;
- MADS
- Anti-snoring Pillows
- Anti-snoring Nasal Dilators
- Anti-snoring Chin Straps among others
All these solutions work well with different snorers and snoring conditions. You will have to know if you are a nose or mouth snorer to begin with. On top of that, you can check out the list of the best anti-snoring devices that will help you.
In Summary…
We hope you are a little further on your way now to dealing with your snoring problem. Snoring is a severe condition that might result in serious health complications if left unchecked. On top of that, it will almost certainly affect your relationship with your spouse. Therefore, the faster you get a way to deal with it, the better. The good news is you can use the information on this site to achieve you snore free goal and begin your journey to a snore free life.
