Sleep apnea is characterized by reductions or interruptions in breathing during sleep. To remedy this major problem, specific devices exist. What is their mode of operation? How to support them? Explanations with Dr. Marc Rey, neurologist specializing in sleep.
Definition: what is a sleep apnea device?
The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is a small machine that blows air into the upper airways via a tube and mask. The device will blow air into the nose in order to maintain pressure at the back of the throat continuously, that is to say both on inspiration and on expiration. “The PCP aims to keeping the upper airways open to allow air passage because in obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles of the upper airways do not contract enough, resulting in the walls collapsing and the subject can no longer breathe“, explains Dr. Marc Rey, neurologist sleep specialist.
What are the indications for sleep apnea devices?
Sleep apnea devices are available only to patients for whom the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) is confirmed. “Before prescribing a CPAP device, the doctor will assess the number ofsleep apnea or hypopnea of the subject. If this is greater than 15 per hour of sleep, the subject is considered to have sleep apnea. The machine must be used in people with more than 30 sleep apneas or hypopneas, before possibly offering other types of treatment“, develops the neurologist specializing in sleep.
sleep apnea device continuously blows air into the airways through a tube and mask. The air that is sent keeps the airways open and thus prevent interruptions or reductions in breathing.
How long to keep it?
The sleep apnea device should be worn every night, and for a few years, until the subject no longer has sleep apnea. “Some people will lose weight, because you have to know that the overweight implies the presence of fat in the belly but also in the back of the throat. As a result, the muscles responsible for keeping the upper airways open struggle to stiffen the walls and open them well, which promotes sleep apnea.“, indicates our interlocutor. The wearing of a mandibular advancement orthosis, which is placed in the mouth and which pulls the lower jaw forward so as to avoid closure during inspiration, can also be recommended. For d ‘others, surgical solutions can be proposed, especially in subjects with large tonsils and large vegetation.
The sleep apnea device is much more easy to bear if the apnea syndrome is severe, because it considerably improves the quality of sleep and therefore the quality of life. “Sleeping without being woken is such a pleasure that the constraints of the machine turn out to be much less important“, argues Dr. Marc Rey. In other words, it is very well supported in cases of severe sleep apnea. However, it is true that this requires an adaptation of regarding a month, in particular to find the right pressure, verify the correction of breathing disorders at night.
What are the side effects of sleep apnea devices?
The side effects are mainly local with a dryness of the nose. This requires an adaptation of the pressure of the machine, the type of mask, and regular maintenance of it. He is recommended to change it once a year or every 6 months. The installation of an air humidifier on the circuit can also be recommended.
What are the contraindications for sleep apnea devices?
“You must be certain that you have made the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome because this therapy cannot be used in the context of a central apnea syndrome, in which there is no longer any respiratory drive. A heart failure is a formal contraindication to this type of machine“, warns the President of the INSV.
How much does a sleep apnea device cost?
The average price of a sleep apnea device is 700€.
Reimbursement: what support?
Sleep apnea machines are rented and paid for by the Health Insurance, either at 100% in the event of exonerating illness, or like most medicines, that is to say at 80%, and this is supplemented by the mutual.
Thanks to Dr. Marc Rey, sleep neurologist, president of the National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance (INSV)
