There are two basic types of sleep apnea machines: CPAP machines and BiPAP machines.  For people with sleep apnea, this means that they need to decide which type of machine they want to try.

Both machines operate under the same function.  CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure.  Basically, the machine blows a continuous stream of air into the patient’s airway via a tube and a sleep apnea mask.  This constant pressure prevents the patient’s airway from closing during the night.

However, doctors and medical scientists have found that some patients have a hard time adjusting to the constant pressure.  BiPAP machines are therefore a little easier to adjust to: They alternate between two different pressures as the patient breathes.  The machine uses one pressure while the person inhales, and another — typically a lesser pressure — while the person exhales.

Whichever type of sleep apnea machine you decide to go with, the important thing is that you get treatment for your sleep apnea.  This condition can be quite debilitating, as it makes you tired and less able to function during the day.  You may find yourself falling asleep unexpectedly, or simply unable to focus on difficult cognitive tasks.  Irritability, memory problems, and sexual dysfunction are other effects of sleep apnea.

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