How does a CPAP machine work to treat sleep apnea?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 41-year-old male. My height 5 feet 11 inches and weight is about 253 pounds. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about five years back. During the sleep test, the AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) recorded was around 35. Now I use the ResMed Escape Auto CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device while sleeping. I generally sleep for around 8 to 10 hours. The machine has the functionality to give a reading of the AHI for the previous night. I find that this reading fluctuates between 5 to 15.

Most of the time, it is between 10 to 13. I was told that it should ideally be below 5. Sometimes, during the day, I feel tired, sleepy, and have low energy. Also, I am experiencing some psychological problems like anxiety and excessive thinking. I am not able to give my 100 percent at work because of these problems.

Please suggest a solution.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

So, for sleep apnea, I will not tell you theoretical points. Instead, I will help you with practical solutions only.

We have the following options:

If you are overweight, just reduce it. Reduce 20 percent of your weight, and you would probably even not require a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
Tablet Modafinil. It helps in making you alert in the daytime.
CPAP machine that you are already using. Your settings are acceptable. I do not find any issue with that.
If you are not overweight, get an ENT checkup done to check for any enlarged adenoids, nasal polyps that might be causing snoring, and sleep apnea as well.
A combination of CPAP with tablet Modafinil, you can discuss with your doctor to start you on with this until you reduce your weight if you are overweight.
Another very effective option is from ayurveda. Instill three drops of sweet Almond oil in each nostril with the help of a dropper before you sleep.

I hope it helps you. Please be comfortable to ask if any further query you have.

Thank you.