Did you know that there’s more than one type of sleep apnea?
Most people who shop with us are familiar with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. But there are less common forms of sleep apnea that are just as important. Let’s find out more about central sleep apnea, or CSA.
Central sleep apnea, or CSA, is present in only five percent of sleep apnea cases. It occurs when the brain misfires and doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles that control your breathing. The reaction of the body is the same, with the person waking up suddenly with a gasp for air, although they may not remember it happening in the morning. It can happen many times throughout the night and even many times per hour.
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is the most common form of sleep apnea, characterized by heavy snoring and periods of no breathing because the airway has become blocked. Most of our customers and sleep apnea patients in general have this form of the disorder.
There are certain other identified factors for CSA. People who have suffered from heart failure and stroke, and those with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s are more at risk. Sleeping at high altitudes, especially if your body has not adjusted to the altitude (like on vacation) can raise your risk.
Is central sleep apnea preventable? Yes and no. There is no fool-proof way to prevent CSA, but managing certain factors can help reduce your risk. Like OSA, obesity raises the risk of having CSA and will make symptoms worse.
If you think you may have OSA or CSA, talk to your doctor about a sleep test. If the sleep test determines that you have either form of sleep apnea, contact the professionals at CPAP Central. We carry a wide variety of CPAP Accessories that can help you sleep and breath better.