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Glossary of Terms for Sleep Apnea and CPAP Therapy

  1. Apnea: A temporary cessation of breathing that typically lasts for 10 seconds or longer during sleep.

 

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A common form of sleep apnea that occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to blocked airways.

 

  1. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): A less common form of sleep apnea that occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, often linked to underlying medical conditions.

 

  1. Polysomnography: A comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders by monitoring various body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and breathing patterns.

 

  1. Home Sleep Test (HST): A simplified version of a sleep study that can be conducted at home, typically focusing on key parameters like airflow, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels.

 

  1. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): A therapy that uses a machine to deliver a constant stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep.

 

  1. CPAP Machine: A device that generates continuous airflow to prevent airway collapse in individuals with sleep apnea.

 

  1. CPAP Mask: A facial mask worn while sleeping that connects to the CPAP machine, delivering air to the user. Masks come in various styles, including nasal masks, full-face masks, and nasal pillows.

 

  1. Pressure Settings: The specific air pressure levels prescribed by a physician for the CPAP machine, tailored to each patient’s needs.

 

  1. Compliance: The degree to which a patient consistently uses CPAP therapy as prescribed, often monitored through data collected by the machine.

 

  1. Follow-up Care: Ongoing support and check-ups provided to patients using CPAP therapy, including equipment maintenance, adjustments, and patient education.

 

  1. Choking or Gasping: Sudden awakenings experienced by individuals with sleep apnea due to interrupted breathing, often accompanied by a sensation of choking or gasping for air.

 

  1. Sleep Hygiene: Practices and habits that promote quality sleep, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.

 

  1. Hypopnea: A partial blockage of the airway during sleep, leading to reduced airflow and oxygen levels, often resulting in disrupted sleep.

 

  1. Positional Therapy: A treatment approach that encourages patients to sleep in specific positions (e.g., on their side) to reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms, particularly in those with positional obstructive sleep apnea.