Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is more common in people who are obese or those who suffer from problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
ASV machine or adaptive-servo ventilation is a machine that helps to treat people with sleep apnea. It is preferred by people with the illness because it is a non-invasive way that helps you breathe during the night, which is otherwise difficult.
The machine, therefore, gives them a restful night of sleep and also helps them maintain a better lifestyle.
Why Is It Important to Treat Sleep Apnea and How Can ASV Help?
Sleep apnea should not be left untreated because it can lead to a number of issues such as headaches, high blood pressure, sleepiness and even heart failure and depression in severe cases.
It is not just these specific issues, sleep apnea deteriorates the quality of life by inducing mood swings, poor concentration and general irritability. People who suffer from the problem have to live with lower quality of life that can be devastating.
Timely detection of the problem can make a big difference as one can start the treatment soon after. Besides, there are a number of options available to deal with sleep apnea and most of them are non-invasive that work for a lot of people.
One can’t say for sure which treatment would work for all people because it is not a one-size-fits-all technique. The treatment is decided based on individual symptoms and the severity of the problem.
Sometimes, doctors may even go for a combination approach. However, ASV machines are really effective and are used widely in the treatment of sleep apnea. Here is how they can help and why they are used so widely.
To begin with, ASV is one of the forms of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy available today to treat sleep apnea. The way this machine works is by regulating pressure delivery to ensure healthy sleep by noticing apneas during sleep.
It is most commonly used to treat patients with central sleep apnea though sometimes, it can also be used to treat complex sleep apnea.
As opposed to CPAP machines that are also used commonly, the ASV machines are able to regulate pressure. This helps them make the patient’s breathing patterns more regularized. Hence, patients with central sleep apnea benefit the most from this machine.
Advantages of Using ASV for Sleep Apnea
ASV has a number of advantages that explain its popularity to treat patients with central sleep apnea. Have a look:
The ASV has a unique ability to adjust to the patient’s breathing patterns, which keep fluctuating throughout the night. They help supply breathes when there is apnea and this makes them super targeted and effective.
They are great at ensuring that patients receive a steady supply of oxygen throughout the night and do not suffer any restlessness.
Its ability to supply variable levels of pressure and make adjustments as per the patient’s situation makes it suited for even patients with complex sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.
Some other advantages of using ASV include:
Ease of Use
As opposed to many invasive treatments, this is an easy-to-use machine and this adds to its appeal.
Costs
Though they are more expensive than CPAP machines, the costs are usually manageable and also value for money for the comfort they offer.
Comfortable
CPAP machines may get uncomfortable for several people and this is where ASV machines come in. They are incredibly comfortable to use and do not seem like a hassle during the night.
Disadvantages of Using ASV for Sleep Apnea
Though there are some very distinct advantages of using ASV for sleep apnea, one must also be aware of the downsides to this technology in order to make an informed decision, if need be.
Patients with severe heart issues such as symptomatic heart failure are advised against using ASV even if they suffer from sleep apnea. This is because this has been found to increase mortality rates in such patients.
Patients with chronic hyperventilation, severe lung diseases and neuromuscular diseases are also not the best target audience for ASV.
Any issue with the device or leakages from its seal may also lead to sleep disruptions, hence, one needs to purchase a good quality machine and maintain its quality throughout.
Sometimes, one may also develop skin rashes, nosebleeds and irritation while using the machine regularly, though it is quite uncommon.
It is because of these specifications and considerations that one must choose the treatment only after consulting a good doctor. You may not be able to figure the exact problems and complications on your own and therefore, trusting a professional is the best bet.
How to Use an ASV Machine?
An ASV machine is similar to a CPAP machine in terms of its functioning and working. Just when you are ready for bed, you need to slip on the mask of the machine and cover your nose with it so that it is able to regulate your breathing problem.
There are a few tips that you need to follow while using an ASV machine for maximum results. These include:
- Ensure that the mask remains firmly on your nose throughout the night and does not slip away even for a moment.
- If you are prone to using your mouth for breathing, you need to pick a mask with a chinstrap to keep it firmly in its place.
- You need to get yourself comfortable using an ASV so use it even during the day when you are napping. It is an incredibly easy machine to use, but prolonged and repetitive usage will make you more used to it.
The Final Word
ASV machines are a great way to deal with central sleep apnea. It is easy to use and also comfortable and non-invasive. There are two types of machines currently available and you should consult your doctor before making the final choice.
