The Real Cause and Cure of Sleep Apnea

Cause and Cure of Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you’ve probably heard or read that weight loss is one of the best remedies.

Sleep Apnea Completely Cured

However, until now, researchers could never explain why, which led us to question how credible their words were.

Now finally a new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reveals the real reason weight loss helps with sleep apnea.

It also highlights how you can replicate those results without even losing weight.

Commonsense suggests that weight loss leads to a reduction in fat inside the upper airway and that this is the reason why sleep apnea sufferers who lose weight suddenly start breathing more easily while they are asleep.

But while this is certainly true, this new study shows that it is not the chief reason for the improvement in nighttime breathing.

They asked 67 obese people with suspected sleep apnea to undergo a sleep study and upper airway and abdominal MRI scans before and after a weight loss program so they could compare their sleep with their upper airway and abdominal tissue.

Some participants underwent weight loss surgery while others were placed on strict diet and exercise programs. On average, they lost 10 percent of their body weight.

Predictably, the sleep studies revealed that the subject’s nighttime breathing improved. Their apnea-hypopnea index scores, which measures how many times breathing stops in an hour during one sleep session improved by an average of 30.7 percent.

Their scans revealed that a large reduction in the pterygoid explained some of this breathing improvement as a result of the weight loss. The pterygoid is a jaw muscle that controls chewing.

But the star contributor to the improved breathing was something unexpected: a reduction in tongue fat.

30 percent of the improvement in their subject’s breathing was caused by a reduction in tongue fat.

Now Sleeping Without The Noises That Used To Scare Myself

Interestingly, our stop snoring and sleep apnea exercises tackle exactly these two main causes of snoring and sleep apnea – the jaw and tongue. But our exercises work without any weight loss and only take 3 minutes a day. Learn the exercises here…

Is There A Cure For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated properly. It is a sleep disorder in which improper pauses in breathing during sleep disrupts a person’s daily functioning. Finding the right cure for sleep apnea can be crucial in improving and even saving lives. Fortunately many therapeutic and surgical methods are available to treat this condition.

We will discuss the treatment for three different kinds of sleep apnea: 

Central (CSA) Obstructive (OSA) and Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea.

Cure For Sleep Apnea

CSA is marked by a lowered respiratory effort that leads to an interruption in breathing. OSA is caused by an actual, physical obstruction in the respiratory canals, even when there is proper respiratory effort. Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of the two.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a machine that provides a mask to wear during sleep so that air pressure can be delivered properly to the sufferers’ air passageway. It is the most commonly used solution for treating apnea, mainly for its reliability, however, some people dislike the discomfort of having to wear a mask during sleep. A similar therapeutic device is the bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP). Unlike CPAP that delivers a continuous flow of air pressure, BPAP delivers the pressure only when necessary.

Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) has been recently approved by FDA. It is a small disposable device placed over the nose to allow free air flow. Another recently approved therapeutic method is called Adaptive sero-ventilation; ASV is a sophisticated airflow device that responds to the specific breathing pattern of each individual user by using computer technology.

There are some oral appliances, besides the nasal appliances mentioned that are easier to use. These devices protract the jaw to open the air passageway in the throat. Other supplemental oxygen therapies can also be delivered in a variety of ways to the lungs.

Surgery is usually the last resort cure for apnea. If therapeutic apnea treatments are ineffective, surgery can be performed to remove tissues and organs around the throat to create more breathing room. This procedure is known as. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

Another surgical method is called maxillomandibular advancement, in which the jaw is protracted forward to create more space in the air passageway.

Severe, potentially fatal apnea during the sleep cycle calls for a more drastic measure. Tracheostomy is a highly invasive procedure in which an opening is created in the neck to insert a metal tube for airflow to enter.

Non-surgical therapeutic methods may be the best solution for apnea with milder symptoms. A few changes in lifestyle, such as changing diet or smoking cessation just might do the trick.

Many people suffer from mild to serious sleep apnea. Therapeutic machines and devices are available and are widely used and effective means of treating this condition. If all lifestyle changes and therapies fail, surgery may be necessary cure for sleep apnea. Surgery is used as last resort method and can be invasive but necessary, because the breath is life.

How To Stop Snoring

Snoring can be a very difficult condition to cope with, both for the snorer and for anyone who is trying to sleep in the same room. Fortunately, there are some effective remedies that you can use to control your snoring. We have gathered some of the best tips to help you to stop snoring. Before long, you will be getting a good, quiet night’s sleep.

One common thing that will cause you to snore is sleeping on your back. Changing the position in which you sleep can give fast relief from snoring. Sleeping on your side can reduce or even eliminate snoring entirely.

If you have trouble sleeping on your side, buying a body pillow can help. These large pillows will support you while you sleep so that you do not roll back onto your back. Another solution is to attach a tennis ball to the neck of your pajamas to prevent yourself from rolling over.

Being overweight or obese can also contribute to snoring. Losing weight may not give relief from snoring as quickly, but it can be a long-term solution. This is particularly true if you began to snore only after you put on extra weight.

Drinking alcohol can exacerbate your snoring, particularly if you tend to drink in the evening before you go to bed. Alcohol is a muscle relaxant that can cause the muscles of your throat to sag while you sleep. This makes it more likely that you will snore at night. Reducing the amount that you drink, or giving up alcohol entirely, can help reduce snoring.

Snoring like a pig who can't sleep?

Good sleep habits will also make you snore less. If you do not get as much sleep as you need or if you go to sleep at a different time every night, you will be more likely to snore. Try to establish a regular sleep routine that relaxes you before you go to bed. Go to bed at the same time each night, and avoid watching TV or using the computer for at least half an hour before you turn in for the night.

Keeping your nasal passages open at night can help prevent snoring. Nasal congestion, whether from a cold or from allergies makes snoring more likely. Taking a hot shower in the evening can open your nasal passages and reduce your snoring. Wearing nasal strips at night can also help keep your nasal passages open.

Replacing your pillows on a regular basis can also be the best way to control your snoring. Pillows that are not washed or changed regularly accumulate dust mites and other allergens. These can irritate your nose and make you more likely to snore during your sleep.

If you snore, getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult for both you and your partner. However, the good news is that help is available. Once you know the best way to stop snoring, you and your loved ones will be able to sleep more peacefully at night.

Home Remedies For Snoring

Remedies for snoring

While snoring might not be so bad for the person that is creating the racket, it can be pretty awful for those who have to hear it. There is nothing worse than trying to sleep while listening to this sound. If you are a snorer or you are living with one, we will go over several home remedies for snoring that will help everyone rest easier.

Stay Away From Alcohol

Stay Away From Alcohol

Try not to drink any alcohol too close to bedtime. Too many drinks can cause the muscles in the tongue to relax. When this happens, the tongue can obstruct the airway causing you to snore. Sleeping pills and sedatives have the same effect, so you may want to lay off of those as well.

Use A Humidifier

Use A Humidifier

Dry air can definitely make it more difficult to breathe. This is why you should try your best to keep the air moist. Plugging in a humidifier and sleeping with it on can help tremendously. This will stop your throat and airways from becoming irritated due to dry conditions, resulting in less snoring.

Stay Elevated While Sleeping

Stay Elevated While Sleeping

Try not to lie completely flat when you are sleeping. This may be a comfortable position for you, but it will only make you snore more. Prop your head up at least four inches and there will be a huge reduction in the amount you snore. You can buy a special pillow that was designed for this purpose, or you can try folding a traditional pillow in half.

Lose Weight

ways to stop snoring

Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to stop snoring. While it is one of the best ways to quit snoring, it is also one of the most difficult. Losing weight is not something that happens with the flip of a button, so you will have to work hard in order to achieve this. There are many people out there that have snored for most of their lives and it stopped once they lost a few pounds.

Use A Sleep Routine

Sleep Routine

Try to get enough sleep on a regular basis. Whether you believe it or not, many people snore because the body is overtired at bedtime. Not overworking yourself is a great way to prevent this. Set aside at least eight hours of sleep per night for maximum results. If this is not doable for you, try taking several naps during the day so you won’t need as much sleep once nighttime hits.

Change Bedding Regularly

Change Bedding Regularly

Change the linens on your bed regularly. Allergens are one thing that can contribute to whether or not a person snores. Eliminate this issue by changing your bedding at least once a week. Other ways to cut down on allergens include keeping pets out of the bedroom and purchasing new pillows every six months.

It is a real pain when you are trying to fall asleep when someone in the room is snoring. If you happen to be that person or you sleep with that person, these home remedies for snoring should give you some type of relief.

6 Lifestyle Remedies for Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods while you’re sleeping. People with sleep apnea don’t take in enough oxygen. This causes them to gasp and often wake up.

lifestyle remedies

In many cases, people are unaware that they’ve stopped breathing, and believe that their sleep cycle is normal. Sleep apnea can sound like snoring.

Sleep apnea can cause a number of health complications besides leaving you more tired in the morning. If left untreated, this sleeping condition can:

• trigger mental health issues
• lead to poor immune function
• contribute to memory loss
• increase your risk of heart failure

Common treatments include breathing devices, medication, and surgery. However, some lifestyle changes and home care can also improve your quality of life and your sleep.

Sleep apnea lifestyle remedies

Traditional treatments for sleep apnea include wearing a CPAP mask at night. Though effective, some people find this method uncomfortable. Some home remedies may offer the same benefits. Here are six alternative treatments to reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Doctors commonly recommend people with sleep apnea to lose weight. Obesity, specifically in the upper body, can increase the risk of airway obstruction and narrow nasal passages. These obstructions can cause you to stop breathing suddenly or for lengths of time while sleeping.

Maintaining a healthy weight can keep your airways clear and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. ResearchTrusted Source shows that modest weight reduction in people with obesity can eliminate the need for upper airway surgery or long-term CPAP therapy.

In some cases, weight loss can eliminate sleep apnea. However, if you regain the weight, it’s possible for the condition to return.

2. Try yoga

Regular exercise can increase your energy level, strengthen your heart, and improve sleep apnea. Yoga can specifically improve your respiratory strength and encourage oxygen flow.

Sleep apnea is associated with decreased oxygen saturation in your blood. Yoga can improve your oxygen levels through its various breathing exercises. As a result, yoga reduces the amount of sleep interruptions you may experience.

3. Alter your sleep position

Though a small change, altering your sleep position can reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve your night’s rest. A 2006 study found that more than half of obstructive sleep apnea cases are dependent on position.

StudiesTrusted Source have shown sleeping on your back — called the supine position — can worsen symptoms. For some adults, sleeping on the side can help breathing return to normal.

However, a 2002 studyTrusted Source found that children with sleep apnea sleep better on their backs.

Discuss body positioning and your sleep apnea symptoms with your doctor to evaluate your options for treatment.

4. Use a humidifier

Humidifiers are devices that add moisture to the air. Dry air can irritate the body and the respiratory system. Using a humidifier can open your airways, decrease congestion, and encourage clearer breathing.

For added benefits, consider adding lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil to a humidifier. These three essential oils have known anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning your humidifier. They can harbor molds and bacteria.

Purchase a humidifier online.

5. Avoid alcohol and smoking

Lifestyle changes can improve your health and encourage better sleeping habits. Consider quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol intake to reduce sleep apnea complications.

Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles that control your breathing. This can lead to snoring and an interrupted sleep cycle. It can also lead to inflammation in your airways, blocking your airflow.

Similar to alcohol, tobacco use can also contribute to inflammation and swelling in your airways. This can worsen your snoring and your sleep apnea.

A 2012 studyTrusted Source identified smoking as a risk factor for developing sleep apnea. The study noted that people with sleep apnea may have a predisposition to smoking as well, so treating sleep apnea may help in quitting smoking.

6. Use oral appliances

Oral appliances can help with sleep apnea by repositioning your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep.

The two major categories are mandibular advancement devices and tongue stabilizing devices. These work by moving your lower jaw or tongue forward to decrease the obstruction in the back of your throat.

These appliances range from low-cost, over-the-counter (OTC) options to devices that are custom-fit by a dentist.

One Remedy That Will Give Full Stop To Your Snoring And Sleep Apnea

Snoring is that annoying condition that disturbs not only your sleep but the one sleeping next to you as well. Snoring can effect anyone but it is more common in men, particularly those who are over weight.

About 75% of people effected with snoring are also effected with sleep apnea, which means they tend to stop breathing for short time during their sleep. Though snoring is not a serious condition but sleep apnea is, as it can lead to heart diseases.

Why Do You Snore?

People tend to snore when the flow of air is obstructed in mouth as well as in nose. There are several factors responsible for this obstruction, they are discussed below.

1. Obstructed Nasal Airways

Some people have obstructed nasal airways and this may happen during allergy season or due to sinus. Difficulty in breathing occurs when the bone and cartilage that divide nasal cavity becomes crooked or significantly off centered. This may further lead to snoring.

2. Larger Throat Tissues

Being obese or over weight can make your throat tissues bulkier. Some people who have large tonsils often snore and this may include children as well.

3. Muscle Relaxation

Sometimes the muscles of the throat and tongue relax and block the air ways, which makes the breathing difficult. The reason for this can be aging, alcohol consumption, intake of sleeping pills.

Remedy To stop Snoring And Sleep Apnea

Below is the remedy for making mucus clearing juice that clears sinus and respiratory track and makes breathing easy.

Remedy To stop Snoring And Sleep Apnea

Ingredients:

2 Apples

2 Carrots

1 Piece of ginger

Half lemon juice

How To Make: 

Cut the ingredients into small pieces, remove the seeds of apple and peel of ginger. Now blend this in a juicer and drink this juice 2-3 hours before sleeping. You can add honey if you feel the taste strong.

Apple can clear the congestion as it contains citric acid. It can be consumed daily for clearing the mucus from the air passage.

Lemon also contains citric acid and this acid helps to drain the sinus and makes your breathing easy.

Carrot is rich in vitamin A that can help to prevent all respiratory infections at bay. It can even be helpful in clearing the sinus.

Ginger has got anti inflammatory and antibiotic properties that helps to ease the congestion during cold and flu.

An Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece For Better Quality Sleep

Snoring can be quite annoying for you and everyone in your home. Although you may be completely unconscious of it, this can mean sleepless nights for roommates, spouses, and even for others who are in an adjacent room. Many people who suffer from chronic snoring have tried everything and just can not seem to find a way to sleep quietly. Luckily, there is an answer!

Snoring Mouthpiece

Anti-snoring mouthpieces are an amazing way to cut down on embarrassing snoring while also improving your sleep patterns. Using one can mean a more restful sleep, allowing you to wake up full of energy that lasts the whole day. The device improves your oxygen flow while you sleep.

However, not all anti-snoring devices are created equal. If you are not careful, you may end up with a product that is uncomfortable and makes sleeping even more difficult! You should research your mouthpiece thoroughly before purchasing to make sure that you are getting the best product for your situation.

Because of the sheer volume of devices available, it can become overwhelming very quickly to try to choose just one. You will see many different features that you may not understand, and each of these factors is important for how the mouthpiece will affect your sleep. Do your research carefully!

One of the choices you will need to make is whether to buy a jaw-holding mouthpiece, or a tongue-holding mouthpiece. These are the broadest categories and most devices will fall into one of these categories. Choosing the right one for you is important.

Jaw-holding mouthpieces stop snoring by holding your jaw in place. This stops the vibration of the organs in the mouth which cause the sound that snoring produces. A jaw-holding mouthpiece will fit like a mouth guard that one would use in sports.

Mouthpieces that hold the jaw in place, while often effective, can sometimes cause discomfort, trigger gag reflexes, or can even become a choking hazard in some situations. These issues in addition to the tight fitting nature of the mouthpiece can make it sleep difficult for some users.

Tongue-holding mouthpieces, on the other hand, are generally considered an improvement over the more traditional jaw-holding design. These are still relatively new and are much harder to find than jaw-holding mouthpieces. Tongue-holding retainers are designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive than jaw holding models, while still preventing you from snoring.

These tongue-holding mouthpieces also help open up your airways more effectively by holding the tongue out of the way. This improved airflow lends itself to improved sleep, which can improve overall health.

An anti-snoring mouthpiece can be very effective and immprove your health as long as you find the right one for you. Purchasing a bad mouthpiece will make it much harder for you to sleep, and the mouthpiece may end up being unusable. Make sure to do your research to find a mouthpiece that’s just right for you.

Sleep Apnea Remedies That Really Work

If you are feeling tired during the day and wake up repeatedly at night, you may have sleep apnea. Apnea is a sleeping disorder which causes you to stop and start breathing throughout the night. You might snore loudly or wake suddenly in the night short of breath.

Remedies for sleep anea

You may also experience a dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up in the morning. Some people experience headaches and attention problems. Thankfully, there are plenty of sleep apnea remedies you can try that will allow you to sleep well at night.

The first place to start is by examining your lifestyle. Lose weight if you are overweight. Extra weight can cause your throat to tighten up while you sleep and cause symptoms of sleep apnea. Many people have cured themselves of sleep apnea just by losing weight. Exercise can help you lose weight and ease your symptoms. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.

An effective remedy that you can easily do at home is changing your sleeping position. Never sleep on your back. It can make your tongue block your airway. Always sleep on your side, or even your stomach. You want to keep your airway as clear as you can so you can breathe easier. Use saline nose spray before you sleep to help keep your nasal passages moist and open. Many people find humidifiers helpful as well.

Lifestyle changes aren’t the only effective remedies to try. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy devices are effective treatments for sleep apnea. CPAP devices use air pressure to keep your airways open. You wear a mask that is attached to a CPAP machine, and the slight air pressure keeps your airways open and stops apnea from occurring. The machine also prevents snoring.

Other remedies include expiratory positive airway pressure devices. You put EPAP devices over your nostrils before you go to sleep. You breathe air in like normal, but when you breathe out, the air travels through small holes that increase pressure in your airway, keeping it open and preventing snoring. Many people find EPAP devices easier to wear, as they are smaller and more portable than CPAP machines.

Oral appliances can be an effective solution to help you to breathe better at night while you are sleeping. These devices help keep your airway open by adjusting the position of your jaw. These mouthpieces are made from plastic. They also help keep your tongue facing forward which further increases your airflow. They can also help you stop snoring. Just insert the plastic mouthpiece before you go to sleep. They fit comfortably over your teeth and work well for mild cases of sleep apnea.

Try these sleep apnea remedies and watch your symptoms improve. If these remedies don’t seem to be working or you are so sleepy during the day that you fall asleep at work or while driving, see a doctor immediately. Sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, and falling asleep while driving can put you or others in danger.

8 Tips That Can Help You To Stop Snoring Naturally

Snoring is basically noisy breath while we are asleep, which is common among men and women of all ages. But more often men are being effected with this condition. It may not effect your health but it’s an annoying condition that make yourself to step back to share your bed with anyone.

Tips That Can Help You To Stop Snoring Naturally

However, there are many ways that you can do to minimize your snoring. As long as it isn’t a symptom of more serious issue like sleep apnea. The below 8 tips will help you to stop snoring naturally.

8 Tips To Stop Snoring Naturally:

1.Stay Hydrated: 

Many of us are aware about the health benefits of drinking water. Drinking more water and staying hydrated also helps in preventing snoring. Make sure you drink enough amount of water regularly so as to stop yourself from snoring.

2.Quit Smoking:  

Smoking generally increases the risk of the disease like sleep apnea. It also leads to inflamed nasal passages and other throat infections.  If you really want to stop snoring, then it’s time for you to quit smoking.

3.No Alcohol Before Going To Bed:

Intake of alcohol at evening time results in longer and louder snoring while your body is completely relaxed. According to recent studies, it has been found that consuming alcohol before going to bed has negative effects on sleep apnea.

4.Clean Your Nasal Passages Before going To Bed: 

Nasal strips help to clear the air ways by reducing or even eliminating snoring. Try to take hot shower with salt water before bed. This may help you out in reducing your snoring.

5.Sleep On Your Back: 

This is one of the easy thing you can do for stop snoring. You just need to sleep on your back, this makes the base of your tongue and the soft palate collapse to back wall of your throat.

Well this position results in vibrating sound while snoring. If this position is difficult for you, then you can opt a full body pillow which encourages you to sleep on your side.

6.Choose Comfort Pillow: 

Change your pillow most often to eliminate dust mites that cause allergies. Try to have a pillow that supports your neck, slightly pushing your chin up. Perfect position pillow will reduce compression in the airways and even snoring.

7.Try Mouth Guard: 

This is another possible way to stop snoring, mouth guard helps to support your mouth and jaw and reduces snoring. It’s better to consult your doctor to know the better options available for you in this condition.

8.Use Aromatherapy Or Herbal Remedies: 

We have numerous herbs and essential oils that can help us in giving peaceful sleep and can assist in relieving snoring. They not only treat the symptoms of condition, they even help in treating the cause too.

Herbs like fenugreek seeds, garlic, ginger and essential oils like eucalyptus oil, lavender essential oil particularly help you in combat snoring.

Snoring is a problem for many people and if you are one of them then no need to worry, you can follow these simple tips to stop snoring naturally.

How to Use a CPAP Machine for Better Sleep

Learn more about how these medical devices can make a big difference in nighttime comfort for people with breathing issues.

CPAP

Recent advances in medical technology have greatly improved the performance of CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, machines—devices that help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe more regularly at night, resulting in a better, deeper sleep, often with less snoring.

In someone with OSA, the airway narrows or collapses during sleep, causing oxygen levels to fall, which triggers the brain to wake the person briefly in order to re-open the airway. This is not only disruptive to sleep, but also can increase the body’s stress response which in turn raises the risk for developing higher blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke.

CPAP works by blowing air into the throat via a mask, subtly increasing air pressure in the throat and preventing the airway from narrowing. The machine offers several benefits, such as reduced daytime fatigue, improved focus, lower blood pressure, and lower risk of heart disease and other medical conditions.

There are a few things to look for to ensure your CPAP machine is effective. First, it’s important that the seal over your airways is tight enough to allow for continuous air pressure from your CPAP. There are several variations of the CPAP mask, including nasal or full face, and they come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s best to try a few and see which style fits your face most comfortably.

Also, look for machines that include a humidifier, as the airflow from the CPAP can dry out your mouth and nose. Some machines now include built-in heaters that warm the moist air first.

If you want to guarantee you’re making the most of your machine, proper care and maintenance is necessary. Using distilled water will prevent any build up from natural minerals found in tap water. You can clean a CPAP machine in a variety of ways, starting with the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. You should wash the mask daily or after every use. Headgear can be washed weekly or bi-weekly. Clean parts by soaking them in a white vinegar solution (use one-part vinegar to three-parts warm water) and then let them air dry.

The CPAP’s humidifier chamber should be washed each day. To clean it, empty the chamber, then gently scrub it with a soft cloth, soap, and warm water. Alternately, you can use the vinegar solution to soak the chamber, as the acidity is great for removing build up of bacteria. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly after. Clean and replace the filters based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

The machine’s tubing should also be cleaned at least once a week. To wash these parts, use warm water and a mild detergent. There are also cleaning brushes that are designed specifically to ft the needs of cleaning CPAP equipment and accessories, which you can find online or buy in medical supply stores.

Many masks have nasal pillows, and you should wash these parts at least every other day for maximum cleanliness using a little soap and warm water. You can also use cleansing wipes. After washing, allow the nasal pillows to air dry.

How to Use a CPAP Machine for Better Sleep

CPAP machines provide relief for many people with OSA. Your physician or sleep specialist will be able to tell you how to use the device for maximum effectiveness. Schedule regular appointments to discuss how you are feeling in response to CPAP therapy. Some machines have data that you can download and share with your doctor to determine if the settings on the machine are still effective. For instance, the data can indicate if there are any issues with your mask or if you need to adjust the pressure settings, which your doctor can do for you.