The History And Timeline Of The Cpap Machine And Sleep Apnea

By Author: Leroy Batard
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They are used to relieve the symptoms of a condition called Sleep Apnea, which is potentially quite serious. It has been revealed in recent times that there is over 17 million people in just the US that suffer with Sleep Apnea.

Below is a brief overview of the history of the condition and the research and treatments which were conducted.

The First Recordings of Sleep Apnea: Charles Dickens 1836 The Pickwick Papers was the first novel by Charles Dickens, and was released in instalments over 20 months. A sub character within the books called Joe, was often described as a "Fat Boy" who always eats and then falls asleep. His sleep disorder is the origin for the medical term " Pickwickian Syndrome", which lead to the subsequent diagnosis Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. However "Pickwickian syndrome" wasn't used for years later.

1956: The True effects of Sleep Apnea revealed In 1956, Dr. Burwell was treating various patients who often experienced congestive heart failure, extreme sleepiness or fatigue, as well as improper airflow to the lungs; or respiratory failure. He told the story of ...
... an obese business man who whilst playing poker missed out on the chance to play a winning hand of three aces and two kings, the reason: he had fallen asleep. This is the first time " Pickwickian Syndrome" was recorded as a medical condition.

1965: Research in to sleep disorders begins In 1965, Dr. Gastaut with a team of French and German doctors began to conduct research around the condition Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Here whilst studying investigating various patients they discovered and recalled the three different types of Sleep Apnea. in the trachea (windpipe)and breathing tubes inserted.

The First CPAP Machine:1981 The First CPAP machine was invented in 1981 by Australian Colin Sullivan and his team. The idea was straight forward and involved the idea of reversing how a vacuum works, blowing out air instead of sucking in. They then applied this idea to a mask that the Sleep Apnea patient could wear whilst asleep. This treatment wasn't seen as a efficient procedure until at least the mid 80s.

Sleep Apnea and CPAP machines now: they are more comfortable to use and make less noise. Since Sullivan's development and creation of the earlier CPAP machine, CPAP became the more efficient and best way to treat Sleep Apnea. CPAP supplies and cushioned masks are now available to make using a CPAP machine an easy and comfortable experience. A lot different from the basic, loud and big machines of the 1980s.

Throughout the past century, Sleep Apnea went from being Thanks to in depth research and Sleep societies throughout the world, Sleep Apnea is no longer ignored and there is always advice guidance and support if you have the condition.