A Short History and Timeline Of The CPAP Machine And Sleep Apnea

The machines are used to relieve and help with the symptoms of the serious condition Sleep Apnea. Today doctors predict that over 17 million people in the US alone suffer from Sleep Apnea.Here is a timeline of the condition and the possible treatments available.The First Recordings of Sleep Apnea: Charles Dickens 1836 The Pickwick Papers was the first Novel by Dickens, and was released in instalments over 20 months. In the story there was a character called Joe, described as a "Fat Boy" who eats and then falls asleep. This sleep disorder is the origin for the medical term " Pickwickian Syndrome", which lead to the subsequent Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. However "Pickwickian syndrome" wasn't used for years later.1956: The True effects of Sleep Apnea revealed Around 1956, Dr. Burwell was treating patients who often had suffered 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, reason: he fell asleep. This is the first time " Pickwickian Syndrome" was recorded as a medical condition.1965: Research in to sleep disorders begins In 1965 a team of European Doctors, lead by Dr. Gastaut started to research and study the condition Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Here whilst studying investigating various patients they discovered the three different strains of Sleep Apnea. In 1969, Obstructive 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 pretty basic and was inspired by the idea of reversing how a vacuum cleaner works, pushing air out instead of sucking in. The team then applied this idea to a ventilation mask, that the Sleep Apnea sufferer could wear whilst asleep. Although effective this machine was not accepted as a positive Sleep Apnea treatment until the mid 80s.Sleep Apnea and CPAP machines now: CPAP machines have developed since the older models, they are less noisy, more comfortable and easier to use. Since Sullivan's research and development of the first CPAP machine, CPAP has become the more popular and favoured way to treat Sleep Apnea. CPAP supplies and more comfortable masks are now available to make using a CPAP machine an easy and pleasant experience. A huge step from the basic, loud and big machines of the early 1980s.In recent years Sleep Apnea has gone from being a mystery sleep condition to something that can easily be helped. Thanks to extensive research and support networks, Sleep Apnea is not ignored and there is always help and advice if you have the condition.