They are used to relieve the symptoms of a potential serious condition called Sleep Apnea. Today it is believed that over 17 million people in just the US that suffer with Sleep Apnea.
Here is a timeline of the condition up to now and the research and treatments that were carried out.
The First Recordings of Sleep Apnea: Charles Dickens 1836 In the early 19th Century, The Pickwick Papers was published, the first novel by Charles Dickens, and was released as a series over 20 months. In the story there was a character called Joe, described as a “Fat Boy” who eats and then falls asleep. His sleep disorder is the origin for the medical term ” Pickwickian Syndrome”, which lead to the discovery of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. However “Pickwickian syndrome”, as a medical term wasn't used for years later.
1956: The True effects of Sleep Apnea revealed In and around 1956, Dr. Burwell was treating patients who regularly experienced congestive heart failure, extreme sleepiness or fatigue, as well as improper airflow to the lungs; or respiratory failure. missed out on the chance to play his hand of three aces and two kings, reason: he fell asleep. This is the first time ” Pickwickian Syndrome” was recorded in a medical journal.
1965: Research in to sleep disorders begins In 1965, Dr. Gastaut with a team of French and German doctors start to conduct research around the condition Obstructive Sleep Apnea. the three different strains of Sleep Apnea. to be treated with a tracheostomy, creating an incision in the trachea (windpipe)and breathing tubes inserted.
The First CPAP Machine:1981 The CPAP machine was invented back in 1981 by the Australian Colin Sullivan and his team of experts. Their idea was pretty basic and used the concept of reversing how a vacuum works, blowing out air instead of drawing it in. The team then applied this idea to a breathing mask, that the Sleep Apnea patient can wear as they sleep. Although effective this machine was not accepted as a adequate Sleep Apnea treatment until the mid 80s.
Sleep Apnea and CPAP machines now: CPAP machines have developed since the older models, they are smaller, easier to handle and make a lot less noise. Since Sullivan's research and creation of the original CPAP machine, CPAP became the more popular and favoured way to treat Sleep Apnea. CPAP supplies and cushioned masks are now available to make using a CPAP machine a comfortable and easy experience. A big step from the basic, loud and big machines of the early 1980s.
Through the past century Sleep Apnea has developed from being a mystery in the medical world to something that is widely researched. 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.
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