Summary. For several months, we’ve been testing a system for supercharged human respiratory function using CPAP technology. This is equivalent to power assisted Yogic Pranayama Breathing.
Introduction. In race cars and high performance automobiles, turbocharging or supercharging is a method of forcing more air and oxygen into the cylinders of the engine for greater efficiency and energy output. Ford is producing turbocharged EcoBoost engines with this technology for greater fuel efficiency.
Supercharged Respiratory Boosting. In humans, the lungs, like the cylinders of a motor, are the place of combustion and energy creation as air is breathed in and exhausted out. However, unless consciously practicing intentional deep breathing (Pranayama), people typically don’t breath deep enough, whether sleeping or awake.
Documented Improvements. Our method of supercharged human respiratory function boosting, when applied at night while sleeping, creates measurable benefits that have been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies.
List of Benefits. These are some of the possible benefits to using Supercharged Respiratory Boosting with CPAP technology.
- vivid dreams
- ability to fall asleep quickly
- improved memory
- increased energy
- decreased hunger
- increased metabolism
- weight loss
- greater physical activity level during the day
- less drowsy during the day
- reduced anxiety
- reduced risk of heart disease including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat
- reduced risk of stroke
- reduced severity or risk of diabetes
- greater alertness
- greater immune resistance
- reduced illness
- reduced or eliminated snoring
Tips for Effective CPAP Usage
- Choose the Right Mask. There are two types of CPAP interfaces (or masks). One covers the nose. This may be the most difficult because when you open your mouth, the pressurized air will rush out of your nasal passage and out your mouth. It’s an unusual feeling and most people will eventually open their mouth when sleeping. Using a mask that covers the mouth and nose can help greatly.
- Overcome the First Impression. Your first use of a CPAP may be similar to the sensation of drowning or having water-boarding performed on your face. Instead of a flow of water disrupting your breathing, it’s a rush of air. You can’t get your breath, and that can bring on a feeling of panic. One method to overcome this is to breath all the way out, then quickly put the CPAP interface on (perhaps just holding it in place quickly) so you’re breathing in fully when it’s pushing air at you. Breath in fully, then breath out against the pressure. Or, try the reverse by breathing in, and then with the force of breathing out, put the mask on. Most systems will allow a gradual increase in the pressure which helps overcome the initial shock.
- Overcoming Dryness. Most CPAP systems include a water reservoir for humidification. Sometimes heat is used to help evaporate the water.
- Choose a Quality CPAP System. One of the best available systems is the ResMed S9 Autoset with H5i Humidifier. A quality system will ensure that it is comfortable and effective.
- Clearing Sinuses. Even though you’ll probably use a mask that covers your mouth and nose, you’ll want to breath fully through your nose without any resistance. To enhance deep nasal breathing, avoid airborne or food allergens. For example, for you, cheese or other dairy products may result in nasal congestion. Prior to sleep, you can also help clear your sinuses by taking sinus medicine. However, a simpler method may be to use a cough drop such as Ricola or chewing on some Spry Sugar Free Gum which is naturally sweetened. Be sure not to go to sleep with a cough drop or gum in your mouth.
Obtaining a CPAP System
Despite their many benefits, CPAP systems are considered equal to a prescription drug or controlled substance. You must have a doctor’s prescription for one. Here are the steps required to get a CPAP unit.
- Get Insurance. Before continuing, make sure you have quality health insurance coverage. Otherwise be prepared to pay thousands of dollars in out of pocket cost for tests and equipment. That said, proceed to step #2.
- Talk to a Doctor. If you are told that you snore, you’re tired when you wake up in the morning, and you notice you are drowsy during the day, then you should let your doctor know, and suggest that you may have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. Request that your doctor order a sleep clinic evaluation. Your doctor should write a request for the study and it should be covered by insurance.
- Get a Sleep Study Performed. Keep in mind that sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, may fluctuate in severity over time depending on seasonal conditions such as allergies and food reactions. If you notice your sleep quality diminishing as a result of inflammation due to allergies, then have your sleep study test done at those times. If you find sleeping on your side improves your breathing during sleep, don’t do that during the sleep study because you’ll essentially ruins the test. You want the test to evaluate your sleep under the worst possible circumstances and conditions. Otherwise, you’ll test negative for a sleep disorder, yet you may still have an occasional sleep disruption due to these variable factors. You can’t cheat during a sleep study because sophisticated brain wave monitoring equipment determines your level of sleep (1 through 4) based on brain activity.
- Get a Prescription for a CPAP. You will likely have considerable leeway when purchasing a CPAP machine and the insurance company will probably cover whatever system you purchase (within reason). So, it’s best to get the most sophisticated, advanced, and comfortable CPAP unit available.
- Get a CPAP System. One of the best available systems is the ResMed S9 Autoset with H5i Humidifier. It has a heated humidification system, slowly increasing pressure, and an intelligent predictive variable pressure response system to make it slightly easier to breath out by diminishing pressure slightly when you breath out, then increasing pressure as you breath in. Be sure to request the humidification kit. There are many CPAP mask options (interfaces) to choose from. One that seems to be very comfortable and work well is the ResMed Quattro FX Full Face Mask shown below.
- Document Your CPAP Usage. Your insurance company will only pay for the CPAP system if you are using it regularly for at least 4 hours per night. Ideally it should be used all night every night. Your usage will be tracked and saved to a data card much like the memory card in a camera. You will be required to provide this to your durable health equipment provider (the store where you get the CPAP) so they can review your usage and report it to the insurance company.
- Obtain CPAP Software. Most CPAP machines have software available so you can review your own usage. However, you will need to request the software and memory card reader (if needed).
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NOTICE: This document is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. It is for information purposes only. Check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle.