Non Surgical Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which the breathing is blocked or interrupted during sleep. It is very common, affecting one out of three men and one out of six women. And at the same time, it is also very difficult to diagnose, because the interruption in breathing happens during sleep. Sleep apnea can be treated by using a CPAP machine. Resmed CPAP supplies offer different types of CPAP machines as well as other equipment necessary to getting a comfortable night’s sleep.
Sleep apnea can lead to serious illness
Sleep apnea causes the sufferer to stop breathing temporarily while asleep. This is actually as alarming as it sounds, and produce adverse short-term and long-term effects on the health. Short term effects include tiredness, dizziness and an inability to concentrate on the basic tasks of daily living. Long term effects include heightened risk of stroke, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.
While an estimated 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, as many as one in fifty cases remain undiagnosed. Around 2 to 4% of all Americans suffer from undiagnosed case of sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious illnesses, making heart disease three times more likely. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke four times. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimates that 38,000 deaths each year due to cardiovascular problems are linked to sleep apnea.
How to use a sleep apnea machine
Sleep apnea can be treated. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are the commonest non-surgical treatment for sleep apnea. Resmed CPAP supplies offer many differ types of CPAP machines. These may consist of a mask that covers the nose and mouth, or only the nose, or prongs that fit inside the nose.
It can be difficult to get used to sleeping with a CPAP and as many as 80% of patients who have one say that they don’t use it for long enough, as recommended, for the machine to be effective and ensure their safety. And studies have found that around 50% all people who have been prescribed CPAP machines use them only one to three weeks before stopping.
Getting used to your CPAP machine
With the different types of sleep apnea machines offered by resmed CPAP supplies, it should be possible to find the one that is most suitable for you. Nasal pillows or prongs and nasal masks are two different arrangements to ensure continuous and comfortable breathing. Around half of all patients prefer nasal pillows and 45% prefer nasal masks, while 5% are comfortable with either.
For effective results, and to ensure that insurance will continue paying for the treatment, patients should use the CPAP machine for at least four hours every night, or at least 70% of the time, for a month. While untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences, it can be treated. It may take some effort to find the right CPAP machine for you, but the end result will be a good night’s sleep and improved overall health.
