Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects nearly 18 million Americans. One in 50 people are still undiagnosed. Those with asthma are at a greater risk of sleep apnea. Men are nearly twice as likely as women to suffer sleep apnea. Asthma and gender are both contributing sleep apnea causes, but there are many effects common with sleep apnea as well as ways to prevent the damaging effects.
Sleep is essential to our well-being. Sleep apnea causes problems with the cardiovascular system. Those with untreated sleep apnea are three times as likely to suffer from heart disease. Heart disease can lead to stroke. Sleep apnea patients are four times as likely to suffer a stroke as those not afflicted. In fact, according to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, there are 38,000 deaths per year related to cardiovascular issues that are connected to sleep apnea.
Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, either by a sleep study or a home sleep test, the treatment is often a CPAP machine. But many that use CPAP machines don’t use them often enough to prevent the increased heart disease risk. Up to 80% of users fall into this category. 50% of users stop using them in the first three weeks.
CPAP machine effectiveness is often limited by the user. CPAP machines work best when they are used for at least 4 hours per night, 70% of the time over a thirty day period. This is also the best way to maintain insurance coverage. Some people prefer CPAP nasal pillows over CPAP masks. It is largely a personal preference and whatever the user deems most comfortable. Elderly patients, those over 60 years old, may require heated humidification for their CPAP machines. They are 5 times more likely to need the heated humidification than other CPAP machine users.
While sleep apnea causes may be many and vary from patient to patient, effects and treatment remain steady. Consistent use of a CPAP machine can prevent cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease and strokes. Make sure your CPAP machine fits properly and use it regularly.
Sleep better and be healthier with a CPAP machine. Find the most comfortable fit you can to ease your sleep apnea. Who doesn’t want a good night’s sleep?