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CPAP Therapy: Benefits and Challenges

You’ve been evaluated through a sleep study. Your doctor has diagnosed you with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and prescribed Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, commonly used to treat sleep apnea. You are not alone. Around 39 million adults suffer from sleep apnea in the United States, and roughly 936 million worldwide.¹

The efficacy of CPAP therapy lies in its ability to mitigate breathing interruptions during sleep, thereby safeguarding your health and enhancing your overall well-being. The advantages of consistent CPAP usage are multifaceted.

Regular use of CPAP therapy provides many important benefits:

Better Sleep Quality: CPAP machines provide a constant flow of air, preventing airway collapse, stabilizing your breathing, allowing you to sleep better and can reduce or eliminate snoring.^2,3,4
Improved Daytime Function: Restorative sleep facilitated by CPAP therapy can lead to reduced daytime sleepiness, improved alertness, memory and cognitive⁵
Reduced Health Risks: Regular adherence to the therapy can prevent or control high blood pressure, reduce risk of cardiovascular issues and lower risk of stroke.^6,7,8

However, alongside its many benefits, CPAP therapy poses several challenges:

Adjustment Period: It can take time getting acclimated to CPAP. Patients often experience mask leaks and discomfort, difficulty falling asleep, dry nose and mouth.⁹
Maintenance: Your CPAP mask, hose and humidifier reservoir will require regular cleaning and may require filter cleaning or replacement.
Cost: It can be costly.

Although CPAP therapy comes with some challenges, the benefits outweigh them. With education and preparation, you can adjust to using and maintaining your CPAP equipment in a few weeks. Improvements of CPAP components and function are continually being made to help with patient compliance and adherence.¹⁰ Work with your healthcare provider and your CPAP supplier to overcome problems that may arise. Get tips and advice from online communities and support groups.^11,12,13

If your healthcare provide prescribes CPAP therapy for your sleep apnea, avenues for financial assistance, including coverage through Medicare or private insurance, may alleviate the economic burden associated with it. By overcoming challenges and fostering adherence, you can embark on a journey towards improved sleep quality, enhanced daytime functioning, and safeguarded your overall health. ¹⁴

References

Written and reviewed by our CPAP Cleaning Machines Team

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