Just as sleep apnea appears side-by-side with so many
different types of disorders and diseases, one treatment
can be a surprising aide to all: Continuous Positive
Airway Pressure therapy (CPAP)
During CPAP therapy, a bedside device gently delivers pressurized air to the patient?s airway through a small nasal mask or pillows system. The air pressure functions like a splint opening the upper airway to prevent apneas from occurring.
CPAP treatment:
- Reduces daytime sleepiness
- Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by
untreated sleep apnea
- Results in a marked improvement in glucose control
and insulin sensitivity
- Improves cardiovascular function
- Dramatically lowers blood pressure in hypertensive
patients ? sufficient enough to reduce the risk of
coronary heart disease by 37% and stroke by 56%
- Reduces the number of deaths and hospitalizations of
coronary artery disease patients
- Reduces the rate of arrhythmias in atrial fibrillation patients.
Although CPAP is a preferred method for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may be intimidated or reluctant to use it. With some practice, you can find a comfortable and secure fit, and you should see improvements in your quality of sleep within the first few nights. Once you feel the difference, you?ll understand how important treatment is.
If you have problems using your CPAP machine, check with your doctor to see how you can be more comfortable. Also, contact your doctor if you are still snoring or begin snoring again or if your weight changes.