Successful CPAP Therapy Is Helping People with OSA Live Longer
No more morning headaches, less snoring, improved ability to pay attention and more energy during the day, a stronger immune system… Do you need another good reason to stick with CPAP therapy for sleep apnea? Well, in addition to these great benefits, researchers are finding that successful treatment can actually help you to live longer.
CPAP Therapy to Treat Sleep Apnea
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines help alleviate the dangerous symptoms of sleep apnea. They use tubing to deliver pressurized air from the machine to a mask or nasal pillow that the patient wears while sleeping. The pressurized air works to create a greater opening for respiration throughout the night. Increased air pressure ensures that the airway does not collapse and is not blocked by relaxed tissues in the throat, allowing air to flow safely into the upper respiratory track.
With successful CPAP therapy, people are able to effectively manage the dangerous symptoms of OSA. They can rest peacefully with normal rates of nightly disordered breathing activity, including apneas. Plus, using the machine helps them to get better quality sleep and often reduces snoring.
In this video from Philips Healthcare, you can hear from real patients with obstructive sleep apnea who felt a positive difference right from the beginning of their treatment.
How CPAP Therapy Can Extend Your Life
The valuable health benefits for those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are well known and have been reported by many specialists in the field of sleep studies. CPAP treatment has been shown to reduce the cognitive effects of sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness. It improves symptoms of depression and works to lower blood pressure. Successful therapy has even resulted in a lower risk of car crashes and an all-around better quality of life.
The benefits of CPAP therapy over time include reversing the brain damage caused by sleep apnea and lowering the risk of serious health problems linked to it, such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
Now, the Sleep Heart Health Study published in the Journal of American Medicine goes a step further. According to this study, people with sleep apnea are 62% less likely to die prematurely. The study looked at patients in the highest risk category – those with obesity and severe obstructive sleep apnea who were prescribed CPAP therapy.
Learn more about our CPAP Therapy support at Sleep Health Solutions.
Is CPAP Therapy Effective?
Doctors agree that CPAP treatment is currently the most effective non-surgical option for obstructive sleep apnea. It is usually the first treatment option recommended for adults. Treatment guidelines stress the importance of compliance and using the machine regularly, every time you go to sleep.
Experiencing the benefits of treatment requires continuing and using it for about 7 hours each night. Ongoing use is related to higher degrees of improvement when it comes to daytime sleepiness, depression, and heart problems.
Get some Helpful Tips to Ensure CPAP Therapy Works for You.
Non-CPAP Therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a growing health problem among Americans. With so many patients struggling and searching for solutions, physicians and clinicians are working closely together. We are continuing to make advancements and the goal of helping all those with OSA to live longer, healthier lives is ever-present.
Though CPAP therapy is the current standard and best practice for effectively treating the symptoms of OSA, it may not work for everyone. Luckily there are some other options available.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Physicians overseeing a patient’s treatment plan may recommend using an oral device to treat mild sleep apnea or to be used together with CPAP therapy. These devices should be provided by and custom fitted by a dentist specialized in sleep medicine.
Inspire Sleep Therapy
Inspire Sleep Therapy is a surgical option for adults with moderate to severe OSA who have not had success with CPAP therapy. It is considered a more invasive solution than CPAP therapy because it involves having a small device implanted under the skin. This Inspire device tracks the person’s breathing during sleep and, when necessary, it delivers automatic stimulation to the muscles responsible for keeping the airway open.
Do you have sleep apnea? Take our Quiz.
Curious About Your Treatment Options?
Contact our specialized sleep clinic to learn more about testing and treatment for sleep disorders. Sleep Health Solutions is ready to help you on your way to treatment success. Contact Sleep Health Solutions of Ohio to request a consultation.
