An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a common medical condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea often choke or gasp for air while sleeping and can stop breathing up to 30 times or more per hour.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a host of severe health issues, including:
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Extreme, recurring daytime fatigue
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Stroke or heart attack
- Obesity
The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated without medications. Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, is a proven treatment option that can eliminate all signs and symptoms of sleep apnea while reducing the associated health risks.
Drug-Free Sleep Apnea Treatments
The most common type of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea. As you fall asleep, the muscles in your airway naturally relax. In those with sleep apnea, this causes a partial collapse of the throat, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream. The brain then triggers a panic response that re-activates the respiratory system, often characterized by snorting, gasping, or choking.
CPAP therapy involves using a fitted breathing mask that connects to a small device that forces air into the throat and airway, gently preventing the airway from narrowing during sleep. This keeps the airway open, which can eliminate the symptoms and health risks associated with sleep apnea.
What’s New in CPAP Therapy
In the past, CPAP machines were loud and bulky, and CPAP masks were often ill-fitting and uncomfortable, leading to problems with patient compliance.
Today’s modern CPAP machines are much smaller, lighter, and quieter than early models, making it easier than ever for sleep apnea sufferers to enjoy a good night’s rest. The ResMed AirMini, the world’s smallest CPAP, weighs less than a pound and fits in the palm of your hand, making it an excellent option for those who want a discrete, portable CPAP device that’s easy to travel with. Other CPAP innovations include:
- Cordless battery-powered CPAP machines.
- Integrated pulse oximetry monitoring.
- Devices that automatically check for air leaks around the CPAP mask.
Another innovation in CPAP therapy is the recent introduction of nasal-only CPAP masks. These masks are significantly smaller and lighter than the older-style full-face masks, and nasal-only covers eliminate the dreaded ‘Darth Vadar’ sound associated with CPAP use. Full-face CPAP masks have also improved, and there are now dozens of models available to ensure patients no longer need to settle for a CPAP mask that’s uncomfortable or ill-fitting.
Contact Our CPAP Experts Today
Here at Copper Star Home Medical, we stock a wide range of CPAP machines, CPAP cleaners, CPAP masks, and CPAP accessories from industry-leading brands such as ResMed, Respironics, and SoClean. Our CPAP specialists provide CPAP mask fittings, and we’ll help you find a CPAP machine that fits your needs and budget.
Don’t let sleep apnea impact your health and wellness — contact our CPAP experts to learn about the latest CPAP treatments today.
