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Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of sudden death by heart attack. Luckily there are easy ways to avoid death and get good sleep.
By studying nearly 11,000 adults, researchers discovered that sleep apnea was one of the two biggest risk factors for sudden death among patients with heart disease. (The second trait was an age of 60 years or older.)
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea will cause nighttime low oxygen saturation in the blood. The result? The heart has to work harder to oxygenate the brain and body.
Research points to the fact that low oxygen (caused by apnea), can alter your blood vessels in a way that promotes heart disease. Similarly, apnea is also associated with high blood pressure, stroke and even Alzheimers.
There is a common thread. If you dont get oxygen to the blood, the whole body and brain start to shut down. But with apnea, your throat closes down, suffocating yourself and starving your body of oxygen.
So, what is the most effective form of sleep apnea treatment? Doctors almost always prescribe CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) therapy. CPAP therapy is proven to maintain sufficient oxygen levels in the brain and body and is associated with other benefits, including improved sleep, reduced daytime drowsiness, improved mood, and weight loss.
But reaping the health benefits of CPAP requires that you use your CPAP therapy on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, wearing a CPAP mask connected to a tiny air compressor (aka a CPAP machine) is not easy for most people. On average, only 50% of patients comply with their CPAP therapy.
Here are three strategies outlined by the National Apnea Association (NAA) to increase your chance of CPAP success:
1. Only use quality CPAP equipment. Doctors only recommend three manufacturers: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. These brands invest millions in R&D every year. It is very risky (perhaps deadly) to buy one of the junk brands that many questionable websites push. Before you waste your money or risk your life, ask your doctor about any brand other than the above three. Remember, this not about buying a bargain toaster or microwave oven at BestBuy. Your health and even your very life are at stake.
2. Choose wisely when selecting a CPAP supplier. Avoid the dubious websites that sell grey-market CPAP equipment. You might end-up with a refurbished CPAP machine that just looks like new, but doesnt have warranty coverage or isnt even sterilized. (Many used machines on the grey market are from patients in nursing homes who have passed away, possibly from pneumonia or other respiratory diseases.) Be safe and smart: use a CPAP supplier that is certified by the National Apnea Association and/or is a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider.
3. Get a CPAP coach to make CPAP easier. The research shows that patients who get additional help with their CPAP have anywhere from 88-93% chance of success. This is almost twice the national average of 50%. Using, cleaning, and maintaining your CPAP is much easier with an expert who can coach you along the way. Look for a quality CPAP supplier who also provides CPAP coaching - preferably for free.
By studying nearly 11,000 adults, researchers discovered that sleep apnea was one of the two biggest risk factors for sudden death among patients with heart disease. (The second trait was an age of 60 years or older.)
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea will cause nighttime low oxygen saturation in the blood. The result? The heart has to work harder to oxygenate the brain and body.
Research points to the fact that low oxygen (caused by apnea), can alter your blood vessels in a way that promotes heart disease. Similarly, apnea is also associated with high blood pressure, stroke and even Alzheimers.
There is a common thread. If you dont get oxygen to the blood, the whole body and brain start to shut down. But with apnea, your throat closes down, suffocating yourself and starving your body of oxygen.
So, what is the most effective form of sleep apnea treatment? Doctors almost always prescribe CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) therapy. CPAP therapy is proven to maintain sufficient oxygen levels in the brain and body and is associated with other benefits, including improved sleep, reduced daytime drowsiness, improved mood, and weight loss.
But reaping the health benefits of CPAP requires that you use your CPAP therapy on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, wearing a CPAP mask connected to a tiny air compressor (aka a CPAP machine) is not easy for most people. On average, only 50% of patients comply with their CPAP therapy.
Here are three strategies outlined by the National Apnea Association (NAA) to increase your chance of CPAP success:
1. Only use quality CPAP equipment. Doctors only recommend three manufacturers: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. These brands invest millions in R&D every year. It is very risky (perhaps deadly) to buy one of the junk brands that many questionable websites push. Before you waste your money or risk your life, ask your doctor about any brand other than the above three. Remember, this not about buying a bargain toaster or microwave oven at BestBuy. Your health and even your very life are at stake.
2. Choose wisely when selecting a CPAP supplier. Avoid the dubious websites that sell grey-market CPAP equipment. You might end-up with a refurbished CPAP machine that just looks like new, but doesnt have warranty coverage or isnt even sterilized. (Many used machines on the grey market are from patients in nursing homes who have passed away, possibly from pneumonia or other respiratory diseases.) Be safe and smart: use a CPAP supplier that is certified by the National Apnea Association and/or is a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider.
3. Get a CPAP coach to make CPAP easier. The research shows that patients who get additional help with their CPAP have anywhere from 88-93% chance of success. This is almost twice the national average of 50%. Using, cleaning, and maintaining your CPAP is much easier with an expert who can coach you along the way. Look for a quality CPAP supplier who also provides CPAP coaching - preferably for free.
About the Author:
Pam McKee is director of Clinical Support at MySleepMask.com, a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider of CPAP machines. She has produced a sleep apnea guide for new apnea patients, available for free at MySleepMask.com.
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