What is sleep apnea? Despite the fact that an estimated 18 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, relatively few are aware of what exactly it is, or that they even suffer from it in the first place. A disorder that causes breathing to stop and start throughout sleep, sleep apnea can range from annoying to potentially dangerous. So what if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea? What do you do then? Your options are broader than you’d think, especially with some companies even offering discount CPAP supplies in the wake of growing sleep apnea awareness.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea causes can be nearly impossible to pinpoint. Many associate it with excess weight. However, it can also be linked to tonsillitis, a deviated septum, or even alcoholism. Ultimately, while some of these causes are treatable, what you need to worry about is how to treat the sleep apnea directly.
Why Should I Start Treating My Sleep Apnea Now?
With many sleep apnea sufferers having gone years before diagnosis without treatment, many wonder at why they need to start using things like CPAP masks and nasal pillows now. The fact is, though, the sleep apnea sufferers without treatment are three times more likely to have heart disease. Furthermore, they’re four times as likely to have strokes, and sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea are estimated to have up to 60 “apneas” … that is, stops and starts … a night. Would you really want to stop breathing that many times a night?
What Are CPAP Machines? What About A BIPAP Machine?
A CPAP machine is a continuous positive airway pressure machine. It uses mild air pressure to keep one’s airways constantly open, and is a common treatment of sleep apnea, with things like discount CPAP supplies becoming increasingly popular among sleep apnea patients. A BIPAP machine, or bilevel positive airway pressure machine, is similar — however, it alternates strengths of continuous airway pressure. With the help of sleep tests … some of which can be done at home … you’ll know which type of machine is best for you.
How Can I Make My Sleep Apnea Treatment Affordable?
Many regard sleep apnea as the kind of medical condition they ignore, when it has in fact caused death in some cases. You shouldn’t let expense stop you from undergoing sleep apnea treatment, even if your insurance fails to cover all costs. Your medical provider can possibly direct you towards credible discount CPAP supplies, which may even include used CPAP machines. There’s nothing wrong with buying used or discount CPAP mask parts, as long as they’re in good working order and approved by your doctor. Nothing should stop you from taking care of yourself!
