The 5 Most Common Questions about Sleep Apnea Treatment, Answered

Without the proper support, being diagnosed with sleep apnea can feel stressful and isolating. But when armed with effective treatment and consistent guidance from experts, a diagnosis doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, a diagnosis is the first step to better sleep and brighter days ahead.

Taking the initiative to improve your sleep has clear benefits: quality sleep can improve your mental and physical health, as well as boost the quality of your waking life. Ultimately, remaining adherent to sleep apnea treatment can lower your risk of developing or worsening cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cognitive and memory impairment, and mental health disorders.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the benefits of treatment and help build the confidence and knowledge you need to take control of your health. We’re here to help and answer your basic questions about sleep apnea treatment, so you can rest assured knowing that restorative, beneficial sleep is on the horizon.

1. Are there different types of sleep apnea?

There are two main types of sleep apnea. If left untreated, both types of sleep apnea may lead to serious long-term health risks.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common. OSA occurs when the throat muscles over-relax during sleep and block your upper airway, which causes you to briefly stop breathing several times throughout the night. Even if you don’t realize it, your body has to wake you up to continue breathing. This is why people with OSA generally feel fatigued during the day, no matter how many hours they’ve slept. Though many people with OSA remain undiagnosed, its impact is widespread. It’s estimated that between 10–30% of US adults are living with OSA. Worldwide, it’s estimated that 936 million people have the disorder.

Central sleep apnea is similar, but instead of an airway blockage, you stop breathing at night because your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to your respiratory muscles. Less than 1% of the US population is thought to have this type of sleep apnea. It’s possible, but not common, to have both types of sleep apnea at the same time.

2. What are the most common treatments for sleep apnea?

A sleep specialist will work with you on the best treatment plan for your health condition. The most common treatments for sleep apnea include:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
• Nasal decongestants
• Dental devices to hold the jaw in a forward position for easier breathing
• In severe cases when other treatments have failed, upper airway surgery might be considered.
• Behavioral and lifestyle changes, including weight loss and avoiding alcohol intake, are encouraged.

3. What is a CPAP machine?

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the current gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP devices deliver pressurized air to your nose and/or mouth through a mask, preventing your airways from collapsing while you sleep. Initially, a CPAP machine will have you snoring less and sleeping without waking up repeatedly. The better quality sleep you’ll be getting from the CPAP will help you have more energy and be more productive and engaged throughout the day.

In the long term, effective CPAP usage has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure, which is associated with OSA. This lowers the chance of developing serious health conditions, including hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.

4. Do I have to wear my CPAP machine every night?

Yes. Think of your CPAP device as your new and improved airway. A CPAP manages the root cause of OSA, but it doesn’t cure the disorder, so you need to wear the device consistently to keep sleeping healthy.

Studies show a correlation between the number of hours per night an individual uses a CPAP machine and an increase in memory recall and day-to-day functional capacity. More hours of CPAP use are also associated with reduced daytime fatigue, lower blood pressure, and decreased rates of death from cardiovascular disease. If you stick to your treatment every night, you’ll start to feel the joy of being fully awake during the day.

5. Will the CPAP machine make it harder to sleep?

CPAP devices are designed to help you breathe. If you wear it consistently, you’ll breathe better and sleep soundly. Wearing the mask can take some time getting used to, but technology has come a long way in recent years. There are different types of masks to fit your face, and the devices are smaller and quieter than ever.

Your sleep coach will work with you to make sure that your device fits properly, and check in with you as frequently to track the progress of symptoms. You can reach out to your sleep care team through the Primasun app to ask questions or schedule a check-in whenever you want.

Getting a new diagnosis doesn’t have to be scary.

Primasun’s team of expert sleep specialists and coaches will help you find the right treatment for your needs. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Visit primasun.com to learn more about how we can help fix your sleep.