Sleep apnea is often referred to as a “silent killer,” and the National Sleep Foundation reports that, over 80 million Americans suffer from it in some form. Sleep apnea is a condition where, during sleep, the person suffered from decreased airflow leading them to stop breathing repeatedly for brief periods of time. The symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring loudly or gasping for air while they sleep. Some people with this condition have also been reported to suffer from severe headaches and mood swings during waking hours. It can be very hard to diagnose since there are no visible signs of the disorder other than sleeping on one’s back rather than on their sides or stomachs.
It is believed that cpap machines can help lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines force air into a person’s upper and lower airways in order to keep their lungs inflated and prevent them from collapsing during the night. Also, there are heated humidifier machines that can be used in addition to the CPAP therapy.
Using a CPAP machine and having Sleep Apnea go hand-in-hand and are very much linked; so, if you have Sleep Apnea then you will most likely also require a CPAP machine as well. CPAP Machines are very expensive, over $3,000 for a basic mask on the market today.
The CPAP machines set up in the Sleep Centers at sleep medical centers will enable you to utilize them at home without having to go to your sleep doctor first. The Sleep Doctors who handle Sleep Apnea with their patients will advise the proper treatments and make sure that you get the best treatment possible. If you are suffering from Sleep Apnea then it is imperative that you find out exactly what is causing this problem and if some of your symptoms could be cured with a CPAP machine and a heated humidifier; then it is highly recommended that you seek help so that you can conquer both sleep apnea and its associated symptoms.