By Pam McKee
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.
In a study of about 11,000 adults, researchers found that sleep apnea was the second biggest risk factors for sudden death among heart disease patients. (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.
Due to the dangerously decreased oxygen levels, the blood vessels alter in a way that may lead to heart disease in the patient. Sleep apnea is being considered a risk factor that ranks with smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
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.
Medical research points to how important it is to regularly use CPAP therapy. However, for many patients the nightly use of a CPAP mask connected to a CPAP machine is not an easy habit to make. That is why the national compliance average is only 50%.
Luckily there are three time-proven strategies to increasing your CPAP compliance and therefore your chances of improved health and long life:
1. Select quality CPAP equipment, not cheap junk. Doctors only recommend three manufacturers, who invest millions in R&D every year: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. Picking a CPAP machine and mask among these three brands is fairly easy, with some help. Unfortunately, there are many questionable websites that offer a bunch of junk brands that your doctor would never recommend. Junk brands will only waste your money. We are not talking about getting a good bargain on a DVD or flat screen TV. Your health and even your 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 the director of Clinical Support at MySleepMask.com, a
ResMed Preferred Internet Provider of CPAP machines, masks and other supplies. She has produced a
sleep apnea manual for apnea patients, downloadable for free at MySleepMask.com.