Did you know that sleep apnea affects as many as 18 million Americans? Let’s ask another question — do you even know what sleep apnea is? If you’re just learning about sleep apnea now, you aren’t alone. This disorder is remarkably common amongst Americans, but isn’t often discussed. Many have sleep apnea for years before actually knowing that’s what’s troubling them. However, unlike many other such issues, sleep apnea can have extremely serious consequences. Those with untreated sleep apnea are three times as likely to have heart diseases. Sufferers of untreated sleep apnea are also four times as likely to have a stroke as those not afflicted by sleep apnea. But there are treatments for sleep apnea. The important thing to remember when it comes to sleep apnea is that being diagnosed is simply the first step. After that comes finding the right treatment for you — but this problem doesn’t have to cause more serious issues. You simply need to confront it head-on.

Sleep Apnea: What Is It?

Sleep apnea is a problem in which the sufferer’s breathing is interrupted in an “apnea” during sleep. That is, your breathing actually stops while you’re sleeping. As terrifying as this sounds, many have apneas for a long time without even knowing that it’s happening, especially if they sleep alone. Sufferers of sleep apnea may be prone to snoring. But there isn’t always an obvious sign of sleep apnea. At a sleep clinic or hospital, however, it can be reliable diagnosed. Sleep apnea causes aren’t always easy to pinpoint, but there do tend to be some commonalities among suffers of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is often linked to obesity. People who are obese are typically four times more at risk of sleep apnea than people at a normal weight. Losing weight, unfortunately, is not guaranteed to cure your sleep apnea. People with naturally thick necks are also at risk for sleep apnea. A narrowed airway is a common risk factor, as is a congested nasal passage. Smoking and the use of alcohol or tranquilizers have been linked to sleep apnea. Sometimes, people get sleep apnea simply as they grow older. The fact is that sleep apnea can’t always be cured. But it can be treated, by using a CPAP machine among other methods.

CPAP Machines: What Does It Mean To Use One?

Using a CPAP machine can change the life — and even save the life — of a sleep apnea suffer. A CPAP machine is a small machine that applies steady air pressure to the airway through a hose connected to a mask that you would wear while sleeping. While other types of machines apply alternating air pressure, the pressure from a CPAP machine is constant. A CPAP machine or nasal pillow can be the only effective treatment for some sufferers of sleep apnea. It, of course, depends on what your doctor recommends. Using a CPAP machine doesn’t mean that you’re tethered to the places that can accommodate your mask. Travel CPAP machines have revolutionized life for those who use CPAP machines, making it easy to travel without risking your health. CPAP machines don’t have to break your bank account either. Used CPAP machines are on the market, often at a more affordable price than those associated with brand new machines. The issue with CPAP machines isn’t one of whether or not they work, but of whether or not they’re being used correctly.

Knowing Your CPAP Machine

Whether you’ve bought your machine new or used, make sure that you know how to use it — and ask a specialist for instructions if you don’t. A CPAP machine used improperly is no use. With as many as 80% of sleep apnea patients not using their machines enough to stay safe, you want to not only be using a CPAP machine, but using it effectively. Otherwise, you might as well not have it at all — and that’s risking your health.