Sleep apnea is a problem that is more common that most people realize. According to recent studies, one in five adults have mild sleep apnea, while one in fifteen adults have severe sleep apnea. Roughly nine percent of middle-aged women and twenty-five percent of middle-aged men suffer from sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is more than just getting a bad night’s sleep or feeling restless all the time. It is an inability to breathe properly while asleep. Patients with sleep apnea have shorter life spans and suffer from a wide range of other health problems.

Part of the problem is the fact that the majority of people suffering from sleep apnea go undiagnosed because they are not aware that there is a problem. They may be aware that they do not sleep well or regularly wake up feeling as if they didn’t sleep, but they may attribute that to stress, too much caffeine, or an old mattress. In reality, they are struggling to breathe while asleep.

There is medical equipment available that can help patients with sleep apnea breathe during the night, improving their sleep as well as their overall health. The medical equipment most recommended is a cpap machine. This machine provides a steady stream of oxygen throughout the night.

Cpap supplies may include a mask or pillow used to deliver the oxygen. While many stop using the cpap machine within the first few days, the patients that continue using it report the discomfort of wearing it diminishes as they get used to it.

Cpap supplies can be bought through most medical supply stores; particularly one that sell other oxygen supplies. Medical equipment can be expensive, but cpap supplies are covered by most insurances. When talking to your doctor, you can ask them to look up your coverage for you. This will provide a clearer understanding of what is covered and what needs to be paid for. However, there are also other sources that can help cover the cost of needed medical equipment.

If a patient is ever in the position where they can not afford the equipment or medications they need to live a normal, healthy life, they should bring their concerns up to their physician, who may be more familiar with resources that can help. There are a number of social service agencies that can help with medical supplies for those in need.