People with sleep apnea often experience disrupted sleep due to an interrupted breathing pattern. This results in poor sleep quality, fatigue, low productivity, excessive daytime sleepiness, and a poor attention span. Sleep specialists often suggest continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which improves the condition massively. There are several CPAP benefits that may lead to a better and more positive change in your night’s sleep.
Treating sleep apnea will ultimately lead to a healthier life as it will eliminate the chances of having a stroke, heart disease, brain fog, diabetes, and accidents. Furthermore, restful sleep will help you regulate your emotions, work better career-wise, and promote stable mental health.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or if you’re interested in exploring more options for your loved ones, scroll down the entire blog to learn about the benefits of a CPAP machine!
Benefits of CPAP Machine
Choosing CPAP therapy as a part of OSA treatment can have multiple benefits on overall health. Discussed below are a few CPAP benefits.
Better Energy Levels:
Since sleep apnea tremendously affects the quality of sleep, people with sleep apnea tend to feel low on energy during the daytime. This is one of the revealing signs of sleep apnea. By consistently using a CPAP machine, one may attain quality sleep, leading to better energy levels.
Weight Management:
Patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea should shed weight. Since weight gain is interlinked with sleep apnea, working for quality sleep positively impacts weight reduction. Therefore, CPAP therapy addresses all weight-related problems in the long run. CPAP benefits entail a healthy lifestyle, leading to weight management and better overall health.
Better Productivity and Stable Mood:
Those using a CPAP machine regularly experience drastic positive mood changes and better productivity. OSA can also make an individual exasperated and irritable. With consistent CPAP therapy, a person’s cognitive ability improves a lot. A stable mood and staying focused help achieve goals at a better pace.
Lower the Risk of Heart Disease:
Sleep apnea is associated with severe health issues, such as hypertension, stroke, and heart failure, so it is important to treat OSA as soon as possible. Hence, CPAP therapy ensures quality sleep, reduced wake windows, and snoring that improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is one of the benefits of CPAP machines.
Reduced Snoring:
Snoring can be one of the significant problems of sleep apnea for both the person living with it and the roommate. Undoubtedly, snoring is a source of discontent and a substantial sign of difficulty breathing. CPAP therapy treats snoring through the air. It splints in the airways, allowing consistent breathing. This can be considered as one of the primary advantages of CPAP.
Combat Diabetes:
Sleep apnea can spike insulin levels, aiding glucose intolerance. CPAP benefits include controlling and combating diabetes. Moreover, it minimizes the risk of developing diabetes and helps maintain the existing one.
Acid Reflux:
Obstructive sleep apnea hinders swallowing, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. Using a CPAP machine to regulate breathing patterns and help consistent sleep can go a long way. It resolves breathing interruptions, ultimately preventing acid reflux.
Mental Outlook:
People with sleep apnea often experience overwhelming emotions and deteriorating mental health. Since sleep is crucial for mental acuity and emotional well-being, using a CPAP machine can help attain continuous nighttime sleep, which may result in a better mental and emotional state.
Less Medical Expenses:
Sleep apnea is associated with overall health problems, and the deteriorating health condition may lead to excessive medical treatments and expenses. Therefore, working on poor sleep patterns can be beneficial for your overall health and reduce medical expenses as well.
CPAP benefits in the Long Run:
While the benefits of CPAP machines are numerous, it is essential to understand that correct and persistent usage can provide admirable results. CPAP therapy lowers the risk of multiple health issues and improves your overall lifestyle. Quality life, better sleep, and enhanced health benefits you in all aspects of life. Be it personal or professional life—you could witness a massive difference in your energy, productivity, and willingness to stay rejuvenated and alert.
Furthermore, The Right Approach for Patients In-Home vs. Lab-Based CPAP Titration
What Does a CPAP Machine Look Like?
We have already highlighted significant CPAP gains. But to have a clearer picture, here are some common parts and usage of a CPAP machine;
- The Mask: The pressurized air is carried through the mask from the hose to maintain a continuous airflow to your nose or mouth. It is attached with a headgear to fix it on the head while sleeping. These masks are made of different materials, such as silicone, vinyl, or plastic. They may come in various sizes.
- Filter: The filter purifies the air that enters through the mask. Usually, a CPAP machine has one or two filters. They should be cleaned after every short interval.
- CPAP Tube: The tube allows the air to travel from the machine to the mask. This tube should be replaced when it is required. It is the attachment between the machine and the mask.
- Humidifier: Not all CPAP machines have pre-attached humidifiers that can be filled with water when needed. It helps to maintain the moisture in the air. While it can be filled with tap water, some suggest filling the humidifier with distilled water.
- CPAP Machine: The machine contains a motor that blows pressurized air through the tube. It might be accompanied by the “ramp” setting, which adjusts the pressure accordingly or increases the setting when needed.
Adjusting With a CPAP Machine:
CPAP cannot be considered a complete cure for obstructive sleep apnea, however, it can significantly reduce the consequences of fragmented sleep. Even though several CPAP pros bring positive changes to your well-being, the adjustment still takes some time. Some people may get used to it within weeks, while others may require a little longer to adjust. Also, some might struggle with claustrophobia or nasal congestion while practicing sleeping with a CPAP machine.
Furthermore, CPAP benefits add to the long-term health and well-being of an individual. Therefore, working on adjusting to sleeping with the machine can result in better life and evident results.
Key Takeaways
Quality sleep is necessary for your body and mind to rejuvenate itself. Having quality sleep will allow your body to function better and will boost productivity as a whole. Humans cannot function without sleep, and frequent sleepless nights can result in apparent health consequences. The severe OSA’s comorbidities that are addressed through a CPAP machine adds to the laundry list of CPAP benefits.
The benefits of a CPAP machine can be linked with the evident results you may experience after its consistent use. Not only does it help in improving breathing during sleep, but it also aids in maintaining overall health stability. Reduced stress, better heart-health, maintained sugar levels, consistent moods, and motivated approach during the day are some benefits that could be counted on the tips.
While the benefits of CPAP machines are pretty distinct and apparent, the treatment may only be suitable for some. Despite many CPAP gains, one should only consider it as a treatment after consulting with a sleep expert and discussing its patent pros and cons.
