CPAP Therapy: You’re Not Alone

Using a CPAP machine has gone from being unusual to mainstream as millions of Americans turn to CPAP machines to deal with obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that causes sufferers to stop breathing while they sleep.

Sleep apnea has been associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. When using a CPAP machine, most people immediately feel the difference in their health.

CPAP works by wearing a face mask which increases the air pressure in your throat, so the airway doesn’t collapse during sleep. Most CPAP machines include a small device (about the size of an alarm clock) that has a water chamber on one side and a hose that is connected to a mask.

There are several different types of masks: ones that cover your nose, ones that cover your mouth, or a combination of the two. All masks work equally well, and CPAP users are encouraged to choose whichever is most comfortable for them.

In 2022, there are more than 8 million CPAP users in the United States, with numbers increasing by 8 to 9 percent every year. Even with numbers those large, doctors estimate that most people who suffer from sleep apnea have not been diagnosed.

Many people who suffer from sleep apnea are exhausted all the time, but don’t realize sleep apnea is why. When they finally go to their doctor and start seeing the benefits of restorative sleep, they realize the importance of CPAP compliance.

The initial transition period to using a CPAP while you sleep can be challenging, but trying different masks and wearing the mask during the day to help desensitize have been proven to help you get used to the feeling of wearing a CPAP mask at night.

To find out if your insurance covers a CPAP machine and supplies, fill out our Qualified Through Insurance form.