Feb 28th 2017
Common Myths About CPAP Therapy Part 2
When it comes to CPAP therapy, there are many myths and misconceptions, but it’s important not to let them keep you from getting the sleep apnea treatment you need.
Sleep apnea is very common; in fact, roughly 22 million Americans suffer from it. While there are a few different treatment options for sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is the most effective. However, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about CPAP therapy, and these myths have led to people using their CPAP machines incorrectly or, worse, forgoing treatment at all, which can be dangerous and, in some cases, even life-threatening. That’s why, in our last blog, the experts at CPAP Liquidators went over a few of the most common myths about CPAP therapy. Here is the truth about a few more common myths about CPAP therapy:
Myth #4. CPAP therapy causes more disruptions to sleep than sleep apnea does.
Some patients find relief after just a night or two of using a CPAP machine, but for the vast majority of CPAP patients, it can be a challenge to get used to sleeping with a mask and a machine that is running throughout the night. At first, it can seem like your CPAP machine makes it impossible to sleep, but luckily, there are many things you can do to make CPAP therapy more comfortable. Taking advantage of CPAP accessories, like humidifiers, as well as experimenting with different kinds of masks, can help to make CPAP therapy more comfortable and aids in long-term compliance.
Myth #5. If you lose weight, you won’t have to use your CPAP machine anymore.
If you are overweight or obese, you have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that losing weight will automatically allow you to stop using your CPAP machine. Weight loss can play a big role in reducing the severity of your sleep apnea, and for some people, weight loss can eliminate the need for CPAP therapy altogether. However, just because you lose weight, it doesn’t automatically give you a free pass to stop using your CPAP machine. You’ll need to consult your doctor, who may prescribe a sleep study, to determine if it is safe to stop using your CPAP machine.
Myth #6. CPAP therapy will keep your partner up.
Many people are worried about using a CPAP machine when they share a bed. The fact is that CPAP machines do create some level of noise, the source of which is the motor. However, if your partner has been sharing your bed for a while, the low noise that the motor makes when it runs will be nothing compared to your snoring. CPAP machines not only help sleep apnea sufferers sleep better at night, they also help their partners get a good night’s sleep, because they help to eliminate excessive snoring.
As you can see, when it comes to CPAP therapy, there’s no shortage of misinformation, but you shouldn’t let it keep you from getting the effective sleep apnea treatment you need. At CPAP Liquidators, we offer a variety of new and used CPAP machines, as well as accessories and masks. Let our experts help you find the right options for you. Contact us today!