Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can lead to loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and long-term health complications if left untreated.
Fortunately, our team at Hibernation Sleep MN in Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers effective treatments. One of the most widely prescribed is the CPAP machine. But how do you know when CPAP is the best option for your sleep apnea?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy involves a machine that delivers a constant flow of air through a mask, helping your airway stay open throughout the night.
The CPAP device prevents your throat tissue from collapsing, which is the main cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of sleep apnea.
With consistent use, CPAP can dramatically improve your sleep quality and reduce health risks related to untreated apnea, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
We may recommend CPAP for several reasons. If you have moderate to severe OSA, or if a sleep study shows frequent breathing interruptions throughout the night, CPAP is often a first-line treatment to keep your airway open and reduce the risks associated with apnea.
A CPAP machine may also be the best choice when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. Weight loss, limiting alcohol intake before bed, and changing sleep positions can help with mild cases, but these adjustments typically don’t provide adequate relief for more serious apnea.
Another sign that CPAP might help is the presence of significant daytime symptoms. If you’re frequently exhausted, wake up feeling unrefreshed, or struggle with concentration and focus during the day, a CPAP machine may help boost your energy by improving your sleep quality.
In addition, CPAP is often the next step when other treatments haven’t worked. If you’ve already tried oral appliances or positional therapy without consistent results, CPAP may deliver the more reliable and effective results you need to sleep soundly and breathe freely.
While some patients find the mask and machine awkward at first, the benefits often outweigh the initial discomfort. CPAP therapy can:
Many patients report feeling more alert and refreshed within just a few nights of CPAP use.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, the first step is to make an appointment with the Hibernation Sleep MN team for a proper diagnosis. If we recommend CPAP, we fit you with the right mask and pressure settings for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
CPAP isn't the only treatment option, but it’s the gold standard for a reason. If you struggle with sleep, don't ignore the signs. Call us at 651-374-9791 or request an appointment online today.
