We All how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep, in many ways is the foundation of every good day. However, some people struggle to obtain that good night’s sleep due to sleep apnea. In fact, sleep apnea is present in as many as 18 million Americans. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can provide that good night’s sleep after all.

Fifty percent of sleep apnea patients prefer nasal pillows. These are the smallest of the CPAP masks and lay on the upper lip while blowing pressurized air through two delicate nasal tubes that embed into the nostrils. Another fifty percent prefer nasal masks which fit over the nose, covering the ranges from the extension of the nose down to the upper lip. They come in a variety of sizes so it’s easy to find an ideal fit. There are also CPAP masks that cover the nose and mouth and all, or part, of the face with side straps that keep the veil set up. Some half and half face veils cover the mouth and have nasal prongs that fit into the nostrils.

If you thinking you might be suffering from apnea, it is important to get that checked as soon as possible. Two to four percent of all Americans have undiagnosed sleep apnea and those people face a risk of stroke that is four times as likely as those who are not afflicted; they are also three times as likely to have heart disease. Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to keep up with treatment. About half of all people prescribed CPAP machines stop using them after a few weeks and at least 80% say they don’t use it enough to keep them safe. Doctors say that sleep apnea patients should use CPAP machines for at least four hours every night, seventy percent or more of the time during a thirty day period in order to get the best results.

When looking at CPAP masks, it is good to take into careful consideration the size and style that you want. You should get something that’s comfortable, fits well, and is going to hold up over time. Sleep apnea may not seem like a big deal at first but it can lead to major health issues so it’s important to find a treatment that works for you and isn’t too much of a hassle. That way, you can be one step closer to a great night’s sleep!

The post What You Should Know About Sleep Apnea and Its Treatments appeared first on Health and Fitness Tips.