Every year the medical industry continues to expand and improve in ways that are both unpredictable and also quite beneficial to the people of the world. We have new forms of medicine and new ways of thinking that is now helping us improve on our past mistakes in terms of healing and helping people. This is so much so that we are even having a shift in thought in regards to mental health. Before a mental disability was viewed as a mark of shame but now we have programs and medical facilities that are working to help these people overcome and work with their issues.
Developments in the medical industry include a BiPAP machine, an auto CPAP machine, CPAP masks for side sleepers, and even CPAP masks nasal pillows. These items are often unknown to the general public and yet they do amazing things to help the people who need the aid of said items. These items are often used to help people who suffer from a dangerous illness, which is known as sleep apnea.
Many people are completely unaware that they have sleep apnea which is sad because it is now easier than ever for people to get tested for sleep apnea. As a matter of fact, you should know that technology and improvements in the field of medicine have brought about a way to home test for sleep apnea. This way, you do not have to go through the process of discomfort that comes along with visiting the doctor’s office. Here is what you should know about using a home test for sleep apnea.
Data has revealed that more than 18 million American citizens suffer from sleep apnea. This is dangerous because nearly 2 to 4% of all Americans also have an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea and this means that just about 1 in 50 people have been undiagnosed with sleep apnea. These people that have an untreated case of sleep apnea are risking the possibility of a stroke, which is four times more likely to happen to someone who has sleep apnea.
The same can be said for people who have sleep apnea in terms of heart disease because those who suffer from sleep apnea are three times as likely to have a heart disease of some sort. This is why it is so important to get tested for sleep apnea, even if it just involves you using a home test for sleep apnea. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research released information stating that 38,000 deaths occur on an annual basis that relates to cardiovascular problems that in one way or another are connected to sleep apnea.
Any patient over the age of 60 will most likely require heated humidification for CPAP machines that they use. Some people have preferences for nasal pillows or CPAP masks. Most opinions are split down the middle with half of all patients preferring nasal pillows and a little under half preferring to use CPAP masks. Keep in mind that there are also some people who just really do not care either way.
Patients should use CPAP machines and items at least 70% of the time over a 30 day period, for at least 4 hours each night if they want to get the best results while also having their insurance continually covered. Sticking with the CPAP machine after going through your home test for sleep apnea is important. Data shows that 50% of all people prescribed with a CPAP machine will stop using them by the end of the first month.
In Conclusion
You should make sure that you are tested for sleep apnea. The process is so simple that there is no reason for you to avoid getting tested. If you are someone that does not want to go to a medical facility, then have no fear because you do not need to. You can easily use a home test for sleep apnea. Know that men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea as women are, so if you think a man in your life needs to be tested then make it happen.