Healthcare providers use sleep studies to diagnose sleep apnea They record the number of episodes of slow or stopped breathing and the number of central sleep apnea events detected in an hour They also determine whether oxygen levels in the blood are lower during these events
Breathing devices such as continuous positive air pressure CPAP machines and lifestyle changes are common sleep apnea treatments Undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications such as heart attack glaucoma diabetes cancer and cognitive and behavioral disorders
Explore this Health Topic to learn more about sleep apnea and how to live with it
Living With Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea it is important that you adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle habits and use your prescribed treatment Read more about how to use and care for your breathing device or mouthpiece how your doctor may monitor whether your treatment is working and when you may need a repeat sleep study Learn other tips to keep you safe if you have sleep apnea
Using and caring for your breathing device or mouthpiece
It is important that you properly use and care for your prescribed breathing device or mouthpiece If your
doctor prescribed a breathing device or CPAP machineBe patient with your breathing device or CPAP machine It may take time to adjust to breathing with the help of a CPAP machine
Use your breathing device or CPAP machine for all sleep including naps To benefit fully from your treatment you should wear your device whenever and wherever you sleep If you are traveling be sure to bring your breathing device with you Call your doctor or sleep specialist right away if your device stops working correctly
Talk to your doctor or supplier if you experience discomfort or have difficulty using your prescribed breathing device Let the team or supplier know if you are having irritation from the mask if your mask is not staying on or fitting well if it leaks air if you are having difficulty falling or staying asleep if you wake with dry mouth or if you have a stuffy or runny nose Your doctor can explore options to improve the treatment such as trying different masks or nasal pillows adjusting the machines pressure timing and settings or trying a different breathing device that has a humidifier chamber or provides bi level or auto adjusting pressure settings Cleaning the mask and washing your face before putting your mask on can help make a better seal between the mask and your skin
Properly care for your breathing device or CPAP machine Know how to set up and properly clean all parts of your machine Be sure to refill prescriptions on time for all of the devices replaceable parts including the tubes masks and air filters
Properly care for your mouthpiece If you were prescribed a mouthpiece ask your dentist how to properly care for it If it does not fit right or your signs and symptoms do not improve let your dentist know so that he or she can adjust the device It is common to feel some discomfort after a device is adjusted until your mouth and facial muscles get used to the new fit
Monitor your condition
You should visit your doctor to monitor your response to treatment and see whether you have any complications that if left untreated can be life threatening Your doctor may do any of the following to monitor your condition
If your doctor prescribed a breathing device your doctor and possibly your insurance company will want to check the data card from the machine The data card shows how often you use the breathing device and whether the device and its pressure settings are helping to reduce or eliminate apnea events while you sleep Your doctor may also check to see whether you still experience excessive sleepiness during the day how you feel about your quality of life whether you are still snoring or whether have experienced weight loss or changes in your lifestyle
If you were prescribed a mouthpiece you should follow up with your dental specialist after six months and then at least every year This is to see whether the mouthpiece is working correctly whether it needs adjustment and whether a replacement device is needed
Repeat sleep studies
Sometimes repeat sleep studies are necessary Your doctor may have you repeat a sleep study to monitor your response to the treatment especially if your sleep symptoms continue if you are using a mouthpiece if your weight changes significantly or if your employer requires these tests
Learn the warning signs of some CPAP side effects
Side effects of CPAP treatment may include congestion runny nose dry mouth dry eyes or nosebleeds If you experience stomach discomfort or bloating you should stop using your CPAP machine and contact your doctor
Learn about other precautions to help you stay safe
Sleep apnea can increase your risks of complications if you are having surgery and it can affect your ability to drive
Before surgery If you are having any type of surgery that requires medicine to put you to sleep or for pain management let your surgeon and doctors know that you have sleep apnea They might have to take extra steps to make sure that your upper airway stays open during the surgery and when selecting your pain medicines
Driving precautions Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can decrease learning capabilities slow down decision making and decrease attention span which can result in drowsy driving
Get educated about your CPAP equipment
Because we specialize in sleep related DME Alaska Sleep Clinic provides the best education available for your sleep apnea and its treatment As professionals in the field of sleep medicine we are able to ensure that you are familiar with any form of treatment your physician determines is best
We carry an extensive inventory of machines masks and other sleep related products to meet every patients unique needs and lifestyle
We continually strive to ensure that your CPAP experience is positive and you receive the sleep you need We desire to help you improve your sleep and therefore improve your life
We hope you will consider choosing Alaska Sleep Clinic as your DME provider Contact Alaska Sleep Clinic
907 770 9104
today
