Understanding Sleep Apnea: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the muscles in the throat relax to the point of collapse, restricting airflow. This causes breathing to become shallow and even stop for seconds or minutes at a time, depriving the body and brain of oxygen. The lack of deep sleep can cause significant fatigue and elevate the risk of serious health problems. Most people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with several health risks, so it’s important to consult a sleep specialist if you have these signs and symptoms.
Total Respiratory is here to guide you through the process, from sleep tests to CPAP equipment setup and ongoing support.
What Are Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Nighttime Symptoms
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Frequent visits to the bathroom
Daytime Symptoms
- Early-morning headaches
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Depression or irritability
- Sleepiness during routine activities
What Are the Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated, including:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart disease/heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Don't underestimate the importance of seeking timely treatment for sleep apnea. Addressing this condition is not only crucial for quality sleep but also for mitigating these associated health risks.
How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?
If you suspect sleep apnea, contacting your primary physician is a good start if you don’t yet have a diagnosis. Here’s what to do:
- Consult Your Primary Doctor: Your primary doctor is a great place to start asking questions. Your doctor may refer you to schedule a sleep study to diagnose any sleep disorders.
- Research Your Health Insurance Coverage: Contact your insurance provider to learn what is covered under your plan. Every provider has different levels of coverage for equipment, so ask about the details on how much your out-of-pocket costs will be if you require therapy equipment.
- Take a Sleep Test: A clinical sleep study test uses sensors as you sleep to diagnose your symptoms. You can take an overnight sleep test at a sleep clinic, or in many cases, you can order an at-home sleep test. After completing the test, you and your doctor will go over the results together and discuss your diagnosis.
- Receive a CPAP Equipment Prescription: If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will provide you with a written prescription for CPAP equipment. This prescription will include:
- CPAP Equipment
- Airflow Pressure Settings
Insurance, Compliance and Your Therapy
- Many insurance providers require proof of a 90-day therapy compliance period in order to cover your equipment. This means showing that you can stay on therapy for a full 90-day period.
- Your CPAP machine automatically transmits your nightly data to your equipment provider and your doctor so they can monitor your compliance. If your therapy usage and data is not consistent with the required amount of time, your insurance provider may not cover the cost of your CPAP equipment.
MyAir App
This app enables you to track your sleep therapy with your ResMed CPAP machine. Whether you’re new to CPAP or a longtime user, following your progress is easy with the myAir app. After each therapy session, your machine automatically uploads data to myAir. The app provides:
- Detailed metrics and reports to help track your therapy progress
- Automated, personalized coaching and support
- Videos, tips and how-to-instructions to answer common questions
- Encouragement to help you stay engaged and build confidence
Ready for Your Next Step?
After securing your prescription, reach out to your local sleep apnea experts at Total Respiratory. Our experienced respiratory therapists are ready to assist you in acquiring the right equipment with the precise settings. Your journey to improved sleep quality and overall well-being continues with our personalized guidance. Call us at Number or find a location near you today.