If you received a sleep apnea diagnosis, you might be wondering what you are in for with CPAP treatment. Will it correct itself within a month or two, or will you spend the rest of your life nodding off to the hum of your CPAP machine? As with any complex subject, an answer to whether a CPAP machine is permanent or temporary depends on the individual and their specific health circumstances.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
The most prevalent reason individuals have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is obesity. Someone overweight may have more difficulty breathing while sleeping, causing their tongue and throat muscles to obstruct their airway. Additionally, weight gain can cause your neck to enlarge, which increases the risk of OSA affecting you. Even a 10 percent weight gain can significantly impact your chances of sleep apnea. If you add any of these subsequent factors along with your weight, then the condition will likely worsen:
- Allergies
- Nasal complications (narrow throat and deviated septum)
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Other medical conditions (hypothyroidism)
Is CPAP Therapy Forever?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It is essential to realize that having a CPAP machine will not cure your sleep apnea. Despite this, CPAP treatment will help you attain a comfortable night's sleep. As long as you continue to have sleep apnea, you will need to continue CPAP treatment.
Nevertheless, you may be able to stop using your CPAP machine if your sleep apnea improves or goes into remission. But correcting your sleep apnea relies on several things, such as identifying the cause and taking steps to minimize its severity.
How You Can Reverse Sleep Apnea
Once you've established the fundamental reasons for your sleep apnea, evaluate if you can rectify your condition by addressing the underlying cause. If the cause of OSA is obesity or lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, smoking, or not getting enough sleep, there are steps you can take to improve or even reverse your condition.
Exercising, changing your diet, and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol can help you lose weight and improve your health. In contrast, if your sleep apnea is due to age or anatomical problems, you may have no other choice but to use a CPAP machine for the remainder of your life since these conditions are often irreversible.
Having the answers to is a CPAP machine permanent or temporary may be the deciding factor in making positive lifestyle changes. You may not be able to rid yourself of sleep apnea altogether, but you can work hard towards lessening its impact on your life.
Please consider CPAPNation to find the best CPAP machine online for a good night's sleep. Along with our great collection of CPAP machines, we have other sleeping aids and CPAP equipment to better your health. Sign up with your e-mail today and earn a special discount!
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