Consistent Use of CPAP is Key to Prevention

Hypertension and related cardiovascular issues have already been linked to poor sleep. And Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is one of the leading treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, but using it is key.

Researchers followed 47 adults (50 years or younger) with recently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea before and after three months of continuous CPAP therapy. Subjects who had high therapy compliance (more than 4 hours of use per night) showed significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as peripheral arterial tone and stiffness - key markers for cardiovascular health.

Meanwhile:

Low-compliance participants (less than 2.5 hours of use per night) did not get any of the benefits. Compliance is one of the main barriers to successful continuous positive airway pressure therapy, with upwards of 25 percent of all sleep apnea patients unable to comply with or tolerate CPAP therapy, according to the Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES) and other clinical trials.

The biggest problem with compliance? CPAP can be extremely uncomfortable, which in and of itself doesn't promote a restful night's sleep.

Sleep Apnea Surgery: An Alternative to CPAP

Surgical Sleep Solutions offers obstructive sleep apnea sufferers an alternative that doesn't involve nightly treatments, bulky breathing machines, or face masks. Contact our physicians today to find out if a surgical sleep apnea treatment could be the best option for you and your lifestyle.