Did you know that right now in the United States, about 22 million people are living with sleep apnea? Those are some pretty steep statistics, especially considering that there are treatments readily available for the condition.
If you’re one of these people, a Resmed Aifit P10 CPAP mask or any other type of CPAP mask could help you get a better night’s rest. These are made to fit over the face as comfortably as possible. You may also be able to make some lifestyle changes that will cut back on your symptoms so you can enjoy a higher quality of life. Here are a few things you should know about sleep apnea and the statistics associated with it.
Statistical Age Groups of Apnea Patients
While sleep apnea is often thought of as an “older person” disease, it can affect individuals of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highest prevalence of sleep apnea is among adults ages 50 through 64. However, additional data shows that 26% of people between the ages of 30 and 70 have the condition.
Men are twice as likely as women to suffer from sleep apnea, and children are the least likely group to have it. It’s estimated that only 1% to 8% of children aged 8 and younger have sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Increasing in Numbers
Sleep apnea is rising in numbers. This could be due in part to the increasing rate of obesity. Unfortunately, sleep apnea can cause a variety of other health issues, including arrhythmia, increased blood pressure, stroke, and lung dysfunction. Many people underestimate the importance of getting an official diagnosis for their sleep disorder symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are a variety of things you can do to relieve your symptoms. While it’s important to consult your doctor regarding treatment options, you may be given the following recommendations:
- Wear a CPAP mask at night (such as the Airfit P10)
- Exercise daily
- Get rid of excess pounds
- Stop smoking
- Drink less alcohol and avoid taking sleeping pills
These are all great lifestyle changes, but wearing a CPAP mask can provide the most immediate benefits and relief from your nightly symptoms. According to a study, CPAP therapy can provide noticeable improvements in the following areas:
- Emotional functioning
- Social interactions
- Daily functioning
- General sleep apnea symptoms
If you or your partner think you may have sleep apnea, it’s worth participating in a sleep study and looking for the best full face CPAP mask available. During a home sleep study, you’ll hook up some sensors to your body that will check your oxygen levels, respiratory effort, and airflow throughout sleep.
You may not be able to interpret the results of your sleep test, but your sleep physician will. He or she will have a look at the data and tell you whether you have sleep apnea or not. Once you receive an official diagnosis, you will also be given information on how you can deal with your symptoms and start to experience better sleep at night.
