How CPAP is linked to Heart Disease

Many people are unaware of how heart disease and sleep apnea can be co-morbid. This means that an individual suffers from both at the same time – and sometimes for a connected reason. In fact, “Older adults with co-morbid cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea are a vulnerable population at high risk for hospital readmission.”¹ In an effort to uncover ways to avoid hospital readmission, new research into the co-morbidity of sleep apnea and heart disease is underway.

Study findings on CPAP and stress

A new study suggests that individuals diagnosed with heart disease could benefit from an evaluation for sleep apnea. In this study, researchers looked at 1,301 Medicare recipients who had heart disease, were newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (between 2009 and 2013), had initiated CPAP, and were recently hospitalized.

Jennifer Albrecht, an associate professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, found that:

The overall 30-day readmission rate over a two-year period after the recipients started CPAP was 10.2%.¹
Individuals with high adherence were 60% less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days¹

From these findings they concluded that successful treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can greatly reduce the risk of 30-day hospital readmission¹. They suggest increased screenings for sleep apnea of hospital patients, but if you already know you have sleep apnea, consistent compliance with your CPAP therapy is highly recommended, especially after a hospital stay.

How to stay compliant and reduce your readmission chances

By now you’re wondering – how can I make sure my CPAP is treating my sleep apnea correctly? There are a few ways to ensure your CPAP is giving you the best CPAP therapy possible.

Here are 4 tips for CPAP effectiveness and compliance:

1. Make sure your supplies are fresh so they function comfortably.

When your supplies are old, the therapy will become less and less effective. Because this happens slowly and over time, most folks end up not noticing it. Instead, they will tighten their mask a little more, thinking they just need the seal a little closer.

Eventually this leads to over-tightening that can cause pain, marks, and the annoying “hot mask” feeling. The less comfortable your CPAP supplies are, the harder it is to stay compliant and get your CPAP benefits. You can avoid this by replacing your supplies with fresh ones regularly on the recommended, insurance-backed schedule.

Your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0! Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:

Are your supplies due for a replacement? Check out our standard insurance replacement schedule below:

2. Have a machine that automatically meets all your needs.

Your pressure needs vary through the night as you sleep. Newer CPAPs are auto-titrating, meaning they adjust to your needs breath-by-breath to give the most effective pressure needed all through the night. On top of perfecting the pressure for your every breath, they have automatically adjusting comfort settings to keep you compliant every night of the week. ResMed’s AirSense 10 AutoSet C2C also offers:

Humidification: 7 levels of humidity and an optional heated tube ensures you don’t dry out
EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure so you fall asleep more comfortably

Humidification: 7 levels of humidity and an optional heated tube ensures you don’t dry out
EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure so you fall asleep more comfortably

Upgrade to the AirSense today for just $299 down and 0% APR!

3. Keep your supplies clean to keep your mind clear.

Bacteria buildup on your mask can make you sick or weaken your mask seal. Weak seals and CPAP illnesses are big barriers to compliance, as they make using CPAP much more of a chore. That’s why keeping your mask and hose clean can be the difference between intolerable and effective CPAP therapy. The Sleep8 CPAP cleaner will keep your supplies sanitary and fresh. The Sleep8 makes cleaning easy with:

Ozone technology: Kills over 99% of harmful viruses, bacteria, and mold
One-click cleaning: Just press a button and let the Sleep8 do the rest
Complete compatibility: No adapter needed to use with any mask and machine

Ozone technology: Kills over 99% of harmful viruses, bacteria, and mold
One-click cleaning: Just press a button and let the Sleep8 do the rest
Complete compatibility: No adapter needed to use with any mask and machine

Save $100 when you buy the Sleep8 today!

If buildup on your mask is a common issue for you, try our Mask Wipes for daily use!

4. Use a mask that lets you rest easy.

Finding the right mask for your face can be frustrating, but newer masks are designed to fit more people every day. If leaks from your mask are giving you trouble, the AirFit P30i mask will be a great change.

The tube on top connection gives you the freedom to read and wear glasses before bed, and to get closer to your bed partner — no matter what position you sleep in. It also allows you to move freely during sleep, without getting tied up in the tube.

You can sleep the way you want, get closer to your bed partner, and simplify your bedtime routine.

Save $30 on your new AirFit P30i by entering P30SALE at checkout!

Don’t miss out on your insurance coverage! Find out if the P30i is covered today: