CPAP and Insomnia

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How CPAP is linked to insomnia

Untreated or under-treated sleep apnea can have a lot of negative consequences on your body, but did you know it can affect your ability to fall asleep too? In fact, “obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia are 2 sleep disorders that co-occur frequently, involve clinical features and associations that are distinct from the separate conditions, and are treatable.”¹ For some people with sleep apnea, insomnia becomes a symptom from their trouble breathing during the night. When you suffer from sleep apnea you can experience:

  • Waking up multiple times in the night
  • Not getting enough oxygen during sleep
  • Not recovering during rest

All of these can lead to higher stress levels, more irritability, and a bad relationship with trying to sleep at all. Because of this, it’s easy for people with sleep apnea to develop insomnia along with it. Even for those using a CPAP, if they don’t have proper settings and equipment they may find themselves dreading trying to sleep. And the worry about sleeping well enough can make it even harder to sleep at all.

This combination of issues is common enough that ResMed even has a guide about navigating it. Before even looking at CPAP setups, its recommended to do the following²:

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule
  • Don’t watch TV in bed
  • Keep your bedroom comfortable

Remember, consistent compliance with your CPAP therapy can mean better and easier sleep.

How to stay compliant and reclaim your sleep

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 don’t stress your skull.

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 your needs as they change through the night.

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 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 comfortably.

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 F30 mask will be a great change. The F30 boasts:

  • Minimal Design: Fits under your nose and over your mouth, leaving the bridge of your nose untouched
  • Universal Headgear Size: Contours to every unique face for an accurate, first-time fit
  • Quick Release Elbow with QuietAir: Plug/unplug from therapy easily, while the QuietAir vent diffuses exhalation to reduce noise
  • Minimal Design: Fits under your nose and over your mouth, leaving the bridge of your nose untouched
  • Universal Headgear Size: Contours to every unique face for an accurate, first-time fit
  • Quick Release Elbow with QuietAir: Plug/unplug from therapy easily, while the QuietAir vent diffuses exhalation to reduce noise

Save $20 when you buy the AirFit F30 today!

Don’t miss out on your insurance coverage! Find out if the F30 is covered today:

Sources:

  1. Ong JC, Crawford MR. Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Sleep Med Clin. 2013.
  2. Resmed. Insomnia and sleep apnea: Making the connection
  3. Easy Breathe, Inc.