Living with sleep apnea can be challenging on its own, but for many, it’s also accompanied by anxiety. Luckily, CPAP therapy offers more benefits than just better sleep—it can also play a role in alleviating anxiety. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between sleep apnea and anxiety, and how consistent CPAP use improves not only your sleep quality but also your mental well-being.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Anxiety?
Quality sleep plays a vital role in regulating mood and managing stress, so it comes as no surprise that sleep apnea significantly contributes to anxiety. One study found that compared to those who don’t suffer from sleep apnea, individuals with sleep apnea have about 3.7 times increased odds of anxiety.1
The good news is that another study found that CPAP therapy decreased the severity of anxiety symptoms.2 CPAP can help you prioritize a good night’s sleep, which is crucial for maintaining optimal mental health. Below we outline how to maximize the benefits of CPAP so you can properly take care of your mental health.
How To Manage Your Anxiety With CPAP
1. Make sure your CPAP supplies are up-to-date.
Ensuring the timely replacement of CPAP supplies is vital to uphold the machine’s efficacy and the user’s comfort, as these components naturally degrade over time. Keep your CPAP in top shape for the best results managing anxiety. The recommended replacement schedule is as follows:
- Every 5 years: CPAP/BiPAP machines
- Every 6 months: Headgear, water chambers, and non-disposable filters
- 3 months or less: Tubing, masks without headgear, cushions, nasal pillows, and disposable filters
- Every 5 years: CPAP/BiPAP machines
- Every 6 months: Headgear, water chambers, and non-disposable filters
- 3 months or less: Tubing, masks without headgear, cushions, nasal pillows, and disposable filters
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:
2. Use your CPAP every night.
New CPAP technology helps individuals adapt and adhere to their CPAP treatment with greater ease and convenience by offering features that enhance user comfort and provide real-time data monitoring. ResMed’s latest CPAP on the market is the AirSense 11, complete with:
- Auto-titration: Adjusts your pressure as you sleep on a breath-by-breath basis
- Whisper quiet: CPAP users and their bed partners can both sleep peacefully
- Advanced comfort features: Humidifier and heated tube ensure you don’t dry out
- Auto-titration: Adjusts your pressure as you sleep on a breath-by-breath basis
- Whisper quiet: CPAP users and their bed partners can both sleep peacefully
- Advanced comfort features: Humidifier and heated tube ensure you don’t dry out
Get your new AirSense 11 today for just $399 down! Invest in your mental health and quality of sleep by using the smartest CPAP in the world:
3. Ensure your CPAP mask fits properly.
This is a no-brainer—you want to have a restful sleep to maintain your mental well-being, so you will need a CPAP mask that’s comfortable to sleep in. Masks aren’t a one-size-fits-all, as each CPAP user has a different facial structure and concerns.
This is why there is such a wide selection of masks, but how do you know where to start? We help narrow down the best option for our customers in the Easy Breathe CPAP Mask Finder Quiz. This user-friendly tool will guide you to the perfect mask by asking a few simple questions about your CPAP therapy preferences and needs for your CPAP mask.
Take our Mask Finder Quiz today to get a personalized recommendation! It’s a quick and convenient way to narrow down your options, and it takes just a minute to complete:
4. Regularly clean your CPAP equipment.
Maintenance of your CPAP machine is essential to ensure its effectiveness and hygiene. Neglecting this upkeep can lead to the buildup of bacteria, mold, and other contaminants, potentially compromising your health and the machine’s performance. You can avoid these issues with daily cleanings, made easy with the Lumin CPAP cleaner, which features:
- Simple and quick process: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV technology: Specialized UV-C light source targets harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: No adapter needed
- Simple and quick process: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV technology: Specialized UV-C light source is targeted to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: Lumin fits all major mask types and humidifier chambers
Save $70 when you buy the Lumin today! Keep your CPAP supplies in top shape so that you can sleep soundly and safely:
5. Consult a CPAP expert about your concerns.
If you feel like you’re not getting the full benefits of your sleep therapy, one of our CPAP experts would be happy to find solutions for your specific concerns. We understand CPAP is an experience tailored to the individual, as every CPAP user has different needs, medical considerations, and lifestyles.
You can call 866-564-2252 for a one-on-one session with a knowledgeable professional who can address your unique situation. During a brief consultation with a CPAP expert, you can discuss your individual CPAP mask needs, get a free insurance check on a new CPAP or supplies, and more! We will find you the right CPAP machine and mask for you.
Don’t forget – 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:
Sources:
- Kaufmann, Christopher N, et al. “Sleep Apnea, Psychopathology, and Mental Health Care.” Sleep Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560422/.
- Velescu, Diana Raluca, et al. “CPAP Therapy on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 6 Oct. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9609270/.
