BIPAP (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure) and PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) has evolved to be the major therapy for those with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), a condition in which breathing is disrupted during sleep. PAP therapy including CPAP, APAP and BiPAP acts to keep the airway open with a pressure created by air hissed through the nose via a mask to ensure the provision of steady oxygen during the night. Nevertheless, majority of patients are reluctant regarding the initiation of PAP therapy but the continued utilization of these devices is very effective in relation to actually sleep quality and health.
As for anyone that is thinking in the acquisition of a PAP device, knowing the benefits in the long term is a great asset so that you have clear what is going to contribute to the initiation or in the continuation of treatment. Further, below is the breakdown of the major long-term PAP device usage advantages that we have already discussed.
1. Improved Sleep Quality
Another advantage of using a PAP device is the enhanced quality of the sleep depending with the type of PAP device to be used or prescribed depending on the extent of apnea in a patient. Obstructive sleep apnea also affects the ability of the body to get a seven cycle through the disruptions of the normal sleep pattern characterized by frequent awakenings. This disruption does not allow the individual to reach other restorative stages of sleep which are very essential for the body.
The blockages of the airway are thereby preventing through the utilization of a PAP device thus guaranteeing continuous and uninterrupted sleep. With continuous use, the users are able to get better sleep at night hence enabling them to have better and brighter days at work. Such benefits are well entrenched in the long run and this means that users experience better sleeping patterns in the long-run.
2. Reduction in Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness
A patient who is diagnosed with untreated sleep apnea is bound to wake up feeling very tired, sleepy, and even has challenges focusing. This may lead to major impairments to a person’s ability to carry out activities in his day-to-day life such as driving or doing his work effectively. These problems are solved by long-term use of PAP devices that help the patient breathe properly during the night and charge the body’s batteries.
Obviously, the people who purchased PAP devices and maintain long-term therapy notice the enhancement of daytime wakefulness and distinct improvement in cognitive domains. This in turn leads to enhanced general mood of the patient and increased energy or even enthusiasm, to face the daily activities and also engage in exercises or any rigorous activities.
3. Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Apart from the enhancement of the quality of sleep, long-term PAP therapy is associated with the benefits to the cardiovascular system. Obstructive sleep apnea is correlated with cardiovascular diseases which include hypertension, coronary artery disease and stroke. This is so because the full stops or stops and starts of breathing can lead to lack of oxygen which in turns acts as a pressure to the heart.
These risks are minimized when using a PAP device because the patient gets a constant flow of oxygen during their sleep therefore offloading the cardiac system. It has also been established that using PAP therapy for more than five years, can also lead to a reduction in blood pressure and also decrease the risk of developing severe cardiac complications among people with sleep apnea.
4. Enhanced Mental and Emotional Well-Being
And as is commonly known, sleep apnea is not only limited to physical status but can cause significant changes in mental and emotional aspects of the affected individual. Lack of sleep has been proved to cause several health-related issues including; the person becomes easily irritated, has temper fluctuations, anxious and even have depressant tendencies. In the long run, this degrades an individual’s quality of living and his/her potential to develop mental problems.
These problems can however be solved through the consistent use of a PAP device for its effectiveness in improving sleep and overall health. Most of the chronic users state that it helps them feel less moody, more focused with the improved brain function.
5. Reduction of Morbidity Related with Unaddressed Sleep Apnea
If left untreated sleep apnea can cause other dangerous health issues related to obesity and diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Besides, sleep apnea is treated in the long term by PAP devices which also protect from such health consequences. PAP therapy regulates the oxygen level in the body and has positive impact on the metabolic rate of body, and hence a better prognosis.
6. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
Even though some people may think about the non-recurring expenses as too high, the cost of PAP device can be reduced in the long term, as PAP therapy is proved to be cost-effective. Living a healthier and better quality of life from visiting sleep apnea treating doctors will mean that expensive health overhauls, drugs, and frequent doctor visits that may be needed if sleep apnea is left untreated will be eliminated. Additionally, most insurance companies include the PAP devices and the accessories in their cover making it cheaper for the patients to use for sleep apnea treatment.
Conclusion
This and many more are some of the benefits that come with buying a PAP device and the commitment of using it in the long run. Fluency usage of PAP device beneficial impacts on your quality of life through minimising fatigue, cardiovascular disease, mood, and life-threatening conditions. If one has been identified as having obstructive sleep apnea, PAP therapy is a potent weapon to fighting the disease and improving one’s quality of life and life span. By accepting that PAP therapy offers more long-term advantages, you can change for the better your sleep and your quality of life.
