Similar to servicing and maintenance of the air conditioner a product that you use daily, you should probably adopt the same habit of maintaining your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks, especially replacing the mask and other parts regularly to get the most from sleep apnea therapy. 7 out of 10 people state that they get a better night’s sleep with comfortable and effective therapy after they replace their CPAP supplies. Nonetheless, it is easier said than done especially dealing with daily busy work and life schedule including other common top 4 barriers such as cost, do not see the need to, laziness, and forgetting about it.
35%of CPAP users feedback that the main reason why they do not replace their CPAP supplies more often is due to the cost that their insurance does not cover the replacement that frequently or their copayment is too high. Cost may be a factor but untreated sleep apnea increase the risk for other serious health conditions such as hypertension and heart failure that leads to greater costs in the long run.
27%of the CPAP users do not see the need to replace as per recommended replacement schedule as they believe that the supplies can last longer but everyone’s type of supplies like the type of mask, usage, and surrounding environment is different which affects the lifespan of the CPAP supplies and it varies. For example, oil and particles from the face are not noticeable but wear down the CPAP mask and the filters can be clogged due to dust and allergens that affect the comfort and seal of the mask including the effectiveness of the therapy. It is wiser to consider a more frequent replacement schedule or as recommended to see the difference over time in terms of how long one can sleep and how refreshed one feels the next day.
10%of the CPAP users are too lazy to replace their CPAP masks so this group of people can consider a resupply program with the manufacturer or medical equipment supplier that is online making it easier with just a few clicks away to request the CPAP supplies. Lastly, 8% of the CPAP users do not remember to replace their CPAP equipment and they can ride on the resupply program too that automatically outreach to users via a call, text message, or email to remind the user when it is eligible to request new supplies.
If you suspect that you might be at risk or have sleep apnea and or allergies, it is important to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis early and the underlying issue of the cause of sleep apnea. Depending on your financial situation and sleep apnea condition, the doctor will work through with you the type of sleep apnea test in the comfort of your home or an in-lab sleep test todetermine the precise nature of your condition to avoid any long-term issues. Besides most insurance companies now pay for sleep testing and CPAP treatment, early intervention with a sleep apnea device can stop snoring or one can a sleep apnea CPAP trial from the equipment supplier or distributor that distributes a range of sleep apnea devices for a better quality of sleep and healthier overall well-being.
The Air Station
