Should I Start using CPAP?

I’m almost always going to say YES! Here are some of the reasons I’ll use to talk someone into using CPAP when needed.

Improved Sleep Quality: CPAP therapy helps maintain a consistent oxygen flow, ensuring uninterrupted sleep cycles, and allowing for deep, restorative rest. I know some of you are thinking. How is that possible when I’m waking up all night to play with it? We will cover this shortly.
Reduced Health Risks: CPAP therapy lowers the risk of associated health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Untreated OSA can also lead to cognitive decline as you age.
Enhanced Daytime Functioning: Restful sleep obtained through CPAP therapy leads to increased energy levels, improved concentration, and enhanced mood during waking hours.
Better Overall Health: Adequate and uninterrupted sleep is crucial for the body’s healing and repair processes. CPAP therapy supports overall health and well-being.

There are times when I say NO CPAP

There have been times when someone is sitting in front of me and I’ll tell them nope I’m not giving them a CPAP and have a nice rest of your life. As you can imagine they’re a bit surprised. Especially when their doctor has sent them my way to help them use cpap. However, I like to look at the bigger picture. It’s my job to make you healthier and not sell something that will be put in the closet. Wasting time or money is not part of my mission.

Why did I take it away?

When I hear “I’ll give it a TRY”, it’s like waving a red flag in front of a bull. At this time I quote the famous guru of all time Yoda, “Do or do not. There is no try”.

Wanting to make a change in habit is a mental and emotional thing. It might feel physical at the time but it’s not. While deciding to use cpap because your doctor scared you, will get in my door. It will not usually carry you through the first few months of getting used to it. You need to decide why or who are you using it for. So this takes us back to the question should you start using PAP therapy? These are some of the reasons I’ve heard, you decide.

You are concerned about how you look at night in the dark. I have always been very surprised every time I hear this one. From cute old ladies who are still wearing curlers in their hair to folks who are trying to look sexy for their bed partner. I don’t know about you but snoring is not sexy. And besides all organs need oxygen to work, and that’s sexy. Again you are asleep and hopefully so is your spouse.
Nervous about having something on your face while trying to sleep? This is a real concern and I understand it. We cover more about this one in another blog.
You don’t like cleaning anything, it’s just one more thing you have to do in the morning. It’s 2 minutes in the morning while you’re brushing your teeth. This keeps both your body and wallet healthy.
It goes with you on vacations. You can invest in small travel units or use a mouthpiece during short vacations. Back before solar, I had a patient who loaded up his donkey with motorcycle batteries and was off for several months at a time. I don’t know about you but vacations are expensive, I’d rather have the energy to enjoy them and not waste money sitting around.
I just don’t care what may happen in the future, I may not have a stroke or heart attack. To me, this is just selfish. You are hoping that you have no health consequences of untreated sleep issues. You forcing the people who care about you to take care of you when you are older and groucher. Not nice.
I can’t afford it. It’s pay now or pay later. The cost of poor lifestyle choices is always more expensive when you’re older. Wouldn’t you rather have the energy and health to enjoy now?

Have any of these crossed your mind? Most likely. They are just excuses. So back to the question should you use PAP therapy? My answer is always yes because, for every problem you can come up with, I can find its solution. They are only stepping stones you come across on your journey to health.

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay