Why I Think CPAP Is Easy

In my article, Taking Sleep Apnea Seriously, I made the following comment:  We are lucky that there is a relatively easy treatment.

This comment is about receiving a sleep apnea diagnosis. I know there are more difficult treatments, like surgery. I was talking to my sleep specialist about other treatments. He said CPAP therapy is a "good fit" for the majority of sleep apnea patients. When I made that comment above, I was referring to CPAP therapy.

My early struggles with CPAP therapy

If you have read any of my earlier articles, you'll see my early struggles with starting CPAP therapy. The majority of those early struggles for me were due to the fact I was only a teenager. When we are in our late teens or early 20s, we tend to think we know everything.

I want to stress it's never too early to take your health seriously. If you are a younger reader who has received a sleep apnea diagnosis and your sleep specialist has recommended CPAP, don't delay.

Managing other health issues

I have had my share of health issues. I have had cancer and went through 3 rounds of chemotherapy. I also have a form of muscular dystrophy called spinal muscular atrophy. That diagnosis has resulted in multiple operations, and currently, I receive a drug through a lumbar puncture into my spinal cord 3 times a year. Those 2 treatments are not very easy.

It all comes down to the mask

When it comes to CPAP, I feel it's a very easy treatment and therapy. I have mentioned in previous articles that for me, the success of CPAP therapy comes down to the mask. Once you find a comfortable mask, it's really not hard getting used to it. Some masks can feel claustrophobic. However, over my 20+ years of using CPAP, there have been a lot of new masks to choose from.

Putting treatment in perspective

I always just try to put things into perspective. Let's really think about CPAP therapy. There is no surgery needed. There really is nothing invasive involved. It literally involves a machine pushing extra air into your nose so that it keeps your airways open while you are sleeping.

Most CPAP machines are pretty compact, so it doesn't take up a lot of space on your nightstand. Outside of some routine cleaning which typically takes me no more than 5 minutes a few times a week, there is really no other maintenance. The compact size also makes it easy to travel with.

Giving CPAP a fair shot

I know I have repeated this thought quite a bit in my articles – once you get used to CPAP therapy, you won't look back. I'm not going to lie; getting used to wearing a mask does take some getting used to. However, all things considered, it is a really easy process.

I am always trying to encourage everyone to give their CPAP a fair shot. I know everyone is different, but it took me almost a month before I was comfortable using it. When you factor in on all the benefits, a month is not a long time. CPAP can literally save your life.

Do you think CPAP therapy is an easy treatment option? Why or why not? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!