Recent data suggest that the market for devices used to
diagnose and treat sleep apnea is expected to grow by more than 15 percent in
the next two years. Greater supply of and demand for sleep apnea appliances
can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of the sleep disorder, which can
have fatal consequences if left untreated.
The exact cause of sleep apnea is currently unknown. What is
known is that the disturbances in blood oxygen level stemming from interrupted
breathing during sleep lead to a variety of serious symptoms.
Research shows that some of the major risk factors for
developing sleep apnea are:
- Age: People over 60 are more likely to develop sleep apnea
- Weight: Overweight and obese individuals are at a significantly higher risk of sleep apnea
- Airway obstructions: Nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils, and narrowness of the throat can interrupt the flow of breath during sleep
- Substance use: Alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives can all increase the likelihood of sleep apnea symptoms
If you're at risk for or already have sleep apnea,
appliances for diagnosis and treatment are easy to find. However, many patients
find themselves unable to use certain sleep apnea appliances long-term due to
discomfort and interruptions to sleep.
Before selecting a sleep apnea appliance, consult a
qualified sleep physician who can discuss your options and which one might
benefit you the most. To begin exploring treatment, please contact a sleep doctor in your
area or call 1-866-727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK).