Sleep apnea can lead to a number of health conditions, some of which can include heart disease, premature aging, fatigue, and even diabetes. If you’re a sufferer of sleep apnea, then there’s no doubt that you would want to address your problem with the best modern methods that have been designed to treat your sleep disorder.

In addition to getting a sleeping disorder test to fully diagnose your condition, these are your options for treatment and ongoing management for sleep apnea.

A CPAP Machine following your Sleeping Disorder Test

If you’ve had a home insomnia test or another disorder test that has led to the diagnosis of sleep apnea, then you’re going to need effective treatment to help you get a good night sleep, while preventing other health conditions that can be caused by apnea. One of the most common methods of treatment is a CPAP machine.

CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, and it’s a method that ensures that your airways remain open during sleep. This stops apneas throughout the night while ensuring that you get the right amount of oxygen to ensure a restful sleep.

A CPAP machine works by sending pressurized air through a mask that you will wear while you are sleeping. It can take some time to get used to sleeping with a mask, and your partner might also need to adjust to the sound of the machine. Modern machines have been designed to be quieter and feature masks that are more ergonomic. The small tradeoff that you make in comfort is worth it when you consider that a CPAP machine will allow you to get the best sleep that you’ve had in years.

Mouthpieces for Treating Sleep Apnea

Although CPAP machines are both common and effective, they are not for everyone. Some people simply never get used to the noise or the mask of a CPAP machine and seek alternative treatment methods.

Another solution is the use of special mouthpiece devices, such as mandibular advancement devices. These devices look very similar to sports mouth guards, and they’re designed to reposition the lower jaw during sleep. If you’re a sufferer of sleep apnea, then you probably already know that apnea events are triggered by the obstruction of the airways. A mandibular advancement device prevents apneas from occurring by keeping a passage open at the back of your throat.

Some people simply aren’t suited for CPAP, and that’s why mouthpieces are popular, and they represent the second most popular solution behind the use of a CPAP machine and mask.

Special Apnea Pillows for CPAP Machine Users

Anybody who has had a home insomnia test or sleeping disorder test, and who have later been diagnosed with sleep apnea, will tell you that it can be near impossible to use a CPAP machine with a normal pillow. To get the most out of a CPAP device, without compromising comfort or quality of sleep, many patients choose to use a specialized sleep apnea pillow. Pillows are designed with special contours and cutouts to allow for the use of a CPAP mask, even in a sideways sleeping position. This position can help to prevent the occurrence of apneas during the night, so using a CPAP machine with a special pillow could be thought of as a double treatment

Even for people who aren’t using a CPAP machine, special sleep apnea pillows can be used. Specialist pillows are designed to provide proper posture during sleep, preventing sleeping positions that could lead to the blockage of airways and apneas during the night. Some pillows combine a non-restrictive design along with CPAP mask cutouts, allowing for better neck support as well as compatibility with a breathing mask.

How to Know if You’re Suffering from a Sleeping Disorder

If you’re having trouble sleeping, if you feel fatigued after sleeping for long periods of time, or if your partner or someone else in your home has complained of chronic snoring, then you may be suffering from sleep apnea. The best way to get diagnosed is through the use of specialized medical devices, like those developed at VirtuOx.

We offer a range of sleep apnea and insomnia testing devices, allowing you to get accurate home insomnia tests or sleep apnea tests. Devices measure important vitals such as oxygen saturation, pulse, breathing rate, and even brain waves. Having the convenience of an at-home test will mean that testing is performed in the ideal conditions, allowing for the most accurate results that lead to the right diagnosis.

Browse our range today to view apnea and home insomnia test equipment, and find out how the diagnosis can be much easier with FDA approved home products.