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Star Power: Professional Athletes with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can impact anyone at any age, including professional athletes.

Most people believe sleep apnea is a disorder that impacts people that are elderly, overweight, and out of shape. While statistics show that people fitting this description are the most likely to deal with the effects of sleep apnea, this is a disorder that can impact anyone, at any time.

And we mean anyone, even professional athletes. In recent years, we’ve seen several professional athletes, who are in top physical condition, share their sleep apnea stories. Today, CPAPCentral.com wants to share the stories of three pro athletes with you.

Percy Harvin

Most people know Percy Harvin as the electric wide receiver who has had a very successful NFL career. He’s been a Super Bowl champion and was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2009. But Harvin also has sleep apnea. His diagnosis came after he collapsed during practice in 2010. Tests revealed Harvin had sleep apnea, and his treatment helped him deal with migraine headaches that had plagued him since childhood.

Mike Napoli

Mike Napoli didn’t share his diagnosis with the public until October of 2014, but he said it’s an issue that he’s been dealing with throughout his career. His announcement included the revelation that he was planning to have surgery to help deal with his condition after treatment methods like CPAP machines, medication, and mouth pieces hadn’t helped. Despite dealing with sleep apnea, Napoli is a Major League Baseball All-Star and World Series Champion.

Anthony Bennett

Now playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Bennett was the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2013 NBA draft after starring as a forward at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Bennett had surgery to help treat his sleep apnea after experiencing breathing problems that affected his ability to properly train and recover.

As a disorder that can impact anyone at any time, millions of Americans deal with sleep apnea every night. You may not be a professional athlete, but we want you to know that you’re not alone in your management of sleep apnea. CPAPCentral.com is here to help treat your sleep apnea. Contact us to learn more about the CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and humidifiers that we offer.

Seeing the Signs: Recognizing Sleep Apnea Signs

Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is important to diagnosing the condition.

There are millions of Americans that have been diagnosed with various forms of sleep apnea, but millions more are unaware that they are dealing with sleep apnea’s effects. CPAPCentral.com believes it is important for you to recognize the signs of sleep apnea so you are able to get the help and treatment you need to treat your specific case of sleep apnea.

If you find yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your doctor, as these symptoms can have a profound impact on your health.

Excessive daytime sleepiness: Going to sleep at night is supposed to help refresh you and give you renewed energy for the next day. But for people with sleep apnea, that’s not the case. If you find yourself feeling tired when you wake up in the morning after a full night’s sleep, or if you are unable to concentrate at work because you’re so tired, it could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Waking up feeling short of breath: Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common forms of the disorder, a form that causes your throat muscles to relax when you’re asleep. This forces your airway to close. If you wake up suddenly and you feel out of breath, it’s a serious sign and you need to consult your physician immediately.
Loud snoring: When most people think of sleep apnea, the first thing that comes to mind is someone snoring loudly. Not all people with sleep apnea snore, but it is a strong indicator. Loud snoring, especially if it is accompanied by a gasping sound or a brief pause in breathing, can be a sign that you have sleep apnea.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here to help you sleep better. With CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other accessories, we can help you breath easier and get a quality night’s sleep.

Symptoms of Juvenile Sleep Apnea

Children can have sleep apnea too; learn more about juvenile sleep apnea below.

If someone mentions sleep apnea, what is the first image that comes to mind? A heavy set, older gentleman with a thick neck? Statistically, this segment of people are the most likely to be affected by sleep apnea, however they are not the only ones living with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans including men, women, and children.

While sleep apnea is most prevalent among adults, CPAPCentral.com wants to raise awareness of sleep apnea in children. It is estimated that between 1 and 4 percent of children face the effects of juvenile sleep apnea. That may not sound like a large number. However, approximately 18 million Americans have been diagnosed with the sleep apnea, which means between 180,000 and 720,000 children are affected by juvenile sleep apnea.

Untreated Juvenile Sleep Apnea can Spark Other Issues

Juvenile sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to other issues like slowed growth and development, sleep walking, bed wetting, difficulty with attention, and trouble learning from lack of sleep. CPAPCentral.com encourages you to monitor your child’s sleeping patterns just as you would their daily activities, especially if their snoring is accompanied with gasping. Other symptoms of juvenile sleep apnea include sleeping in unusual positions, day-time sleepiness, and labored breathing while sleeping. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should talk with your family doctor.

Treatment Options for Juvenile Sleep Apnea

The most common type of sleep apnea in both children and adults is obstructive sleep apnea. For children, treatment options often require a surgical procedure to remove the child’s tonsils and adenoids, another form of tonsils which typically eliminates most of the sleep apnea issues. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, this surgery procedure can eliminate the problem between 70 and 90 percent of the time in uncomplicated cases.

If you feel your child has juvenile sleep apnea, talk with your doctor. If surgery is not necessary for your child or your doctor wishes to use sleep apnea treatment with CPAP therapy, contact the CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com to see how we can help!

Treat Sleep Apnea for a Healthy Heart

Keep your heart healthy by treating sleep apnea.

Heart disease risks spike in people with untreated sleep apnea, discover the relationship below.

A good night’s sleep is imperative for a healthy body and positive outlook. How much of an impact does untreated sleep apnea have on heart disease? More than you may have expected! CPAPCentral.com investigates the true story behind the connection between sleep apnea and heart disease.

The Link between Sleep Apnea & Heart Disease

People with untreated sleep apnea tend to have an increased risk for heart disease. The estimates are shocking, with risk increasing up to 80 percent in individuals whose blood oxygen saturation was at or below 78 percent, according to a study funded by U.S. National Institutes of Health.

How are Oxygen Saturation and Sleep Apnea Linked?

To accurately explain this question, we first need to explain oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation is the measurement of how much oxygen your blood is carrying at any given time. The average person has an oxygen saturation level in the range of 95 to 100 percent.

Sleep apnea has a tendency to starve you of oxygen. In most cases, obstructive sleep apnea restricts breathing during sleep when the muscles of the throat relax. The restriction causes your body to react like it is drowning. What you may not realize is during the time you cannot breathe, your body is using the oxygen in your blood faster than it can be replenished. The longer you go without breathing and replenishing the oxygen, the lower your oxygen saturation, and the higher your risk for heart disease and other health concerns.

Get Pumped to Maintain a Healthy Heart

CPAPCentral.com challenges you to get better sleep and tell your friends about sleep apnea! Try some simple activities to increase your quality of sleep such as increasing how often you exercise, reducing caffeine before bed, and monitoring your sleep. You may need assistance with monitoring your sleep, but if you know that you snore or wake up gasping, you should consult your doctor.

CPAPCentral.com encourages you to be proactive with your health because after all, you are the one who gets to enjoy it! If you have any questions about sleep apnea therapy, CPAP machines or CPAP masks, contact the CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com.

When Should I Tell My Date about My Sleep Apnea

Tips for telling your date about sleep apnea therapy

Tips for mentioning sleep apnea therapy to a date.

When thinking about romance, most people would not consider their sleep apnea therapy a hot topic. In this respect, some questions still remain and often can go unanswered about dating and sleep apnea just like Unsure CPAP User’s question below:

“I use a CPAP to treat my sleep apnea…when should I tell my date about it? Sincerely, Unsure CPAP User”

Dear Unsure CPAP User,

First off, do not be ashamed of your sleep apnea therapy. Sleep apnea is more common than you may think! Taking measures to stay healthy with better sleep and less snoring is a great demonstration of self-respect.

Should you bring up sleep apnea in your first date? While we don’t think this is a great first date subject, CPAPCentral.com reminds you to be honest on your first date. If your date brings up a CPAP or asks about your medical history, be honest with them. Keep in mind, this typically does not come up on the first date, so you should be fine!

If not on the first date, then when should you bring sleep apnea up? How long you wait to tell your date is purely up to you. If you suspect an overnight date soon in the future, stating to your date that you use sleep apnea therapy may be a good idea. Until then, you don’t have to talk about it if you’re uncomfortable. After all, the best part of dating is discovering new things about your partner!

How should you bring up your sleep apnea therapy? One technique you could use is similar to ripping off a bandage; get it out in the open. Spicing it up a little and adding some humor can help. Overall, be yourself about it and reassure your date that your sleep apnea therapy is not a big deal. You could also explain how the sleep apnea therapy has improved your sleep and made you a better bed partner, for example, less loud snoring as well as explaining how it helps to keep you healthy.

Overall, your date may not be as surprised as you may expect. If you don’t make a big deal about the matter, your date probably won’t either. If you have any questions about attractive CPAP masks or the smallest CPAP machine, contact CPAPCentral.com at 877-628-0445.

Good Luck Unsure CPAP User!

The CPAP Experts at CPAPCentral.com

Top CPAP Mask Leak Causes & Solutions

Try these simple tips to fix CPAP mask leaks from CPAPCentral.com.

CPAP mask air leaks are among the most common complaints by CPAP users. Have you noticed sleep disruptions, loss of air pressure, or strange noises from your CPAP masks? These are a few common signs that can alert you to air leaks. If you are experiencing these signs, CPAPCentral.com can help fix your leak!

CPAPCentral.com has found there are several different causes of CPAP air leaks. Check out these Top CPAP mask leak causes and discover how to solve the problem yourself:

Top CPAP Mask Leak Causes

CPAP machine pressure is too high
Wrong size CPAP Mask
CPAP mask not sitting properly
You are an active sleeper
Wrong CPAP mask for facial structure
Old CPAP mask

Top CPAP Mask Leak Solutions

Adjust your CPAP mask straps, but be sure not to over-tighten them!
Keep your CPAP mask clean. Wash DAILY!
Adjust your CPAP mask while lying down. The position of the mask can change and make gaps that were not there when standing up.
Try a different style CPAP mask. Depending on your sleeping style, a new mask may be necessary to get the best performance without leaks while you sleep. If you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, a full face mask will work better.
Many CPAP machines offer a ramp feature that slowly increases the air pressure. If you are experiencing increased air leaks as your pressure increases, consider checking with your doctor about reducing your air pressure.
com carries a wide variety of CPAP masks and machines. Call our CPAP experts at 877-628-0445 to discuss which CPAP mask may work better for your sleep style and face shape.

We hope these tips help. If you are still having trouble with air leaks, call CPAPCentral.com today at 877-628-0445 to explore different CPAP mask and machine options for your sleep apnea therapy.

How to Talk to a Loved One About a Sleep Disorder

Tips for talking with a loved one about sleep disorder symptoms.

Does your bed partner keep you up at night with their snoring or gasping for air? Are you concerned about their excessive daytime fatigue? Do you suspect they may have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea? If so, you are not alone and you may be losing sleep as well. Starting a conversation about a potential sleep disorder can be difficult, but CPAPCentral.com has some tips to help.

Be Honest – We recommend being honest through an open conversation about what you are seeing and hearing, as well as your feelings and concerns about the problem.

Provide Proof – For some people, it is hard to believe something without seeing it. Taking a video or audio recording of a loved one during sleep may be the proof they need to be compelled to schedule a sleep test. This recording may also be helpful when talking with a doctor about their sleep concerns.

Listen to the Doctor – Sleep disorders typically need medical consultation to accurately identify and address the root of the disorder. Discourage your loved one from using online forums for the do-it-yourselfer as every person’s situation is different. Have them talk with their doctor or sleep specialist to fully understand their situation. Encourage your loved one to follow the doctor’s orders and remind them it will take persistence, so don’t give up!

Suggest Apnea-Reducing Habits – In addition to doctor’s assistance and diagnosis, encourage your loved one to follow apnea-reducing habits such as weight loss, sleeping on their side, avoiding alcohol, and avoiding drugs that relax the body. These habits can help improve their sleep, especially if they have sleep apnea.

Be Patient – Remind your loved one that a sleep disorder may take time to control and therapies, such as CPAP therapy, may require time to allow them to adjust to the equipment and routine. It is important to be supportive of your loved one every step along the way. The goal is to help them succeed.

Starting a conversation could be hard, however with these tips, CPAPCentral.com is confident you can be adequately prepared for your discussion. We ultimately want to help everyone sleep better. If your loved one is diagnosed with sleep apnea, call CPAPCentral.com at 877-630-7386. We can walk them through selecting a CPAP machine and CPAP mask that fits their lifestyle.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Therapy

Improving your sleep through sleep apnea therapy

Do you know the benefits of sleep apnea therapy?

You may have heard about the risks of untreated obstructive sleep apnea, but what benefits come with sleep apnea therapy? CPAPCentral.com sheds some light these benefits.

Snoring has been associated with sleep apnea; however snoring is not necessarily present in all cases. A few other symptoms of sleep apnea include insomnia, fatigue, pauses in breathing, waking up gasping for air, and memory problems. What do these symptoms have to do with the benefits sleep apnea therapy? The quick answer: obstructive sleep apnea affects your quality of sleep and taxes your body making daily tasks harder. Sleep apnea therapy reverses these affects and improves your quality of life. See the benefits in more detail below:

BETTER SLEEP with Sleep Apnea Therapy

Sleep apnea interrupts your sleep, sometimes mildly and other times you are completely woken up. With effective sleep apnea therapy, most of your sleep disruptions are reduced significantly allowing you to sleep longer and deeper.

INCREASED QUALITY OF LIFE with Sleep Apnea Therapy

Sleep apnea therapy can improve your quality of life through a better nights’ sleep. People starting sleep apnea therapy feel more energetic and rested, especially if they experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. In addition, your bed partner may sleep better too because distractions from your sleeping, such as snoring and gasping, typically are reduced significantly.

BETTER HEALTH with Sleep Apnea Therapy

Effective sleep apnea therapy can positively affect your overall health. Cardiovascular and heart disease risks typically decrease significantly with sleep apnea therapy, as do the risks for hypertension, stroke, and even diabetes.

Overall, effective sleep apnea therapy can dramatically improve your quality of sleep, quality of life and lower health risks. If you or a loved one show signs of obstructive sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com highly encourages you to talk to your doctor. With all these benefits, why would you resist?

If diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, contact CPAPCentral.com today to select a CPAP machine and mask to fit your lifestyle!

Unexpected Effects of Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can trigger these unexpected side-effects.

When you think of obstructive sleep apnea, you may think of sleep deprivation, waking up during the night, and loud snoring. But did you know depression is common in people with untreated obstructive sleep apnea?

CPAPCentral.com cares about you and wants you to avoid depression and other side-effects of untreated sleep apnea. If you suspect that you or someone you know has a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, we encourage you to talk with your doctor about scheduling a sleep test. See more unexpected effects of untreated obstructive sleep apnea below:

DEPRESSION and Sleep Apnea

Depression is common in people with untreated obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, the depression is treated before noticing the individual has sleep apnea. If you are living with depression, talk with your doctor and be sure to explain your sleeping habits and mention obstructive sleep apnea.

MEMORY PROBLEMS with Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can also trigger memory problems such as difficulty concentrating, amnesia, and even slow reaction times. Memory and attention problems can be embarrassing while at work or with family, but they should be taken seriously.

FAMILY IMPACT of Sleep Apnea

You may not realize it, but obstructive sleep apnea may be affecting your family and friends. People with obstructive sleep apnea are less likely to participate in social events such as meeting up with friends or spending time with family. Obstructive sleep apnea can be bothering your spouse as well. Loud snoring or gasping for air could be keeping them awake.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, as well as the other common symptoms of sleep apnea, it may be time to seek medical advice. If you have similar concerns about a loved one, mention it to them and recommend they visit with their doctor. If diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact CPAPCentral.com to find all of your sleep apnea therapy equipment including auto CPAP machines, CPAP masks and CPAP cleaning supplies.

Kick off the New Year Fully Rested

Tips to help you settle into a healthy sleep routine and feel fully rested.

As 2015 gets into full swing, CPAPCentral.com encourages you to review your pre-sleep routine and use these tips to kick off the New Year fully rested!

For some people, restful sleep comes naturally. However, for others, restful sleep seems more like a wishful dream. Sleep is an important part of our daily routine, and if our body does not get enough sleep, we tend to feel the effects the next morning. What you may not know is losing sleep over a long period of time can also increase risks for disorders like depression, chronic stress, and cognitive impairment among others. CPAPCentral.com offers the following tips to find a full year of restful sleep!

Fully Rested Tip #1: Have consistent sleep times: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can help condition your body for consistent sleep patterns. Having a natural sleep pattern can provide better sleep, and a more alert morning.

Fully Rested Tip #2: Wake up with the sun: Natural sunlight or a bright light in the morning can help keep your circadian rhythms on track. Also, limit your exposure to bright light in the evening.

Fully Rested Tip #3: Exercise regularly: Exercising helps to burn excess energy as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Be careful though, exercising too close to bedtime can actually make sleep more difficult.

Fully Rested Tip #4: Assess your bedroom: Ensure your sleeping environment is cool, dark, and free from any disrupting noises. If you notice any other distractions, such as a bed partner’s snoring, you may want to consider consistent noise from a fan, humidifier, or “white noise” machine. Keep in mind snoring can be part of sleep apnea. If your bed partner’s breathing is not consistent, advise them to see a doctor or visit a sleep lab for sleep apnea screening.

Better sleep may help with your 2015 New Year’s resolutions by giving you a better outlook and more energy! If you try all of these tips and your sleep has not improved, consult your doctor as additional conditions like sleep apnea may be affecting your sleep. If diagnosed with sleep apnea, visit CPAPCentral.com to browse our selection of CPAP machines and CPAP masks or Live Chat with one of our CPAP Experts for additional advice.