Q&A #2 Do CPAP Machines Cure Sleep Apnea?

One night of bad sleep can make you groggy and cranky.

What if that one night was every night? Yikes.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you know how unpleasant life without good sleep can be. We’re all affected by how much--or how little--sleep we get.

Sleep apnea greatly affects all areas of life because it affects your sleep.

So it’s no wonder that you’re wondering whether the CPAP machine that your doctor prescribed can really cure your sleep apnea.

Cure

That’s a hefty word filled with big meaning.

To cure something is a big job.

It means to completely relieve from all symptoms.

In the world of sleep apnea, this means that all manifestations of sleep apnea (loud snoring, gasping for air at night, dry mouth, fatigue, and headaches--to name just a few) would be done.

Gone for good. Forever.

Are CPAP machines the ultimate cure?

Symptom Treatment

This is where it can get tricky. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you have most likely been prescribed a CPAP machine.

These machines can be a miracle for those who have suffered from sleep apnea.

Once, you were snoring logs and imbibing coffee like your life depended on it.

Because let’s be honest, sometimes it did.

Now, with the help of a mask and a machine, you feel human again.

You’re sleeping through the night.

Your spouse isn’t kicking your shins to get the snoring to cease.

Does this mean you are cured?

Not Exactly...

The reason why these positive changes occured are because the CPAP machine is doing its job.

It’s opening your breathing passages as you sleep, allowing your sleep to be uninhibited by the blocked flow of air.

You might be wondering what would happen now if you put your CPAP machine away. Because, after all, the symptoms are gone.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Sadly, according to the Canadian Lung Association, if you were to stop using using your CPAP machine, the symptoms would just come right back.

This machine is an incredible treatment device!

CPAP machines are great tools for treating and relieving your sleep apnea symptoms.

They are not, however, an ultimate “cure” for this sleeping disorder.

What’s the Cure?

If CPAP machines aren’t the cure, then what is? Is there even a for-sure cure out there?

According to the American Sleep Association, there are two possible “cures” for sleep apnea.

Now, these aren’t guaranteed. They may work for one person but not for another.

These two treatments are weight loss and surgery.

However, not everyone who has sleep apnea is dealing with too much weight. Similarly, going through surgery may or may not cure sleep apnea, depending on the results.

Although CPAP machines don’t cure sleep apnea, they are extremely efficient in relieving the symptoms. As in, most of the time, symptoms stop.

This is why CPAP machines are the most popular treatment method for sleep apnea.

They’re good at their job, getting you a good night’s rest.