OSA is a debilitating condition in which breathing stops during sleep in intervals that may last from 10 seconds to a minute or longer. This occurs as a result of a collapsed airway preventing air from getting into the lungs. When the brain senses that oxygen has dropped to a dangerous level it signals the body to wake up. Breathing then starts up again, often with a loud snort or choking sound. This cycle may occur 30 times or more an hour or as often as 800 times a night. These frequent disruptions of sound sleep not only result in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day but increases the risk of suffering potentially life-threatening conditions.

Key Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Include:

• Disruptive snoring
• Gasping during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Depression and mood changes
• Impaired thinking and poor memory

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition occurring during sleep where the back of the throat collapses and causes a person to repeatedly stop breathing, affects about 18 million people. It is easily identified and can be treated effectively with continuous positive airway pressure therapy, commonly referred to as CPAP.

Over 50% of Type 2 Diabetes patients suffer from Sleep Apnea, and if left untreated, OSA can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

It is estimated that as many as 20 million Americans suffer from OSA, the majority of whom are undiagnosed. That's because OSA is not easily detected in regular doctor checkups. In fact, it is often a sleeping partner who is first to notice the signs of OSA. Although everyone is susceptible, OSA is more than twice as prevalent in adult males than females and much rare in children.

Other increased risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Diagnosis of hypertension
• Excessive use of alcohol or sedatives
• Upper airway or facial abnormalities
• Smoking
• Family history of OSA
• Large neck circumference
• Endocrine and metabolic disorders

For a select group of patients, a home sleep study may make more sense. Home sleep tests are only used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients meeting the clinical criteria and who are eligible through their insurance coverage, can now choose between having their test done in the laboratory and having it done at home.

If you have Sleep Apnea, Liberty^® is here to help.

• Sleep Testing Assistance
• One-on-One Coaching from Trained Professionals
• Access to Instructional Videos
• Replacement guidelines & Re-Order Reminders

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1-866-836-9930

Untreated sleep apnea is serious. It may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke and may also worsen some heart conditions.

The standard treatment for sleep apnea is positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. PAP therapy is safe, easy, does not involve drugs and can be successful with a nightly treatment application.

• PAP therapy provides a stream of air pressure through your nose using a mask.
• The air pressure keeps your airway open, allowing you to breathe freely while you sleep.
• PAP therapy can alleviate the symptoms of OSA when used as prescribed.

The severity of OSA increases over time. Clinical studies have shown a very clear relationship between OSA and increased risk for other serious, often fatal conditions:

• Heart Failure - Almost half of atrial fibrillation and a third of cardiovascular patients also suffer from OSA
• Heart Attack - OSA is present in 70% of heart attack patients
• Hypertension - Individuals with diagnosed OSA are two to three times more likely to develop hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes - Almost half of those with type 2 diabetes also have OSA
• Stroke - Moderate to severe sleep apnea triples stroke risk in men
• Mortality - Severe sleep apnea raises death risk by 46%
• Traffic Accidents - People with moderate to severe sleep apnea are up to 15 times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident.

Almost half of all people with Type 2 Diabetes also have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Whether you are an existing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patient or have newly diagnosed, Liberty can help you receive the masks and accessories your doctor recommends. With leading brands like Respironics^® and ResMed, and knowledgeable patient service representatives to assist you every step of the way, you're sure to get the quality and fit you need to obtain the maximum benefits of your CPAP therapy.

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and exercising regularly. Doctors say that losing as little as 10 percent of your body weight can reduce moderate sleep apnea by 14 to 26 percent. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) reports that moderate aerobic exercise at least four hours before bedtime improves overall sleep quality.

Avoiding alcohol and sedative medications, as even one glass of wine just before bed can worsen your snoring and sleep apnea. You should avoid drinking alcohol for at least four hours before bed. Alcohol and sedative medications can relax the muscles in your throat which causes sleep apnea, as well as making it harder for your brain to "wake up" come morning.

"Before I started using CPAP I was exhausted all the time, my ability to concentrate was terrible, and my life was adversely affected. The changes after using CPAP were incredible! I had more energy that I've felt in years. I was playing sports again. I had more time for family, my job performance improved and most importantly, my quality of life changed for the better."

- Paul S.

Click below to access the Liberty Sleep Apnea Download Center. Your area to find helpful manufacturers guides, including setup guides and mask fitting guides.

Sleep Apnea Download Center.