Many of us take a good night’s sleep for granted. We sleep peacefully through the night blissfully unaware that up to 10% of the adult population has their sleep disrupted by repeated episodes of upper airway collapse, otherwise known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.
It is estimated that over 20 million people in the US alone suffer from OSA and worse still, up to 90% of those are undiagnosed. If you, a friend or family member has been diagnosed with OSA, you are not alone, However, you are well on your way to leading a better lifestyle.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common and effective treatment for OSA. It involves applying a gentle air pressure to the airway through either the nose, mouth or both the nose and mouth. This pressure keeps the upper airway continuously open allowing the user to breathe while sleeping, and in doing so provides a good night’s sleep. This therapy has been used to treat OSA sufferers successfully for over 20 years!
The Vigor8™ Lifestyle Program, brought to you by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, is a helpful educational resource and web-tool for those who live with OSA and those who support and care for them. www.vigor8.com is the home of a comprehensive collection of support materials and tools for living and sleeping well. Visit the site to learn more.