Did you know that even if you're using your CPAP machine every night, you might not be getting the most out of your sleep apnea therapy? Without proper cleaning and scheduled replacement of your CPAP mask parts, you might not be getting optimal results. Here are the top three reasons you should be regularly replacing your CPAP supplies.
1. Sleep better and longer
You may be sleeping better since you started CPAP therapy, but if your mask parts are wearing down, you probably aren't sleeping as well as you could. A recent survey showed that 7 out of 10 people who frequently replace their CPAP mask parts said they got a better night's sleep after replacement. They also sleep an average 24 minutes long each night. A higher percentage of frequent replacers also said they use their CPAP every night compared to those who wait a year or more to replace their mask parts.
2. Have more energy to exercise
Getting plenty of exercise is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle, but if you're not getting enough sleep, you may be too tired to head over to the gym. People who frequently replace their CPAP supplies report that they're nearly twice as likely to exercise 2 or more days a week.
3. Feel better overall
When you started your sleep apnea therapy, you might have noticed you had more energy to do the things you love, but if you've noticed that energy fading over time, it may be that you need to replace your supplies. People who regularly replace their CPAP mask parts report having a significantly higher quality of life than those who wait a year or more for replacement parts. Specifically, they've noted that they have:
- A better relationship with their spouse or significant other
- A happy job life
- Greater satisfaction with their physical appearance
- More daytime energy
- More often pleased with “life as a whole”