Imagine waking up every morning and feeling as though you never slept at all. Throughout your commute and your long day at work, you struggle to stay alert, awake, and focused, however you simply can’t shake the grogginess off despite your best efforts and several cups of coffee. You decide to turn in early in order to catch up on some must needed rest, only to discover the process repeats itself all over again when you wake up the next morning.

This is often the ship that the 18 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea find themselves in. Considered a potentially deadly medical condition, sleep apnea causes a person’s breathing to repeatedly stop for periods of time while they sleep. Apneas, or periods of non-breathing, can last upwards of several moments to a few seconds, and can occur as many as 60 times in a single hour. Often times, sleep apnea sufferers are unaware they even suffer from the disease, and may go undiagnosed for long periods of time.

Undiagnosed sleep apnea poses several serious medical threats, including a significantly increases risk of heart disease and stroke. A sleep apnea diagnosis typically involves spending the night a treatment facility, though a home sleep test fr sleep apnea may also help sufferers determine if they have the condition.

While sleep apnea has been linked to many serious and potentially fatal medical conditions, there are several available treatment options that make living with the condition manageable. BIPAP machines and CPAP machines for sale are two of the most common sleep apnea treatments, and are known to be highly effective.

BIPAP and CPAP machines are supply a continuous supply of air through BIPAP and CPAP masks respectively. This allows the sufferer to breathe clearly throughout the time they are asleep. Full face CPAP masks can be worn, however, many people find nasal pillows to be more comfortable and easier to wear. Nasal pillows are just as effective as full face CPAP masks in treating sleep apnea, but are only worn over the nose.