Sleep Apnea is a medical diagnosis that affects more that 18 million American adults, and is treated by CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. The nightly CPAP therapy is used to combat sleep apnea in patients who are continuously awaken throughout the night (whether they know it or not) by forcing air through the patient’s airways as they sleep. With the continuous air flow, patients are able to sleep soundly without waking up due to blocked airways causing difficulty breathing. According to Mayo Clinic , there are various risk factors that increase your risk of sleep apnea, including excess weight, your neck circumference, age, sex, and family history among a few. CPAP Therapy and lifestyle improvements including sleep habits help sleep apnea by those affected by it.

While left untreated, sleep apnea can have long-term, severe side effects on the body. However, according to new studies, they show that regular CPAP use has its perks aside from improved breathing. As CPAP allows your brain to actually sleep at night, and recharge – it allows your brain (and body) to function better as a whole.

According to research performed at the University of Chicago, there are approximately 57 million Americans with “pre-diabetes” (those who are at immediate or long term risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes). Their daily lifestyle regimen affects the body (including sleep) are all factors that can push them towards bigger health issues, including sleep apnea and Type 2 diabetes.

Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes

In correlation with the University of Chicago’s research, they also noted a direct relationship between people with sleep apnea and Type 2 Diabetes. The research showed various health factors can be contributed to both conditions. For example, those who find themselves overweight come with a higher risk for developing either sleep apnea or Type 2 Diabetes.

Research also shows that after a good night’s sleep, patients naturally improve their glucose levels with CPAP therapy. This is important for two reasons: 1) it shows that treating sleep apnea can work to reduce Type 2 Diabetes before it even develops, and 2) it shows that failing to treat sleep apnea (even if you don’t know you have it), can increase one’s risk for diabetes.

But Why? The science is there and it does make sense that sleeping soundly creates better over health. A person with sleep apnea who continuously wakes hundreds of times through the night doesn’t have the capability to allow their brain to function at max capacity. When your brain can not function at its peak performance, it doesn’t have the ability to tackle other issues within your body like allowing your pancreas to release the appropriate amount of insulin into the body.

Actions You Should Take

If you think you or someone you know may be at risk for either sleep apnea or Type 2 Diabetes, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about determining factors, tests and preventative treatment options. You can also look into DIY methods like eating better, sleep remedies, etc.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Because sleep apnea consists of waking up several times throughout the night, it's often assumed that people will know exactly if and when sleepers have sleep apnea. However, that's rarely the case. Instead of realizing there is a problem, you fall back asleep immediately, or don't entirely wake up. If you are tired and groggy on a regular basis, have a dry throat and sinuses, snore loudly, can't seem to get a good night's rest (no matter what you try), or have high blood pressure, there is a good chance you might be suffering from sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a sleep professional in order to learn more.

CPAP therapy can be a great way to earn better sleep, and can lessen your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes, whether or not you're already at risk. Consider this researched treatment today for a better approach to your health needs.

How Contour Products Can Help

Starting with the Contour Products CPAP line, the CPAPMax pillow which is perfect for any CPAP, BiPAP or any oxygen therapy. This specialized pillow for sleep apnea patients allows for versatility for CPAP users to maximize their CPAP nightly therapy. The pillow itself allows you to change the height of the pillow, the sleeping surface and has plenty of room to allow full mask wearers to sleep pressure free reducing mask shifting, bruising and pressure. With its 3D Mesh cover and ventilated foam, even with your CPAP apparatus on, the pillow allows air to circulate providing you with a cooler night’s sleep.

While most of our wedges are not typically promoted to reduce sleep apnea, many customers had shared their stories stating just that. With products like the  Folding Wedge, BackMax Body System and the Mattress Genie, sleeping elevated has helped breathing and other respiratory ailments.

What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Wedges and Their Sleep Apnea

“...I ordered a 7-inch Folding Wedge pillow. That turned out to be about ½ the height I needed. So we added 6 inch blocks under the head of the bed. The wedge is not too high for my wife. No need to order the 12-inch pillow. In fact, the combination seems about perfect after adding a pillow below my knees. This cures acid reflux, and neck and back pain from using the pillows. My BASIC monitor gave me a 97% sleep rating for the first time...”

“...In Addition to using a CPAP machine, I had rotator cuff surgery and it was recommending that I use a wedge to aid in getting in and out of bed. I have found that the wedge also helps with sleeping with my CPAP machine. The wedge looks and feels good and I will continue to use it long after my rehabilitation is completed...” – Michael J Shoback

“...I have been blessed with Sleep Apnea so I’ve been using a CPAP machine, for a long time. The CPAP caused a permanent sore throat due to its pumping air down my through all night, and I had a humidifier on it. I’m happy to report that I am no longer using the CPAP, and my sore throat has gone away thanks to the BackMax Body Wedge. I learned, while in the hospital for surgery, that I did not need the CPAP, as long as I elevated my upper torso, and set me legs up for correct circulation using their adjustable hospital bed.

When I got home I was going to get one of those beds. The cost stopped that pursuit. So I tried various combinations of cushions and wedges to try and achieve the same effect. But these arrangements had one big problem – they changed their configurations throughout the night, causing me to constantly wake and reposition them. The only one that didn’t shift was the BackMax Body Wedge. This unit sets me in the correct position – and hold it throughout the night. As a result, I’m getting a full night’s sleep without interruptions. It’s the most comfortable arrangement I’ve had in the past 30 or so years.

Good job Contour! I’m looking forward to mane years of enjoyable sleep! (so is my wife – who no longer has to listen to all that racket the CPAP made)...”

“…I have used a CPAP machine for the last ten years – until it dies. While waiting for a new sleep study diagnosis (again) and a new machine, I was struggling to breathe at night. As soon as the pillow arrived, I was able to sleep well again. I would wake without a headache or a stiff neck from trying to keep traditional pillows in a comfortable alignment. I intend to take it with me on my upcoming vacation. I love it! AND..it does not require any electricity so I can use it anywhere!”

“…I bought the pillow as an attempt to avoid purchasing an expensive power bed frame. I have sleep apnea, and my Doctor insisted I elevate the head of my bed. At over $1000 I balked at the cost. This option has solved my problem. I purchased the longer version of this pillow, and it has worked out perfectly. It is wide and long enough that I feel I am sleeping on an elevated mattress, not just a wedge…” –Greyeagle

“…For me to sleep more than 3 hours is unheard of because of my reflux and sleep apnea. I bought this because I can not wear a mask and my reflux is bad. This was my last chance and I want to thank you so much for finally getting a restful sleep….”

This research was originally printed in an article by Bel Marra Health .