The Power of CPAP Therapy: Steve’s Story
Millions of people all around the world suffer from sleep apnea, causing them to stop breathing while they are asleep. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can seriously affect a person’s health. However, thanks to advances in technology, people with sleep apnea can now access effective treatments to manage the condition.
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which provides a steady stream of air through a mask worn during sleep to maintain a wide airway. In the case of Steve, a 64-year-old retired RAAF veteran, CPAP therapy has dramatically altered his quality of life.
Steve was first diagnosed with sleep apnoea more than 10 years ago, but he initially refused to accept it. He didn’t seek assistance until his wife began shaking him awake in the middle of the night when he had stopped breathing. Steve performed a sleep test after being sent to ResMed, a leading provider of CPAP therapy, and it was discovered that he had an AHI of 96, meaning he stopped breathing almost 100 times an hour.
The diagnosis was a turning point for Steve. He started using a CPAP machine, and the results were almost immediate. “My life totally changed,” Steve says. He no longer suffers from the tiredness, irritability and aggression that had plagued him for years. He now sleeps better and feels more energised during the day.
Steve’s wife has also noticed a big difference. She no longer has to wake him up in the middle of the night to get him breathing again. “It was actually my wife who suggested I go and see somebody,” Steve says. “So when I saw the doctor, he sent me along to ResMed.”
CPAP therapy is a life-changing treatment for people with sleep apnoea, but it can take some getting used to. Steve says it took him a few weeks to get comfortable with the mask and the noise of the machine, but once he did, he hasn’t looked back. “It’s just part of my routine now,” he says. “I can’t imagine going back to the way things were before.”
If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, speak with your doctor to have it diagnosed. If needed, they can refer you to ResMed or a ResMed Authorised Dealer, approved providers of CPAP and bi-level solutions for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
In Australia, ResMed can provide veterans with dependable, supportive care through a network of more than 300 locations and 24/7 support. Their team of experts will guide you through the entire process with in-house consultations, flexible trial programs and guided equipment setup. CPAP therapy can help you live a better life, just like Steve did, so talk to your doctor today.
