As a provider of sleep apnea masks, we are well aware of the dangers that often accompany heavy snoring. Of course, not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea – but this potentially deadly disorder is frequently characterized by loud snoring.
Sleep apnea affects over 30 million Americans and occurs when too little air reaches the lungs during sleep. Many of these individuals can turn their lives around by using a CPAP mask, which is the number one treatment for sleep apnea. Those with sleep apnea are not only at higher risk for heart disease but also face increased chances of traffic accidents, obesity, respiratory complications, and other life-threatening conditions.
Snoring Can Kill!!: Discover How Sleep Apnea Can Be Ruining Your Life
CPAP PRO® was founded by an apnea sufferer, Joe Goldstein, who is also the author of Snoring Can Kill!!: Discover How Sleep Apnea Can Be Ruining Your Life. This 56-page book outlines the many dangers associated with sleep apnea. Goldstein explains that as many as 8 in 10 cases go undiagnosed, significantly increasing the risks of complications. A survey presented by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that 87% of snorers also suffer from sleep apnea. Up to 30% of Americans are habitual snorers, placing them at potential risk.
So how can you know if you have sleep apnea? While loud snoring is a common symptom, others include frequent daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, morning headaches, restless sleep, difficulty concentrating, and even sexual or erectile dysfunction.
Can You Die From Snoring?
Many individuals who receive sleep apnea masks from our company were diagnosed after experiencing loud, persistent snoring. If you snore heavily – so much that it disrupts your partner’s sleep or leads to separate bedrooms – you could be one of the nearly 20 million Americans suffering from apnea. The risk is even higher if you also experience extreme daytime sleepiness or difficulty sleeping through the night.
The good news is that a CPAP mask can effectively manage sleep apnea. In some cases, surgery may also help. If you’ve been diagnosed, lifestyle and dietary changes may be necessary. The need for treatment is especially urgent in individuals with obesity, as apnea often results in poor sleep quality. A study by Dr. Steven Heymsfield at Columbia University involving 18,000 participants found a strong link between insufficient sleep and obesity. Those who slept fewer than four hours per night had a staggering 73% higher likelihood of being overweight.
Our Founder Explains
Joe Goldstein, the inventor of the NoMask and founder of CPAP PRO®, states:
“After being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea about fifteen years ago, I invented the unique no-strap, no-headgear nasal interface — CPAP PRO® — out of necessity. Over the years, I’ve learned a great deal about sleep apnea. I’ve participated in sleep conferences, attended numerous seminars, and been a member of both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. I even wrote Snoring Can Kill, a simple, easy-to-understand book for newly diagnosed apnea sufferers looking for a non-technical explanation of the disorder.”
He continues:
“In spite of all the invaluable knowledge I’ve gained over the years, I must admit – I’ve been an idiot. I’ve neglected to take the one simple step that could have reduced my high CPAP pressure needs, or possibly even eliminated my nightly use of the CPAP mask entirely.”
Goldstein concludes:
“So please, DO AS I SAY… NOT AS I DO! Go on a diet. Reduce your neck size. Lose 5, 10, even 20 pounds and let your doctor evaluate the benefits. So many apnea patients have found that weight loss either eliminates the need for CPAP or significantly lowers required pressures.
Me? I’m an idiot. At 87, I still can’t resist desserts and sweets… But you can!”
Don’t Ignore Your Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring is one of the most prominent indicators that a person may require treatment for sleep apnea, whether through CPAP therapy or surgery. If you are a heavy, frequent snorer, your likelihood of having sleep apnea increases. Left untreated, sleep apnea can be deadly.
A 2008 study published by WebMD found that those with sleep apnea are three times more likely to suffer premature death. Apnea ranks among the top four causes of heart disease – nearly as dangerous as tobacco use. The risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure all double in apnea sufferers.
If you snore loudly or experience repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, you may have a condition requiring immediate medical attention.
The information and procedures described here are based on the personal research and experiences of the author, who is not a physician. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. The author assumes no responsibility for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. All health-related matters should be supervised by a qualified medical professional.
