Living with a partner who has symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be a difficult proposition. At night, their snoring and gasping for air can keep you awake, and the restless shifting from position to position can prevent you from sleeping. During the day their fatigue may prevent them from being able to help out at home. However, talking with your partner about getting a sleep study done is the first step toward both of you sleeping all night and waking up in the morning feeling refreshed.
CPAP machines allow for a quieter, better night's sleep for your partner and you.
In the event that your partner is diagnosed with sleep apnea, it will mean that there will be some changes in your lives. Most notably, your partner will have to wear a CPAP mask and receive their therapy while they are sleeping. But what does this mean for you? Will you be able to sleep with their machine going?
Most CPAP machines are between 28-32 decibels, or little more than a whisper in a library, as compared to the 70-90 decibels most snoring is at. In various help forums for those with sleep apnea, the sound has been described by their partners as something similar to your house’s air conditioning system or a fan in the room. Complete silence may be a lot to ask for, but it’s easier for you deal with minimal noise when you know that your partner is breathing safer and at a normal rate.
If there is a problem with noise, it will most likely be from a leaking mask, but the fix is rather simple. Simply wake your partner and have them adjust the straps on the back of their mask, as that will more than likely take care of the noise.
A rested body is one that is capable of taking on life’s tasks with zeal, but your body begins to suffer letdowns if you’re continually getting less sleep than you should. If your partner’s snoring or restlessness at night is resulting in both of you being fatigued during the day, call Juro’s Medical for a sleep apnea screening. Our respiratory technicians will forward the results of your screening to your doctor with your risk rating. Once a diagnosis is established, they can help work with them in their treatment so that you both can get a better night’s sleep.
