Who Needs a CPAP Machine?

If you’ve been told you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel tired no matter how much you sleep, you might be wondering: Do I need a CPAP machine?

At Sleep Centers of North Alabama, we help patients every day who are struggling with sleep apnea—often without realizing it. One of the most common and effective treatments for sleep apnea is a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. But who actually needs one?

What Is a CPAP Machine?

A CPAP machine is a device that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep. It’s most commonly prescribed for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep.

Signs You Might Need a CPAP Machine

You may benefit from a CPAP machine if you experience one or more of the following:

• Loud, Chronic Snoring

• Frequent Nighttime Awakenings

• Gasping or Choking During Sleep

• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

• Morning Headaches

• Trouble Concentrating or Memory Issues

• Mood Changes or Irritability

These symptoms are all signs that your breathing may be interrupted during sleep—possibly due to sleep apnea.

Who Needs a CPAP Machine?

The only way to know if you need a CPAP machine is to undergo a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. This study measures your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other important data while you sleep.

At Sleep Centers of North Alabama, we offer both in-lab sleep studies and at-home sleep testing options to fit your comfort and needs.

What Happens If Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?

Sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance—it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, depression, and increased risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness. The good news is that CPAP therapy is a proven, non-invasive way to treat sleep apnea and protect your health.

Next Steps: Do You Need a CPAP?

If you’re experiencing signs of sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed, don’t wait to get the treatment you need. At Sleep Centers of North Alabama, our sleep specialists can help determine if a CPAP machine is right for you—and guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis to CPAP therapy setup.

Interested in scheduling an appointment? Visit our "Contact Us" page to get started, today!