Sleep apnea has 3 different classifications; obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is when your brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control your breathing, while obstructive sleep apnea is when your throat muscles relax and block your airway. Complex apnea is a combination of the other two classifications.
Sleep apnea is when your breathing frequently stops during sleep. There are 2 distinct types of sleep apnea, with a third being a combination of the two.
Central sleep apnea is when your brain fails to send the proper signals to your throat muscles instructing them to breathe. Those at risk of developing this type of apnea are those who have a family history of this type and those who have suffered a brain injury, such as a stroke.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your throat becomes physically obstructed. Your throat can become blocked by swelling tonsils, your tongue, or by excess fat on the body. Those who are overweight or smoke are more likely to develop this type.
Combined sleep apnea occurs when your symptoms stem from both a brain issue and your throat being blocked simultaneously. Genetics and lifestyle habits are a significant factor.
Sleep apnea can take hold in 3 different severities; mild, moderate, and severe. While none of these severities should be left untreated, mild and moderate cases may not require medical treatments.
Being diagnosed is the first step to getting the proper treatment. There are a few tell-tale signs you may have sleep apnea. If you have any of the below, it's time to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
The constant interruption of your sleep can make you tired during the day. You can become more easily irritable or even depressed.
The lack of oxygen reaching your blood can cause high blood pressure. This lack of oxygen can also put a massive amount of strain on your heart.
Snoring occurs when your airway is partially blocked. You may not be able to hear yourself snoring, but your partner or roommates can.
Both types of sleep apnea are treatable. While mild and moderate sleep apnea may only require a few lifestyle changes to see improvement, severe sleep apnea requires medical intervention.
Treating sleep apnea with medicinal treatments is usually reserved for severe sleep apnea or cases that haven't improved with lifestyle changes.
If you have moderate or mild sleep apnea, a change in how you live can help solve this issue.
Snoring is a sign that your airway is at least partially blocked. A blocked airway can lead to many health issues if left untreated. The longer you leave this untreated, the worse it gets.
The short answer is no; a new mattress can't cure your sleep apnea. The good news? It can help—a lot.
One of the most overlooked changes you can make toward improving your sleep apnea continues to be a new, hypoallergenic mattress (with an adjustable base to elevate your body, like a Saatva). A new mattress not only can help you breathe better, but it serves to create a more relaxed, conducive sleep environment.
Devices, surgery, better eating, and a healthier lifestyle all contribute toward improving your sleep apnea. But if you have the money and your mattress's lifespan is teetering on 7+ years, we recommend replacing it.
Saatva is our top pick for the #1 best mattress for Sleep Apnea in 2020! They're a luxury hypoallergenic mattress shipped directly to your door (with full-service white-glove delivery). They have over 50,000 reviews and continue to be one of the most reputable, established brands in the industry (founded in 2009). Check their price, here