While few people are familiar with what sleep apnea is, it’s condition that affects nearly 18 million Americans. In fact, two to four percent of all Americans suffer from an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea. This figure accounts for an estimated one in 50 individuals who are undiagnosed.

Sleep apnea is described as a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops momentarily before starting up again. If left untreated, those who suffer from sleep apnea face a four times higher risk of stroke than those who are not afflicted. In addition, untreated sleep apnea sufferers are nearly three times as likely to have heart disease.

In addition, according to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, it’s estimated that approximately 38,000 deaths occur on an annual basis that related to cardiovascular problems that in one way or another can be linked to sleep apnea, which means receiving an official diagnosis and using treatment such as the best CPAP masks are of the utmost importance.

On the average night’s sleep, a sufferer of obstructive sleep apnea may experience 60 apneas per hour. However, sleep apnea masks, such as the best CPAP masks, are highly affective in reducing the number of sleep apnea episodes per hour. Not only can they lead to a better night sleep, but they can also improve one’s overall health.

Unfortunately, less than 50% of sleep apnea sufferers regularly use their CPAP mark while sleeping. A common patient complaint is that the mask — which is designed to open the upper airway with pressurized air via a tube — is awkward or uncomfortable to wear, causing feelings of claustrophobia.

While the exact sleep apnea causes remain unknown, doctors and sleep apnea specialist agree there are several factors that may contribute to causing or worsening sleep apnea. For example, many people who suffer from obesity also have sleep apnea.