Sleep Apnea Myths Busted: What You Need to Know

June 05, 2025

Sleep Apnea Myths Busted

Have you heard the popular myth that loud snoring is just a sign of deep sleep? It could actually be the soundtrack to a silent battle against a potentially life-threatening condition – sleep apnea. As we unravel the truth behind this misconception, you’ll discover a world where a simple device called CPAP therapy holds the power to transform lives.

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Sleep Apnea Myths Busted

Have you heard the popular myth that loud snoring is just a sign of deep sleep? It could actually be the soundtrack to a silent battle against a potentially life-threatening condition – sleep apnea. As we unravel the truth behind this misconception, you’ll discover a world where a simple device called CPAP therapy holds the power to transform lives.

1. Sleep apnea is a serious condition.

FACT:

Sleep apnea is a serious condition.

Sleep apnea that isn’t diagnosed or treated properly can contribute to potentially life-threatening risks¹ such as:

Heart complications
Strokes
Traffic accidents

In fact, one study found that those with untreated sleep apnea had triple the risk of death than those without it.² Healthy individuals can even develop medical issues due to sleep apnea.³ Alejandro D. Chediak, MD, said, “We’re worried about your heart and your brain health because we know that if we don’t do a good job controlling the sleep apnea and the lack of oxygen, we see more heart attacks and more strokes.”⁴

A person examining a heart model with a magnifying glass.

Worried about the cost of sleep therapy?

Your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0. Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:

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Couple in bed looking at iPad and smiling with man wearing AirFit P10 CPAP mask

2. CPAP machines are uncomfortable and loud.

MYTH:

CPAPs are uncomfortable and loud.

ResMed is one of the leading CPAP brands due to their advanced technology, helping millions of people get a good night’s rest.⁵ It’s no wonder their CPAP devices are favored, with features that make it easy to both start and adhere to CPAP:

Auto-titration: adjusts your pressure as you sleep on a breath-by-breath basis
Whisper quiet: CPAP users and their bed partners can both sleep peacefully
Advanced comfort features: humidifiers and heated tubes ensure you don’t dry out

Get ResMed’s latest model, the AirSense 11, for just $399 down and 0% APR!

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3. Anyone can have sleep apnea.

FACT:

Anyone can have sleep apnea.

While the risk for obstructive sleep apnea does increase with age, anyone can be affected by it. Researchers approximate that the portion of Americans affected are 26% of adults between 30-70 years old⁶ and 1-5% of children⁷. The myth that only older adults have sleep apnea can be harmful, preventing younger individuals from getting properly screened. While snoring is the biggest indicator of sleep apnea, other symptoms⁸ include:

Waking up choking, gasping, or dizzy
Restless sleep, insomnia, or nightmares
Morning headaches or daytime fatigue

About 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but only 6 million are diagnosed with the condition.⁴ If you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, it’s best to get tested sooner than later.

Experience the Easy Sleep Test in the comfort of your own home!

Woman in pajamas happily holding a CPAP machine in bed.

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4. Losing weight alone can cure sleep apnea.

MYTH:

Losing weight can cure sleep apnea.

While it can alleviate the symptoms and severity of obstructive sleep apnea, weight loss is not a cure.⁹ Other factors¹⁰ besides obesity contribute to the risk of sleep apnea:

Health issues: heart and kidney failure, asthma, hormone levels
Physiological traits: large tonsils or a thick neck
Lifestyle habits: drinking and smoking
Innate attributes: genetics and sex

Thus, adopting a set of healthy lifestyle adjustments along with using a CPAP can prove highly beneficial. These modifications include engaging in consistent physical activity, maintaining good sleep practices, and discontinuing smoking.¹¹

Many struggle to adhere to CPAP because their mask is not comfortable and actually worsens their quality of sleep. We created the Mask Finder Quiz to help you find the perfect mask and make CPAP as comfortable as possible.

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5. You’ll get used to sleep apnea, no treatment needed.

MYTH:

You’ll get used to sleep apnea, no treatment needed.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to various health issues linked to:

Heart disease¹²
Diabetes¹²
Neurodegenerative processes¹³

The biggest benefit of CPAP therapy is an increased quality of life.¹⁴ Patrick Gaertner thought poor sleep and fatigue were the norm. On his very first night of using CPAP, he experienced a remarkable eight-hour slumber and woke up feeling more refreshed than he had in years. “It worked perfectly. I’m down to just three events (of halted breathing) an hour,” he said. “I sleep soundly now. I don’t need pills to sleep. It has been amazing.”¹⁵

Have you tried using a CPAP but just couldn’t stick to it, or your prescription expired? Upgrade to one of the best-selling CPAPs without a visit to the doctor!