Written by Nancy Kirk

September 20, 2024

Here at Lofta, we’re here to smash the stigma of sleep apnea and shed some light on this common condition. Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This typically occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Busting these common myths can help raise awareness regarding the prevalence of sleep apnea and encourage more people to get tested. It helps that getting diagnosed is now easier than ever with our convenient, easy at-home tests and expert sleep coaches. Let’s debunk some common myths about sleep apnea, clarifying a condition affecting millions worldwide.

Myth 1: Only overweight people have sleep apnea 

Many people assume that sleep apnea only affects those who are overweight. While being overweight does increase the risk of developing sleep apnea (due to excess fatty tissue around the throat), it's not the sole cause. According to one study, between 60 to 90% of people with sleep apnea are overweight. However, that means as many as 40% of people with sleep apnea are actually not overweight. 

So yes—sleep apnea can also definitely affect people who are fit and thin. For example, an athlete with a muscular neck might have the same risk due to the size of their airway. Structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, large tonsils, or a small jaw, can also contribute to sleep apnea, regardless of a person’s weight. So, while excess weight plays a significant role is sleep apnea cases, there are other factors to consider.

Myth 2: If you don’t snore—you don’t have sleep apnea 

Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea but is not a definitive sign. While habitual snorers are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has this condition. Various factors, including nasal congestion, alcohol consumption, or sleep position, can cause snoring. On the other hand, some people with sleep apnea may not snore at all. Therefore, while snoring can be a warning sign, it is not a diagnosis.

Myth 3: If you do snore—you do have sleep apnea!

Many people incorrectly assume that snoring automatically means sleep apnea, but that's not true. Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, but it can also be caused by other factors like allergies, a cold, or even the anatomy of your mouth and throat. While many people with sleep apnea snore, not everyone who snores has this condition. Snoring without other symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness or pauses in breathing during sleep, might just be harmless noise. Considering the bigger picture and seeking a proper diagnosis if sleep apnea is suspected is essential.

Myth 4: CPAPs can make adventurous travel difficult  

CPAP treatment does not have to be cumbersome or hold you back! Recently, Lofta customer Jim Rowson climbed Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro! Rowson brought his compact, travel-friendly AirMini for the journey and said its performance exceeded expectations. Read more about his journey here. Then—after reading Jim Rowson’s story, another Lofta customer, Logan M., realized he had the confidence to tackle his dream adventure: Climbing Machu Picchu! He brought along his AirMini and Medistrom battery and said he had plenty of energy to complete the 10+ miles per day trek.

So, no matter what adventure calls to you, CPAP therapy doesn’t hold you back from achieving your dreams. Instead, CPAP therapy can help propel you forward to accomplish impressive feats as your happiest, most motivated, healthy self.

 

Myth 5: Sleep apnea doesn’t affect young people

While sleep apnea is more common in older adults, it can affect people of any age, including young adults and children. Factors like family history, structural differences in the airway, and lifestyle choices can contribute to the development of sleep apnea at any age.

It’s more common in overweight children and young adults, but even those who are not overweight can have sleep apnea due to factors like enlarged tonsils or a naturally narrow airway. The signs of sleep apnea in children might differ from those in adults, often presenting as hyperactivity or behavioral issues rather than fatigue. This myth can be dangerous, as untreated sleep apnea in children can lead to serious developmental issues.

Myth 6: CPAP masks are unattractive 

Wearing a CPAP mask might seem daunting at first, and many worry about how it might affect their appearance. However, research suggests that CPAP therapy can improve a person’s appearance. In one study by the University of Michigan, participants looked more alert, youthful, and overall more attractive after consistent CPAP use! This is because treating sleep apnea reduces puffiness, redness, and other signs of poor sleep.

Plus, CPAP masks have become more advanced, with many now designed to be less intrusive and more comfortable than ever before. Not to mention—prioritizing your health is always attractive! 

Myth 7: If you don’t have daytime fatigue, you don’t have sleep apnea 

Not everyone with sleep apnea experiences excessive daytime sleepiness. Some people might have other symptoms, such as morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes, without feeling particularly tired during the day. So if you don’t experience fatigue, it doesn’t necessarily rule out sleep apnea.

Myth 8: Long sleep sessions are always healthy 

We often hear that getting more sleep is the key to better health, but that's not always true. Oversleeping can be just as harmful as not getting enough sleep. Studies have shown that sleeping too much can negatively impact cognitive function, making a person feel as if they are mentally older than they are. In the context of sleep apnea, excessive sleep may not equate to restful sleep, as the condition disrupts the sleep cycle, preventing the deep sleep necessary for restorative rest. So only increasing how long you sleep without addressing underlying issues like sleep apnea won't necessarily improve health.

Myth 9: Sleep apnea rarely affects women 

While it's true that sleep apnea is more commonly diagnosed in men, the notion that it rarely affects women is misleading. In reality, sleep apnea can and does affect women, but it often goes underdiagnosed due to differences in symptoms. Women are more likely to experience subtler signs, such as fatigue, insomnia, or headaches, rather than the classic symptom of loud snoring. It's estimated that as much as 15% of women have some form of sleep apnea, according to The Sleep Foundation. Women, especially post-menopausal women, are at increased risk, making it crucial for them to be aware of sleep apnea symptoms.

Read our blog: Yes, Women Can Have Sleep Apnea: What to Look Out For

Myth 10: Getting diagnosed with sleep apnea is tedious 

It wasn’t too long ago that getting diagnosed with sleep apnea required spending the night in a sleep clinic, hooked up to various machines, and waiting weeks or even months for results. The entire process was often expensive, time-consuming, and inconvenient. This myth might have been true in the past, but today, things are different. With Lofta’s at-home sleep apnea test, you can get diagnosed from your home. Our streamlined process eliminates the need for overnight clinic stays, providing hassle-free, accurate diagnosis. Plus, with Lofta’s expert support, you’ll have all the guidance you need from testing to treatment. Getting diagnosed with sleep apnea has never been easier—or more convenient.

Lofta Makes Sleep Apnea Testing & Treatment Easy 

Take control of your sleep health with Lofta’s sleep apnea testing and treatment, designed to be as simple and convenient as possible. Once you receive your diagnosis, our team of expert sleep coaches is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you find the right CPAP solution to suit your needs. With Lofta, you're not just getting a diagnosis; you're gaining access to a team committed to helping you succeed in CPAP therapy so you can achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep. Start your journey toward better sleep today.