Olympic Champion Reveals Lifelong CPAP Use! Renshu Medical: The Hazards of This

Recently, the hashtag #YangWeiRevealsNeedingLifelongCPAP# trended on social media with over 500 million views, sparking widespread discussion. The Olympic champion disclosed experiencing a severe respiratory incident where he couldn't inhale for six minutes - a life-threatening duration. Medical professionals have mandated he use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy during sleep indefinitely.

Additionally, Chen Qiao'en also trended online after being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea due to snoring. During deep sleep, her breathing stopped up to 25 times per hour at its worst, with each episode lasting 50 seconds. Similarly, Kenneth Fok was diagnosed with insomnia disorder and moderate sleep apnea, experiencing approximately 18 breathing pauses per hour. Doctors recommended he use a CPAP machine.

Snoring Isn’t Trivial: Severe Cases Can Be Life-Threatening

Growing public attention has been drawn to celebrities and public figures diagnosed with adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). But what exactly is this condition, and why does it often require the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine? Director Liu Ming, a renowned expert in sleep-disordered breathing at Renshu Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, provided an in-depth explanation to reporters.

The condition diagnosed in individuals like Yang Wei, Chen Qiao’en, and Huo Qigang is medically termed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is defined as follows:

• Diagnostic Criteria: If adults experience 30 or more episodes of breathing cessation (lasting 10 seconds or longer) during a 7-hour sleep period, accompanied by a drop in blood oxygen saturation, they are diagnosed with OSA.

Why Is OSA Dangerous?
Repeated interruptions in breathing strain the cardiovascular system, increasing risks of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and sudden death during sleep. Chronic oxygen deprivation also impairs cognitive function and quality of life.

Treatment Necessity
While lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, positional therapy) help mild cases, moderate to severe OSA often requires CPAP therapy to maintain airway patency during sleep. In select cases, minimally invasive surgeries (e.g., nasal valve reconstruction, soft palate adjustment) may be recommended.

Expert Insight
Director Liu Ming emphasizes: “Snoring is not just a nuisance—it’s a red flag. Early diagnosis and intervention can save lives and restore well-being.”

Renshu ENT combines advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and post-operative care to address OSA holistically, prioritizing patient safety and long-term health outcomes.

"This condition is not just simple snoring—if ignored, it can be life-threatening." Dr. Liu Ming’s statement is no exaggeration. Frequent breathing pauses during sleep lead to poor sleep quality and oxygen deprivation. Over time, this increases risks of complications such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cerebrovascular diseases, and may even trigger arrhythmias or nocturnal sudden death. OSA is more common among obese individuals, the elderly, men, and smokers, though some cases stem from nasal or throat conditions.

Renshu ENT Expert: CPAP Machines as the "Snoring Solution"
Why do doctors recommend CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines for public figures like Yang Wei? Dr. Liu Ming, an ENT expert at Renshu, explained:

• Mechanism of OSA: During sleep, relaxed airway muscles cause throat obstruction. Restricted airflow generates vibrations (snoring), and severe obstruction leads to breath-holding.

• CPAP Therapy: Known medically as "Home Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for Snoring," CPAP delivers continuous positive pressure to keep the airway open. "It uses flowing air to open the collapsed airway, eliminating snoring and restoring smooth breathing during sleep."

Renshu ENT Expert: How to Choose a High-Quality CPAP Machine
Dr. Liu Ming advises: The CPAP market is flooded with a wide variety of devices of mixed quality. To ensure reliability, opt for reputable international brands. Renshu Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital partners with top-tier brands like ResMed and Weinmann, offering JD.com-matched pricing alongside medical-grade after-sales support.

Renshu’s Comprehensive CPAP Services

• Three-to-One Chronic Disease Management Team: Dedicated specialists provide personalized care.

• Professional Respiratory Therapists: Adjust pressure settings based on individual patient needs.

• Follow-Up Assessments: Monitor CPAP usage effectiveness and offer adjustments.

By prioritizing quality and patient-centric care, Renshu ensures optimal therapy outcomes for sleep apnea sufferers.