CPAP Alternatives

CPAP ALTERNATIVES

FOR SLEEP APNEA


For patients with obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, there are a few successful treatment options. Sleep apnea is, regrettably, rarely "curable". Therefore, it necessitates treatment, which is usually ongoing throughout one's life.

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CPAP ALTERNATIVES

FOR SLEEP APNEA


For patients with obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, there are a few successful treatment options. Sleep apnea is, regrettably, rarely "curable". Therefore, it necessitates treatment, which is usually ongoing throughout one's life.

GET SCHEDULED TODAY

Other treatment options include surgery, dental appliances, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), positional therapy, and, in rare circumstances, CPAP. Are you searching for a TMJ doctor to help you? Please schedule an appointment if you require an alternative to CPAP for sleep apnea come see us at Valley Sleep and TMJ located in Oakdale ca.


Although CPAP is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, many people find it uncomfortable.


Regular CPAP users have a better chance of getting the right treatment and relief from their sleep apnea symptoms.


Sadly, less than half of people who acquire a prescription for CPAP therapy still utilize it a year later. Oral appliance therapy may be beneficial for patients with mild to severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Book an appointment to see us and discuss sleep apnea CPAP alternatives.

An oral device An oral appliance is worn on the upper and lower teeth, much like a night guard.


The lower jaw is held open and slightly forward when both pieces are worn together.


In this position, the airway is sufficiently expanded, which greatly lowers or entirely eliminates snoring and sleep apnea.


You may experience CPAP problems frequently. The staggering number of CPAP users who stop using it or use it seldom is 83 percent. Not used by patients who find CPAP uncomfortable. CPAP failure or intolerance is the term used to describe this.

There are several sleep apnea CPAP alternatives

CPAP Machine

Alternating positive and negative pressure

The use of BiPAP therapy, or bilevel-positive airway pressure, is an additional option.

In order to keep your airways open, this oral appliance for sleep apnea involves wearing a mask that pressurizes air into them.


The pressure is constant with CPAP, though, throughout the entire breath. Exhaling against the pressure might be challenging for CPAP users.


A BiPAP system has two pressure settings. It is lower during exhalation than during inhalation. The decreased pressure may make it easier for you to exhale, especially if you have breathing issues brought on by heart or lung issues. This is a great alternative to CPAP


If utilizing devices hasn't made your nighttime breathing better, surgery may be necessary. Our doctor may suggest one of the following operations, depending on the underlying issue that is causing your OSA. Book an appointment to speak to us about sleep apnea solutions without CPAP.


The surgeon must cut your lower jaw bone in order to advance your tongue, keeping it in place and away from your airway as a result.


The hypoglossal nerve is stimulated to control tongue movement by inserting a device into your chest and connecting it to the hypoglossal nerve. A sensor that is attached keeps tabs on your breathing as you sleep. If you stop breathing, the sensor triggers the hypoglossal nerve, which causes your tongue to move out of your airway.



Mouth surgery - To provide you with more breathing room, your lower jaw (mandible) and upper jaw (maxilla) may be advanced by a treatment called maxillomandibular advancement.


Nasal surgery - If a polyp is obstructing your ability to breathe, surgery can remove it or realign a misaligned septum.


Soft palate implants - Three tiny rods are inserted through the roof of your mouth during this minimally invasive treatment, also called the pillar operation. Your soft palate is supported by the implants to prevent it from obstructing your upper airway.


Tongue reduction surgery - Surgery can make your tongue smaller if it's too big and is obstructing your airway.


Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP or UP3) - This surgery, a typical surgical remedy for OSA, involves the removal of excess tissue from the top of your throat and the back of your mouth in order to widen your airway. Uvulectomy, a different option, involves removing all or part of the uvula, the tissue in the shape of a teardrop that drops down at the back of your throat.


Tonsil and adenoid removal- Your adenoids and tonsils are located at the rear of your throat. You might need to have them removed if they're so big they're obstructing your airway.


Removal of the tonsils and adenoids: Your tonsils and adenoids are situated at the back of your throat. If they're so large that they're impeding your airway, you might need to have them removed.

FAQ

  • What are the alternatives to CPAP for sleep apnea?

    Some excellent substitutes include

    using a saline wash, nasal decongestant, or antihistamine;

    Sleep with a pillow under your head


    If you have a deviated septum or any structural problem with your nose, talk to your doctor about surgery.


  • Can weight loss be helpful?

    If you are overweight or obese, fat may gather around your neck and throat. That extra tissue may restrict your airflow as you sleep, which can cause sleep apnea.

    Even a 10% weight loss can help with sleep apnea symptoms. It might even improve the situation.


    It is challenging to reduce weight. With the help of your doctor, you can choose the optimal food modifications and exercise routines to reduce your OSA.


  • What alterations in behavior might be useful?

    By making five simple, everyday changes, you could improve the quality of your sleep and serves as an alternative to CPAP for sleep apnea:


    • Sleep on your side in bed. In this position, the air can enter your lungs more freely. Visit our side sleeper sleep store to look through products that have been endorsed by professionals in the field.
    • Stop drinking. Before going to bed, having a few beers or glasses of wine can relax the muscles in your upper airways, which can make breathing challenging and interfere with your sleep.
    • Exercising frequently Regular aerobic exercise will help you lose the extra weight that makes breathing difficult. Exercise can also help sleep apnea symptoms become less severe.
    • Decrease clogging Consider taking an antihistamine or nasal decongestant if you have congested nasal passages.
    • Quit smoking.

  • How can I make traveling less difficult?

    • Make use of an oral device. It is considerably smaller, more portable, and easier to clean than a CPAP machine.
    • Try nasal valve therapy (Provent).
    • A pillow should be brought. If the hotel pillows are too soft to properly support your head and neck while you sleep, it could be difficult to breathe at night.
    • Bring some decongestants or antihistamines with you.
    • Bring some rolled-up socks or a tennis ball. Pin it to the back of your pajamas to keep from turning over as you sleep.

  • So what is the procedure?

    It's an easy process to follow. Come in for a visit us the Valley Sleep and TMJ located in Oakdale our sleep apnea doctor will review sleep apnea treatment options before determining if this is the right course of action for you. If it is, we'll work with your insurer to gain coverage. Finding alternative CPAP devices and customizing your new dental appliance is the next step. Finally, you get a restful night's sleep.

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To find out more about how Dr. Sceville and our team at Valley Sleep and TMJ can help in treatment of snoring, sleep apnea, TMJ and jaw pain, contact our office today. With custom treatment options available, you can rest easy knowing there is something specifically designed to help you.

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