Picture this: you had a long day, and now you’re looking forward to sleeping peacefully, but before you do that, you have to connect a device that sends constant pressurized air that helps keep your airways open. That doesn’t sound very appealing, right? Well, that is life with CPAP, a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea patients. Sometimes, it is the only treatment, but you might be able to manage the condition without CPAP. So, what are the sleep apnea treatment options without CPAP? Read this blog to find out.
Options for Sleep Apnea Treatment Without CPAP
CPAP is the primary treatment that is recommended when the symptoms of OSA become worse. Still, lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, and other alternatives can proceed to be effective in treating mild sleep apnea. Keep in mind, though, they might not work for moderate and severe sleep apnea. Here are some options for sleep apnea treatment without CPAP:
- Alternative PAP Therapies
Many sleep apnea patients find CPAP effective but uncomfortable. If that is the case, you can switch to other PAP therapies. These include:
- Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
- Auto-Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure Machine (APAP)
- Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP)
- Losing Weight Exercising
Oftentimes, obesity is a contributing factor to sleep apnea symptoms. The relationship between sleep apnea and obesity is a complicated one. However, losing additional weight has proven to improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Adding exercise and dietary changes side by side to your daily routine makes it all the more easy to lose weight. You can work with lifestyle changes to improve your sleep apnea symptoms without CPAP treatment. Consult a sleep apnea specialist to see if this is the right choice for you!
- Sleeping Position
Explore the best sleeping position for sleep apnea and consult your doctor as well. Sleeping on your side can show significant improvement in your sleep apnea symptoms, especially for obstructive sleep apnea. On the other hand, sleeping on your back or stomach can make your condition worse!
- Mandibular Advancement Devices
Your sleep apnea specialist might recommend using a Mandibular device to prevent obstructed airflow. The device covers both teeth arches while keeping the jaw in position, which allows airflow. Mandibular devices are pretty convenient and make dealing with sleep apnea easy. In addition, they cost less than CPAP. Another important point to note is that they do not make any noise. You can discuss this as a possible sleep apnea treatment option without CPAP.
- Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy helps strengthen different parts of your mouth, including lips, tongue, face, and soft palate. This way, the tongue does not block the airway, and sleep apnea episodes are reduced.
What’s Next?
While CPAP is an effective way to treat sleep apnea, it definitely is not the most comfortable. You might be eligible for sleep apnea treatment without CPAP; talk to an expert for more information.
Perio Health Professionals is here for your aid! We have a team of experts who are dedicated to easing your discomfort. Talk to us at (713) 783-5442 or give us a visit at 3400 S Gessner Rd # 102, Houston, TX 77063, United States.