Sleep Apnea is a persistent medical condition that affects the airways while sleeping and causes breathing problems and a decrease in oxygen levels within the body. The most well-known method to treat sleep apnea has been CPAP therapy, it’s not uncommon for patients to have a difficult time against these equipments, which has led many to look into alternatives to treatments and treatments. If you’re just diagnosed with sleep apnea and exhausted of having to fight the CPAP mask in the evening it’s possible you’re contemplating whether you’ll ever be able to rest without CPAP ever again.
What is an CPAP device?
If you’ve heard about sleep apnea you’ve probably encountered the term “CPAP. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for sleep apnea sufferers with obstructive sleep. It was first introduced in the 1980s as a possible alternative to surgical. While there have been new approaches evolved over time to provide various approaches to treating sleep apnea CPAP devices sparked a new interest in the field of sleep science in the early 1980s, and paved the way for treatments which are now available in modern medicine.
What is a CPAP machine function?
CPAP machines are effective in treating sleep apnea patients, enhancing symptoms and decreasing the chance of developing health issues caused due to the disorder. The machine delivers air through an air tube or mask through the airway, and removes obstructions caused by tongue, uvula soft palate, and uvula. But for certain patients, living with the CPAP machine may become uncomfortable and unmanageable. It is important to look at alternatives to treatment in case you have difficulty adjusting to this kind of therapy for sleep apnea.
Why do patients dislike CPAP machines?
Introduction of CPAP treatment into your bed routine can result in significant changes in your lifestyle that some sufferers struggle with. The most frequent complaints associated with CPAP treatments typically revolve around adverse reactions that are caused from the mask. These include irritation of the nasal passages and skin such as dry mouth, acne breakouts and in the most severe instances infections. Patients who are claustrophobic may be able to find wearing a mask to be limiting and light sleepers frequently are concerned about the noise levels that are emitted throughout the night.
Does it make sense to rest without ACPAP?
If CPAP therapy is not the right choice for the patient, then there’s alternative treatments options available if a patient chooses to leave CPAP. It is attainable! Alternative treatments may differ depending upon the degree of issue. Methods like lifestyle modifications or oral devices physical therapy can help or be a part of a larger health program.
ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY
The Sleep Cycle Center team specializes in the use of oral devices for sleep apnea treatment. These devices help to keep the airways open by keeping the mouth in an upright position while relaxing the jaw of a patient when they sleep. Many of our patients like the convenience of a comprehensive mouthguard over more invasive CPAP devices. They offer an easy and comfortable solution to treat the symptoms of obstruction sleep apnea. Our patients are able to finally rest without the need for a CPAP!
SURGERY
There are a variety of surgical options available to treat sleep apnea-related symptoms. The most successful and common procedure is ‘Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty,’ which involves trimming down the soft palate and uvula, removing the tonsils, and repositioning the muscles.
Other surgical options include:
- The reduction of volumetric tissues by radiofrequency radiofrequency waves can shrink or remove tissues that lie behind the throat, allowing the airways.
- Maxillomandibular advance – shifting the jaw to allow more room between the teeth.
- Anterior inferior mandibular ostomy splits your chin bone in two pieces, allowing you to shift your tongue to the left.
- Genioglossus advancement stops the tongue from rolling back by securing the tendons behind it.
- Midline glossectomy can increase the airways by taking a small portion of the tongue’s back.
- Lingual tonsillectomy is the removal of both tonsils and the tissues surrounding them to clear the lower portion of the throat.
- Septoplasty and turbinate reduction straightening the nasal septum in order to help you breathe more easily.
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulator: attaching an electrode on the primary nerve that regulates the tongue. the device stimulates tongue muscles to stop obstruction of the airway.
- Hyoid suspension – movable the hyoid bones and the affected muscles of the neck to allow airway access.
Positional Therapy
Examining your sleeping posture and positions can aid in reducing the narrow airways in sleep. The use of positional therapies, like “Side Sleeping” or changing pillows to a 60 degree head-raised angle, can aid in reducing mild breathing disorders like apnea. Patients who are struggling to maintain the correct sleeping position without assistance may also consider devices that are positioned around the waist or behind to encourage a more comfortable sleeping position.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
The treatment of weight management is one standard procedure used in modern medicine that aims to provide patients with the necessary tools to lose weight, keep the proper weight and eat the right foods to improve overall health. But, this kind of treatment alone is not able to cure apnea, and is usually employed in conjunction with a larger treatment strategy.
