Are you tired of using CPAP or a Constant Positive Airway Pressure machine for sleep apnea? It can be a lot of work to manage a device sending pressurized air down your airway to keep it open while you sleep, but obstructive sleep apnea patients have to use CPAP in order to survive and fight the symptoms. But wait, you can look into sleep apnea treatments without CPAP! In this blog, we will cover alternatives to CPAP.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP: What is It?
Abbreviated as CPAP, a continuous positive airway pressure machine helps keep your airway open as you sleep. This way, the discomfort that sleep breathing disorders bring is presented. That’s not all; apart from sleep apnea, CPAP is also useful for other conditions. For instance, babies born with underdeveloped lungs may see improvement following CPAP therapy.
Alternatives to Sleep Apnea Treatment Without CPAP
When obstructive sleep apnea becomes challenging and worse to deal with, your sleep apnea specialist will recommend CPAP. However, it might be possible to proceed with alternatives to CPAP if you have mild sleep apnea. Keep in mind, though, that these treatments may not work if your condition is severe or moderate.
Here is a list of sleep apnea treatments without CPAP:
1. Alternative PAP Therapies
CPAP is effective, but many may find it uncomfortable. If this is true, you can switch to alternate PAP therapies, such as:
BiPAP: with different settings for inhalation and exhalation, bilevel-positive airway pressure machines offer a comfortable experience.
APAP: The machine responds to the changes taking place in the breathing pattern of the individual using it. Auto-adjusting postoperative airway pressure is also known as auto-CPAP and makes it relatively easy to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
EPAP: Using a nasal EPAP device containing valves, expiratory positive airway pressure therapy keeps the airway from collapsing as the patient breathes out. Hence, this newer alternative to CPAP does not use a machine.
2. Losing Weight & Regular Exercise
You might be able to improve your condition by tackling the problem at its source. Obesity is one of the primary factors that can contribute to sleep apnea, although the link between sleep apnea and weight is a complicated one. However, losing weight has evidently improved sleep apnea symptoms in many situations.
So if you’re looking for sleep apnea treatment without CPAP, start with exercise and dietary changes. By doing so, your overall health will improve. Moreover, you can combine other lifestyle changes and factors with weight loss to treat sleep apnea without using CPAP. It is best to talk to a sleep apnea specialist regarding this approach.
3. Sleeping Position
Talk to your sleep apnea specialist about the best sleeping position for sleep apnea. Yes, the way you position yourself while sleeping can significantly impact your symptoms! Hence, side sleeping can show remarkable improvement if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. In comparison, positioning yourself by turning on your back or stomach might show negative results.
4. Mandibular Advancement Devices
Your jaw also plays a major role in improving the obstruction that results from the airway. Therefore, a mandibular device can help in such cases by stabilizing the jaw in position and covering the teeth. This way, the airway has no blockage, and you can breathe freely. In addition, mandibular devices offer a lower price and more convenience in comparison to CPAP. Moreover, you can discuss these with your doctor as possible alternatives to sleep apnea treatment without CPAP. Oh, and mandibular devices do not make any noise, either!
Ready to Try Something New?
While CPAP is a good option to treat sleep apnea, some may find it difficult and uncomfortable. Hence, you can discuss sleep apnea treatment without CPAP with your healthcare provider.
At Sleep and Headache Solutions, you can talk to the best doctors available and opt for effective treatments. Dial 832-688-8886 to contact our team or head to 13114 FM 1960 West, Ste 105B, Houston, TX 77065.