CPAP Alternatives For Treating Sleep Apnea

Approximately 28 million Americans are suffering from sleep apnea causing repetitive loud snoring and choking sounds which ultimately leads to sleep interruptions and decreased quality of life. The gold standard for treating this particular sleep disorder remains to be continuous positive airway (CPAP) therapy. Nonetheless, many people stop using CPAP after a few weeks because of the discomfort and noise it produces. Hence, if you are bound to get your own machine, it is important that you learn about CPAP alternatives for treating sleep apnea.

Alternatives for CPAP therapy include the following:

Use of other PAP devices

You may be able to use other PAP devices including BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) or VPAP (variable positive airway pressure). These PAP devices differ slightly from common CPAP machines as both delivers variable air pressure compared to the latter. Many people prefer to use such PAP machines for they find it more comfortable and easier to use.

Undergoing surgery

If you want to permanently eliminate sleep apnea, you may be able to undergo a drastic procedure – surgery. This can be very effective; nonetheless, but you should know that there are many risks associated with it. You may undergo uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement. UPPP is considered to be the most common surgical procedure in treating obstructive sleep apnea. It involves the removal of excess tissues whilst reinforce the airway to keep it unobstructed and open. Maxillomandibular advancement on the other hand involves expanding the airway capacity and size through changing the structure of the bones surrounding it. This is a highly invasive treatment but it has a high success rate.

Positioning

Positioning is one of the most traditional alternative methods in decreasing snoring and preventing sleep apnea. Back sleepers are encouraged to use body pillows, cushions and belts to keep them from sleeping on their side.

Use of oral appliances

Oral appliances include the use of jaw retaining or tongue advancing mouth guards. Your doctor may prescribe you with oral appliances if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Provent

Using Provent is considered to be one of the most recent and innovative developments in treating sleep apnea. It works by fitting patches with two plugs onto your nostrils. Upon inhalation, the valve opens which allows air to flow freely. Upon exhalation however, the valve closes the inhaled air will be forced out through the small channels creating a back pressure which can help in keeping your airway open.

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Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

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Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that is difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will not be able to identify this health problem during your routine medical examination. Also, most people who have it are not aware that they are suffering from sleep apnea as it only occurs in sleep. Hence, recognizing the signs and symptoms is critical in diagnosing sleep apnea.

Types of sleep apnea

There are three different types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea. This occurs when your brains signals your muscles to breathe but turns out to be unsuccessful because your airway becomes obstructed. Airway obstruction on the other hand ensues when the soft tissue on the back of your throat relaxes naturally while you sleep. These mechanisms prevent sufficient air flow which makes you snore noisily.

Central sleep apnea (CSA)

CSA is less common than OSA. This occurs when your brain fails to signal your muscles to make an effort to breathe which ultimately leads to breathing interruptions. Individuals diagnosed with CSA rarely snore.

Mixed/Complex sleep apnea

Complex or mixed sleep apnea is the combination of both CSA and OSA.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

You may not be able to identify the symptoms of sleep apnea but you can ask your bed partner to observe you or you may opt to record yourself while you sleep. Major symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud and frequent snoring

The most common sign of sleep apnea is loud and frequent snoring. This typically occurs when you sleep on your back.

Chocking or gasping sounds

Breathing pauses and interruptions leads air hunger. Hence, you tend to produce chocking and gasping sounds.

Daytime sleepiness

Another major symptom of sleep apnea is daytime sleepiness. You are having difficulty to stay awake and alert during the day, particularly on your inactive moments. Daytime sleepiness increases your risk of meeting accidents and being a hazard to others.

Other signs and symptoms

Sleep apnea is unique to each individual who has it. Hence, there are other signs and symptoms which include but are not limited to:

• Dry/ sore throat
• Restlessness
• Irritability, depression and mood swings
• Morning headaches
• Forgetfulness/ Memory problems
• Decreased libido
• Insomnia

Sleep apnea in children

Sleep apnea in children is not easy to identify as its symptoms varies considerably as compared to what adults manifest. Symptoms include:

• Bed wetting
• Strange bed positions
• Loud snoring
• Night terrors
• Excessive sweating while asleep

If you suspect sleep apnea on your child, you should immediately seek the advice of your pediatrician. For more information, visit: www.verushealthcare.com/buydirect