CPAP AlternativesRed Bluff, CA

CPAP Alternatives

Mouth-breathers typically have a difficult time with CPAP machines since they can cause dry nose and throat irritation upon waking. A few ways to relieve mouth breathing without a CPAP machine include using a nasal decongestant, antihistamine, or saline wash to clear up nasal congestion before going to bed. In other cases, propping the head on a pillow while asleep can help. Some patients will benefit from consulting a doctor about surgery if they struggle with a deviated septum or another structural problem with their nose.

The Sleep Foundation provides a number of CPAP alternatives, including lifestyle choices, devices, and surgeries, such as:

Lifestyle habits:

• Weight loss and exercise
• Sleep position (sleeping on the back)
• Alcohol avoidance, especially before bed

Devices:

• Nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (nEPAP): provides positive pressure when exhaling and prevents the collapse of the upper airway
• Mandibular advancement devices: cover the upper and lower teeth and keeps the jaw in a position that prevents it from blocking the upper airway
• Tongue retaining devices: keep the tongue forward so that it does not block the airway

Surgeries:

• Orofacial therapy, or therapy for facial and mouth muscles: learning to correct the tongue’s position, so it does not block the airways, along with controlling and strengthening the muscles in the tongue, soft palate, lips, and face
• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): The upper and lower jawbones are repositioned to help keep the upper airway open
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: This surgery includes the removal of tissue from around the upper airway
• Tracheostomy: This procedure creates a hole in the windpipe where a tube is inserted in order to improve breathing

Frequently Asked Questions About CPAP Alternatives

What is a CPAP machine?

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, CPAP, delivers continuous pressurized air and includes a humidifier, which maintains moisture while a person breathes and sleeps. This machine is typically used to treat sleep apnea. Some people use a CPAP machine to help relieve respiratory issues or reduce snoring.

How can I prevent snoring without oral appliance therapy?

To prevent or reduce snoring, try to sleep on your side, raise the head of the bed, use nasal strips or a nasal dilator, and limit or avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed. Along with that, smoking cessation and maintaining a moderate weight can help as well. Treating chronic allergies or nasal problems, such as a deviated septum may also aid in relieving sleep apnea, TMJ, and other sleep breathing issues.

What types of food and beverages should I avoid, and which ones help?

Carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal and milk, nuts, and crackers can help you get better sleep. High-fat and oily foods should be avoided, especially right before bed. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, as well as medications, including pain relievers, weight loss pills, diuretics, and cold medicines, largely affect sleep.

What is oral appliance therapy?

Oral appliance therapy includes practices and devices that aid in breathing while sleeping. Oral appliances include mouthguards, retainers, and nEPAP, among others. Over time, oral appliance therapy can help treat sleep apnea and other sleep or breathing disorders and reduce snoring and other symptoms of these conditions.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder where patients experience intermittent breathing in their sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and mixed sleep apnea syndrome (MAS) or complex sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can negatively impact a person’s oxygen levels and result in lower-quality sleep.