CPAP alternatives offer many of the same benefits with reduced to no side effects. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, CPAP, is a common treatment method for sleep apnea and sleep/breathing disorders. However, many patients face drawbacks, such as dependency, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, skin irritation, and more. We can determine the type of treatment that would best work for you after a consultation and diagnosis.
At Dental Sleep Solutions Group, we offer CPAP alternatives through your physician's office, for patients experiencing disruptive sleep or suffering from a sleep condition or disorder. Our team can help not only treat your condition but help you learn to manage it. To learn more about a procedure or schedule an appointment, call 1-530-727-6080 today.
CPAP machines deliver continuous pressurized air through a tube while a person sleeps. CPAPs help in the treatment of sleep apnea and other sleep and breathing disorders to promote better sleep, facilitate proper breathing, and prevent complications from lack of oxygen. Interrupted breathing during a sleep cycle can lead to a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health concerns.
CPAP machines and alternatives work primarily to keep the airways open, allowing for more oxygen and uninterrupted breathing during sleep. Unfortunately, many people become reliant on CPAP machines for breathing and depend on them for sleep. Other drawbacks include difficulty falling asleep (insomnia), nasal congestion, dry mouth, feeling claustrophobic, nosebleeds, feeling bloated, and skin irritation. CPAP alternatives are worth a shot for patients undergoing sleep or breathing difficulties who prefer not to use a machine.
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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:
Devices:
Surgeries:
CPAP machines are primarily used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Sleep apnea causes symptoms such as snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, and waking up many times during the night. Interrupted sleep can lead to a large number of health-related issues and impair breathing long-term.
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea or a sleep or breathing disorder include:
Oral appliance therapy is intended for breathing and sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Devices, including mouthguards, retainers, and nEPAP, help keep the airways open during sleep to promote healthy, regular breathing and prevent health complications. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, oral appliances prevent the airways from collapsing by either holding the tongue or supporting the jaw in a forward position.
Oral appliances are effective, safe, and often portable, allowing patients to take them on the go or while traveling. Custom-made appliances tend to be much more effective as they hug the teeth and jaws, while over-the-counter appliances are a one size fits all method. We will conduct a physical examination during the initial consultation, diagnose the patient’s condition, and recommend oral appliance therapy as needed.
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.
The Dental Sleep Solutions Group team looks forward to treating you and helping you learn to sleep better and manage your condition over time. Call our office at 1-530-727-6080 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Dental Sleep Solutions Group is located at 2426 S Main St Suite B Red Bluff, CA 96080.