Alternatives to CPAP for Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea affects 18 million people in the United States. The primary form of treatment used for this disorder is called Constant Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP. The treatment uses an air compressor that administers a constant air flow, which allows the patient to breath easily in case of airway obstruction or if the brain fails to induce proper breathing. CPAP makes a patient’s sleep less restful because it uses an awkward mask which must be worn, and it canbe very uncomfortable on the part of the sufferer. However, there are other alternative therapies aside from CPAP which may be explored for the treatment of sleep apnea.
Even though there’s a recent article saying that CPAP is the “gold standard” for the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea, there are a number of signs that Oral Appliances (OA’s) are becoming more famous and a widely embraced alternative to treat this disorder.
How does this oral appliance work? The device is used to relieve the obstruction in the upper airway and to prevent snoring by modifying the position of the mandible, tongue, and other oral structures. It also prevents the tongue from blocking the passage of air. Remember to consult your physician first before you choose the type of therapy you will undergo, so that he can help choose a device that will best suit you and help you to breath for freely.
CPAP therapy alternatives are considered life savers to many patients because not all persons who suffer sleep apnea can tolerate CPAP treatment. There are many reasons, depending on each patient’s case, why they give up their treatment.
There are some disadvantages reported such as discomfort and salivation, which are common complaints in this kind of therapy. That leads to a statistical study which shows oral appliances are more successful in patients with non-severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Another CPAP disadvantage is that it’s a sort of a short term cure which means it only targets the symptoms and not the disorder itself. Also you have to wear that gadget for the rest of your life.
Surgery is another option, which is a one time procedure that will solve your sleep apnea forever. But of course, it will be expensive, and not to mention the anxiousness you will feel.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a potentially dangerous condition. If left untreated, it may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. If you feel like you have OSA, please pay a visit to your doctor as soon as possible.
August 21 2010 11:36 pm | Sleep