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Several new devices have been developed to treat obstructive sleep apnea without the need for CPAP. While these therapies are not recommended as first-line treatments, they offer promise to those who don’t find relief with standard approaches.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects up to 30% of adults. OSA occurs when a person’s upper airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing them to breathe shallowly or stop breathing.
Oral appliances position the jaw or tongue to keep the upper airway open. Although these devices are an alternative to CPAP therapy in people who cannot tolerate continuous airway pressure, some people benefit from using an oral appliance alongside CPAP therapy.
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes repeated lapses in breathing during sleep. Symptoms can include snoring, headaches, and excessive sleepiness. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed using an at-home test.
You may be asking yourself, “Is it normal to be tired after starting CPAP?” Yes, and many new users find that it takes months to start feeling the benefits of uninterrupted sleep.
Getting an official diagnosis unable to use or get consistent benefit from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the first step to getting help for sleep apnea. CPAP therapy is an effective treatment option, but it may not be right for everyone.
People with OSA have many options to choose from when considering treatment, therapy, or surgery. Consulting your primary physician and sleep specialists should be your first step.
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Most CPAP machines on the market today are fairly advanced, but the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet offers an assortment of features to help you breathe comfortably during sleep.
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An estimated 18 million Americans live with sleep apnea, often using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to get a better night's sleep.
Oral appliances may prove to be a preferred alternative to CPAP for some users thanks to their small, convenient size, lack of noise and little need for maintenance, says Kevin Postol, D.