Not a Fan of CPAP? Finding Other Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea

It goes without saying that a good night’s sleep is essential for staying healthy, which is why it’s vital to treat sleep apnea that could be lowering the quality of your rest. But did you know many patients give up on their sleep apnea therapy? This is because they find they simply can’t tolerate the CPAP machines that are traditionally used for treatment. Read on to learn why many patients quit using CPAP – as well as some CPAP alternatives in The Woodlands that can still help you get the rest your body deserves and needs.

Why Do Some People Quit CPAP Therapy?

A CPAP machine works by blowing a constant stream of air into your throat through a mask. This prevents the airways from narrowing, allowing you to breathe comfortably throughout the night.

While CPAP therapy has proven to be effective, there are many reasons why patients might stop using it. Discomfort is often a major factor; many people just can’t tolerate wearing the mask or find that the air is blown too hard. Also, many CPAP users experience aerophagia, which is where air from the esophagus enters your belly and causes bloating as well as gas pains. Finally, some patients can’t sleep with the noise of the CPAP machine – and of course, there’s little point to treating sleep apnea if you can’t fall asleep in the first place!

What Kind of Alternatives Are There for CPAP Therapy?

CPAP therapy may be considered the most popular treatment for sleep apnea. However, if it isn’t right for you, there are other alternatives to explore.

If you speak with a sleep dentist, they’re likely to recommend oral sleep appliances in The Woodlands. These appliances look like the mouth guards worn for sports, but instead of protecting the teeth, they reposition the jaw and help keep the airway open. Each one is designed just for you so that it fits comfortably in your mouth. They are also much more convenient than CPAP machines; you won’t need to worry about packing bulk equipment when you travel. There are a few different kinds of sleep appliances you can get depending on your needs.

In other cases, treating your sleep apnea can be as simple as losing weight. For many patients, obesity is the root cause of their disordered breathing. Thus, if you can achieve a healthy weight through diet and exercise, you can relieve your symptoms. Other lifestyle changes – like sleeping on your side to prevent soft tissues in your mouth from collapsing and blocking your airway – may also help.

If you think you have sleep apnea, the first step is to see a sleep dentist so that it can be diagnosed. Once that’s done, you can start discussing different treatment options so that you can choose the one most likely to give you sweet dreams again.

About the Author

Dr. Robert G. Dernick opened his first practice in The Woodlands in 1980. Since then, he has become known as one of the most experienced and skilled dentists in the area – as well as one of the most caring. He offers safe, effective sleep apnea oral appliances that will let you sleep soundly through the night. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (281) 363-2770.