Restful periods of sleep propagate productive days that follow. However, not everyone has the privilege of a good night’s sleep. Statistically, around 936 million adults across the world have cases of mild to severe sleep apnea.
Due to the prevalence of apnea patients worldwide, it is essential to explore all possible treatments for the condition so that no one has to compromise their sleep. One of the most popular treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP. Except, it is not a go-to method for everyone. Therefore, this blog will explore options of sleep apnea treatment without CPAP.
Interpreting sleep apnea
Sleep apnea refers to a medical condition in which a person faces obstruction in breathing during sleep. Consequently, this signals the brain and triggers a reaction in the body, causing the person to break their sleep. Immediately after waking up, the patient gasps for air due to low oxygen levels and fettered breathing. Henceforth, treatments for sleep apnea are invested in stabilizing the breathing mechanism while the patient sleeps. Although CPAP is a prevalent practice for such patients, it is also possible to treat sleep apnea without CPAP.
Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can give birth to many serious health complications if not treated timely. Henceforth, it is crucial to intervene in the early stages of the disease with reliable and effective sleep treatments. Some health risks of untreated sleep apnea are:
- Higher risk cardiovascular diseases and stroke
- Greater chances of diabetes and hypertension
- Lower life expectancy
- Slower metabolism
- Cognitive impairment
Loopholes of CPAP
Undoubtedly, CPAP is a very effective and reliable method of treating sleep apnea. Despite its benefits, it may not be the first choice for many people. This is because of the uncomfortable side effects that assist it, making patients look for sleep apnea treatments without CPAP. Covering the mouth and nose with a mask is itself an undesirable idea for many people, especially those who are claustrophobic.
Moreover, the continuous air pressure from the CPAP machine dries out areas around the face, nose, and inside the mouth. Sometimes, excessive dryness results in nose bleeds, nasal congestion, floppy eyelids, dried eyes, and irritated skin. Additionally, some people prefer sleep apnea treatments without CPAP because of the risk of infections resulting from unhygienic masks. These factors contribute to the reasons why people look for an alternative to CPAP machine.
Alternatives to CPAP
If CPAP is not the right treatment for you, there are other effective options you can go for. Below, we will walk you through potential sleep apnea treatments without CPAP:
Physical therapy:
Physical therapy is a helpful remedy for managing sleep apnea without CPAP as it targets the muscles responsible for breathing. Typically, it alleviates obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by enhancing the tone, flexibility, and responsiveness of the oral and physical muscles, thereby helping to prevent the upper airway from collapsing.
Oral appliances:
Moving on, the use of mouthguards and oral devices is another useful sleep apnea treatment without CPAP. For people with mild apnea, these are a handier and more cost-effective alternative to CPAP machine. There are many options for oral appliances people can choose from according to their convenience.
For example, mandibular advancement devices, that regulate the jaw position by covering the upper and lower teeth. Subsequently, this keeps the air tract open and unhampered. Furthermore, there are tongue retaining devices that focus on positioning the tongue in a way that facilitates breathing.
Weight loss and healthy lifestyle:
A study indicated that the symptoms experienced by most patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) were primarily linked to obesity and conditions related to diabetes. This is because the fat deposits around the neck contribute to disruption in regular breathing patterns. Therefore, weight loss is an essential component of sleep apnea treatment planning.
Also, when considering sleep apnea treatment without CPAP, it is important to construct a regulated and healthy lifestyle. Such as eating clean, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Positional therapy:
Research has implied that sleep apnea is more intense during back sleeping. As a result, sleep specialists recommend that apnea patients sleep on their sides. Further on, some devices can alarm patients when they unknowingly switch to the supine position. Consequently, positional therapy is another efficient sleep apnea treatment without CPAP.
Other PAP machines:
If you are someone who does not have a problem with CPAP itself, but its high pressure bothers you, try choosing alternative PAP machines. Luckily, some devices like BiPAP, APAP, and EPAP come in different pressure settings, allowing you to make the required changes. This is why they can be categorized as an influential alternative to CPAP machine.
Humidifiers:
Although it is not a permanent solution for sleep apnea, it is beneficial for lowering the intensity and frequency of apnea episodes. Essentially, these devices uplift the moisture content in the air, reducing congestion and promoting seamless breathing. Henceforth, it can be a good temporary alternative to CPAP machine, until you find a better option.
Surgery:
Lastly, for severe cases of OSA, surgery is a long-term sleep apnea treatment without CPAP. In certain instances, genetic factors may contribute to the development of sleep apnea. Individuals born with enlarged tonsils or an excess of tissue in the throat might have difficulties breathing during sleep. Moreover, there may be different concerns with the tongue, jaw, or soft palate. Oral surgeons can collaborate with patients to implement lasting anatomical modifications, thereby facilitating improved breathing.
Wrapping up: Journey towards peaceful nights
Sleep disorders can be a torment, affecting everything from a steady night routine to daily task management. Hence, finding the right treatment for yourself is integral to maintaining the quality of your life. If you are experiencing symptoms of disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, or narcolepsy, consider a home sleep test. Telemedicine has made it easier to battle illnesses without compromising on comfort and time.
At Home Sleep Center, we have trained medical professionals ready to assist you in your sleep journey. You can get customized sleep apnea treatment without CPAP, by opting for our home sleep study plans.
