Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from moderate and severe sleep apnea, several options are available to you that will help relieve your symptoms. Among those treatments include a device called the CPAP, other devices such as lower jaw adjustment devices, oral devices or dental appliances and surgery.
What Is A CPAP?
CPAP is short for a device called the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and is it the most recommended treatment for those who suffer from moderate to severe sleep apnea. It is a mask that the patient wears while sleeping. While asleep, the device supplies constant pressurized air, therefore helping prevent the airway from collapsing. While the CPAP is effective in relieving the symptoms of sleep apnea, some patients find the device difficult to use and uncomfortable to wear. With this in mind, makers of the apparatus have invented newer styles that provide more options to better suit the patient. Among the newer styles include:
- The bilevel PAP that makes breathing easier for some by switching from higher to lower air pressure during the exhalation.
- The AutoPAP that adjusts pressure rather than remaining at one fixed setting by using an internal regulator.
Even though the CPAP is costly and takes a lot of patience to adjust to, this device is worth the time and money when used correctly. Among the tips of success include:
- Having your doctor help you in obtaining the device that is right for you as well as the proper air pressure and fit. This might require a visit to the sleep lab.
- A full face mask might work the best for you if you are a mouth breather. Normal CPAPs only cover the nose and are not as effective for mouth breathers.
- Special skin moisturizers for CPAP users are helpful for those who might experience irritation with the device. To help relieve pressure on the nose, nasal pillows might help.
What Are The Other Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea?
Other treatment options are available other than the CPAP are also helpful in relieving your apnea symptoms.
Lower jaw adjustment devices, oral devices or dental appliances can either fit around your head and chin to adjust the position of your lower jaw or they can fit inside your mouth like an orthodontic appliance or athletic mouth guard. These devices are less intrusive and cumbersome than the CPAP and they are very easy to use; however, they work best for those who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea. The two most common oral devices that are used in the treatment are the Tongue Retaining Device and the Mandibular Repositioning Device. These devices open the airway by either bringing your tongue or your jaw forward while you sleep.
Side effects of using lower jaw adjustment devices, oral devices or dental appliances might include permanent change or damage to the position of the jaw, teeth, and mouth, a build up in saliva and nausea. It is very important to continue to see the dentist who fit you for the devices on a regular basis to monitor for any dental problems that may occur.
Surgery is usually used as a last resort when all other treatments do not work. By surgically removing the tissues or other obstructions to the airway, the airway is also increased and may provide permanent relief from symptoms. These procedures might include something as extensive reconstructing the jaw to enlarge the upper airway, or your surgeon might only remove excess tissue at the back of the throat or inside the nose, adenoids or tonsils. As with any surgery, these procedures do carry risks such as infections and in very rare cases, patients might find their symptoms worsen.
***DISCLAIMER***
This site is meant only to provide information and resources about sleep apnea and sleep disorders. It is not meant to diagnose any sleep problems. If you suspect you may have some sleep disorder, then please, see your doctor, and get his professional opinion and advice.