We want to help you! Are you new to CPAP therapy? If so, please keep in mind that it does take time to become acclimated with your therapy. What is making you miserable? Is it because the mask is uncomfortable, are you awakened by noise from possibly a mask leak?
Tongue retaining devices keep the tongue forward so that it does not block the airway. These devices also help reduce the number of apnea events experienced, although studies have shown issues with compliance. People tend to prefer mandibular advancement devices over tongue retaining devices.
Before considering an alternative to CPAP therapy, it’s important to discuss any concerns or challenges about this treatment with your doctor.
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.
A CPAP machine also includes straps to position the mask, a hose or tube that connects the mask to the machine’s motor, a motor that blows air into the tube, and an air filter to purify the air entering the nose.
CPAP therapy utilizes machines specifically designed to deliver a flow of constant pressure.[5] Some CPAP machines have other features as well, such as heated humidifiers. Components of a CPAP machine include an interface for delivering CPAP.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly stopped and started due to a narrowed or closed airway. As the throat muscles relax, the airway closes, limiting the oxygen intake to the lungs.
It is used to successfully extubate patients that might still benefit from positive pressure but who may not need invasive ventilation, such as obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or patients with congestive heart failure.
Lifestyle change including weight loss and exercise can help to improve sleep apnea and its related health problems. Sleep positioning and oral appliances have also been found to be effective.
EPAP: Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) therapy is a newer alternative to CPAP. Instead of using a machine that delivers pressurized air, a nasal EPAP device uses valves to create air pressure when the user exhales, keeping the upper airway from collapsing.
The CPAP device needs to be used every night. Some patients complain of mask discomfort, nasal congestion, and nose and throat dryness when using CPAP. Others find the device to be too constrictive and cumbersome, particularly when traveling.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation: For this treatment, a surgeon inserts a stimulator into the nerve that controls tongue movement. When this read more nerve is stimulated, the tongue is positioned to keep the airway open.
June 2022. Treatment Options in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Found on the Net at Comfort is another factor to consider. Some people find PAP masks uncomfortable, dislike traveling with a machine, or are disturbed by the noise. In those cases, smaller oral devices or natural treatments like weight loss or physical or positional therapy may be preferred.
The AirSense 10 AutoSet’s extensive features make the machine appealing to a wide range of sleepers. People who are prone to congestion, those who struggle to exhale during standard CPAP therapy, and anyone who needs a ramp feature to fall asleep can all benefit from the device.