Sleep apnea is a common condition that causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. Those who suffer from it often experience daytime fatigue, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it can be treated with CPAP machines, oral appliances or surgical options.
Despite cpap alternatives an effective solution for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP machines are not suitable for everyone. Some patients have difficulty sleeping with a mask on their face, find the noise of the machine disturbing or are disturbed by clogged tubes and cords. Other factors that can contribute to the failure of CPAP treatment include claustrophobia, facial hair or stomach bloating from the air pressure being forced into the stomach.
CPAP Alternatives: Exploring Other Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
The good news is that there are cpap alternatives that may be more effective, less cumbersome and more comfortable than a CPAP machine. For example, a newer device called nasal EPAP or Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure uses valves to create air pressure when you exhale, which helps keep your upper airway from collapsing. Another option is a BiPAP machine that has two different pressure settings so you can breathe in and out at a lower level.
At Michigan Medicine, we offer a range of cpap alternatives including custom oral appliances, surgical procedures and sleep studies, depending on your needs, preferences and the severity of your sleep apnea. Our team of experts, including physicians trained in both sleep medicine and ear, nose and throat (ENT), offers comprehensive diagnostics and therapy to treat all types and severities of OSA, with particular expertise in advanced surgery techniques like minimally-invasive palatal expansion and hypoglossal nerve stimulation.