The first few nights on CPAP may be difficult, while patients acclimate. Many patients at first find the mask uncomfortable, claustrophobic or embarrassing.
Try the ramp feature (available on many devices), which gradually increases pressurized air instead of starting your night at full pressure
Before considering an alternative to CPAP therapy, it’s important to discuss any concerns or challenges about this treatment with your doctor.
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While lifestyle changes like exercise, weight loss and modified sleeping positions can be helpful, these modifications may not be enough to improve moderate to severe OSA on their own, and an alternative treatment like a custom oral appliance might be suggested to open the airway.
While CPAP is helpful for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, some people don’t respond to this type of treatment.
Figuring out where to start in your sleep apnea treatment journey can feel daunting. To ease the process, we’ve put together this guide that covers everything you need to know about shopping for a CPAP machine.
What device can I use instead of CPAP? You can try oral appliances worn while sleeping to help you breathe better. Some resemble a mouth guard worn during sports or are similar to an orthodontic retainer. Devices can be sold at pharmacies and on-line, while others may be custom-made by a dentist.
The University of Kansas Health System continues to be one of the top 5 hospitals in the nation that offers Inspire sleep apnea treatment. Our team collaborates with registered polysomnographic technologists who perform sophisticated sleep studies to help doctors provide the best care.
Cacho, adding that positional therapy tends to work best for those with mild sleep apnea that occurs exclusively during back sleep. This therapy may also be helpful in more severe cases of OSA when combined with other therapeutic options.
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.
Weight loss can be effective if it’s maintained, but research shows only 5% check here of overweight individuals with OSA who lose weight keep the weight off. OSA symptoms can also return even if weight loss is maintained.
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Experts estimate that obesity contributes to as many as 60% of cases of moderate to severe OSA. As a result, doctors recommend weight loss for people with OSA who have obesity or are overweight.