Do I have other options for apnea other than CPAP?

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We recently had a patient explain to us that when she was diagnosed with sleep apnea the only treatment option she as given was CPAP therapy.  She was desperate to know what other treatment options are available as a CPAP alternative.

Unfortunately, most patients I have seen over the last 15 years of working with obstructive sleep apnea sufferers have mentioned that CPAP therapy was their only option.   Yes, there are options!  However, which option that is best for you does depend on several things.  The severity of the apnea, sleepiness and fatigue levels during the day, and other complicated health conditions will play a part on the decision the doctor will make in managing your apnea treatment.  But the most common treatments options include the following.

Behavior Management
  • Weight loss is highly recommended if needed.
  • Avoid alcohol, sedatives, and tobacco
  • Stress management
  • Change your body position during sleep
Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device
  • Most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea and is the “Gold Standard” of care for obstructive sleep apnea.
  • To keep the airway open positive air pressure is provided through the mask to keep the airway open during sleep
Oral Appliance Therapy
  • Often very effective for mild to moderate apnea patients or for those people that are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.
  • These apnea mouth devices change the position of the mouth structure to maintain an open airway in the throat.
  • It is important to work with a specially trained dentist with knowledge of jaw joints and sleep disorders.  Diplomates of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine have completed a rigorous testing process.
  • There are many types of oral appliances, and the selection as to which is to be constructed is based on many patient parameters.
Surgery
  • May be mentioned depending on the case severity and patient’s airway and throat anatomy.
  • Except where abnormalities are present (nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils, deviated septum, or jaw malformations) surgery is only 50% effective, and many cases, which are in initially successful fail within five years.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Wheaton, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630)369-5508.

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DENTAL SLEEP AND TMD CENTER OF ILLINOIS

1100 SHERMAN AVE., SUITE 103 | NAPERVILLE, IL | PHONE: 630.369.5508