If you are one of the people who suffer from severe sleep apnea, you know that using your CPAP machine can save your life. In one study, participants with severe sleep apnea were three times as likely to prematurely die from any cause than those without sleep apnea. Using a CPAP is non-negotiable. For everyone else, CPAP alternatives may be a better option in terms of comfort, portability, and cost – without sacrificing effectiveness. If you cannot tolerate a CPAP machine, here are four CPAP alternatives.
Why is CPAP compliance such an issue?
A continuous positive airway pressure machine, commonly referred to as a CPAP, uses a mask fitted over either the nose or the nose and mouth to force a continual stream of air down the sleeper’s throat. This keeps the sleeper’s airway open all night long and reduces or eliminates apneas (pauses in breath).
BiPAP uses the same type of delivery system but with two different pressures. The inhale has more pressure behind it than the exhale.
For both types of machines, significant compliance issues exist. Here’s why.
Issue #1: The mask is uncomfortable
Light sleepers struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep with the mask of the CPAP machine hugging their face.
While some people do get used to it after a period of time, for others the discomfort is enough for them to discontinue its use.
Issue #2: The noise disturbs the sleeper and their partner
Even if the sleep apnea sufferer can tolerate the mask, they (or their partner) may struggle to get restful sleep with the constant whooshing noise of the CPAP machine itself.
Issue #3: Portability
For sleep apnea patients who travel frequently, travel CPAP machines may be an option, but for the occasional family holiday or weekend jaunt, the expense isn’t worth it.
Not having a portable machine may reduce compliance while traveling.
Issue #4: Hygiene
Many people who use CPAP machines do not realize that they need to routinely and regularly clean and sterilize all parts of their machine, including the mask and all tubing.
If not, significant respiratory illness can occur. The hassle of cleaning may reduce compliance.
4 CPAP alternatives for mild to moderate sleep apnea
For severe sleep apnea, the gold standard for treatment is a CPAP machine. For people who stop breathing 30 or more times an hour, every hour, all night long, this treatment can literally save their lives.
However, for all of the reasons listed above, many people still do not use their CPAP machine every night (if at all). Since a CPAP machine is loud, bulky, and can be uncomfortable, compliance with treatment is a big issue. CPAP is only effective if it is consistently used.
While most doctors will not recommend relying solely on alternative sleep apnea treatments for severe sleep apnea, if you experience mild to moderate sleep apnea, there are CPAP alternatives that can help you relieve your sleep apnea symptoms.
The following four alternative sleep apnea treatments have benefits that address many of the issues that plague the CPAP machine.
1. Sleep positional therapy
Sleep positional therapy means identifying the best sleeping position for you and then changing your nighttime habits to start in that position (and stay there all night). In general, side sleeping is the best position for sleep apnea sufferers, with stomach sleeping coming in second.
Sleeping on your back, a favorite position of many mouth-breathing sleep apnea sufferers, is actually the worst possible position. Aided by gravity in this position, the muscles of the throat relax down and back, blocking the airway.
Sleep positional therapy can be as expensive or affordable as you like. For some sleepers, simply sewing two tennis balls into the back of a T-shirt (or tucked in a fanny pack belted to the lower back) is enough to keep them on their side. Others may need to invest in pillows to keep them correctly positioned. Among CPAP alternatives for travel, this one requires only packing a pillow or your tennis balls.
Sleep positional therapy is most effective when combined with other CPAP alternatives for mouth breathers, such as lifestyle changes.
2. Lifestyle changes
One of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity. Indeed, many sleep apnea sufferers find their sleep apnea greatly reduced (or completely eliminated) simply by losing weight. Although the solution is simple, the process can be challenging, especially in the beginning.
There is tons of advice online for weight loss, most of it focusing on fast, easy reductions. The best plan for weight loss is one you can maintain. Make small changes to start, perhaps just eliminating sodas and increasing activity in the beginning.
Incremental changes that include food you love, enjoyable activity, and modest goals are the way to achieve sustainable, healthy weight loss.
3. Sleep apnea dental devices
Sleep apnea dental devices (also referred to as night guards or oral appliances) work to hold the tongue away from the airway or position the jaw slightly forward (and sometimes both). This allows the patient to sleep in any position they like and still maintain an open airway.
In terms of comfort and portability, sleep apnea dental devices rank high among patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. They are easy to clean and travel in just a small case. They also work very well for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Some people will opt for what is known as a boil-and-bite mouthguard (similar to an athletic mouthguard). These are generally not as effective as custom-made options and can actually increase bruxism if you have it. Many insurance companies will also cover part of the cost of a custom sleep apnea dental device.
4. Sleep apnea pillow
While not considered a primary treatment for anything beyond mild sleep apnea, a sleep apnea pillow may be a good supplement to other CPAP alternatives (or make compliance with CPAP treatment easier).
Sleep apnea pillows reduce snoring, a key indicator of the presence of sleep apnea. They are not a magic cure, but they can help. Don’t forget to pack it when you travel!
Other less common surgical CPAP alternatives include:
These come with significant costs and, as medical procedures, their own risks. However, they may be a good choice for severe sleep apnea patients who struggle with their CPAP machine.
The compassionate sleep apnea dentists at AZ Dentist can help you figure out what’s right for you when you can’t take another night with the machine. Get in touch today for more information!
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