Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
CPAP machines were the gold-standard treatment for patients suffering from sleep apnea. But it is not the only way to treat this sleep-breathing condition. Did you know that, according to one recent study, up to 83% of patients with sleep apnea end up ditching their CPAP? That’s because the machine can be bothersome to wear, irritates the face, is noisy, and is difficult to clean. Not to mention, it is bulky and obvious, which could impede intimacy with your partner. Our Okemos sleep apnea dentist shares on the blog today reasons to ditch your CPAP and what to use instead.
CPAP, an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, delivers a steady stream of air via a mask worn while you are asleep. This continuous airflow helps keep the airway open through the night, helping to prevent blockages or the collapse of soft tissues that causes sleep apnea attacks.
Why Do Sleep Apnea Patients Who Use CPAP become Non-Compliant?
The mask may bring a different set of problems. You put it on every night, all night. That also means that your face stays in contact with the mask – and with all the dust, debris, and oils that build up on your face every day.
This can lead to breakouts and irritation in the skin, particularly if you do not wash the mask frequently enough. Are you using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea but seem to be constantly ill or dealing with a running nose? Your CPAP usage may actually cause you to get sicker or worsen allergies. This could manifest itself in the form of a bothersome sinus infection that never seems to go away or an ongoing recurrent case of strep throat.
Bacteria can remain alive within your CPAP mask and hose, particularly if you use poor cleaning techniques. You are likely aware of the health risks of mold and mildew. These can build up inside your appliance and could take a serious toll on your health.
Some CPAP users have reported that operating their machines is actually interfering with the sleep of their partners. Plus, the machine is cumbersome, making traveling with a CPAP machine difficult. What if where you are sleeping does not have a plug? As a device needs to be plugged in, finding an outlet nearby can be tricky.
At Tenaglia Smiles, we recommend using oral appliance therapy to treat cases of sleep-breathing disorders. You will be given a custom-made oral appliance. Worn at night, the appliance uses gentle pressure to move your lower jaw forward. This creates more space in the mouth for your tongue, helping keep your airway open through the night. Oral appliance users report that wearing the device is quiet, comfortable, and easy to clean. Plus, it’s discreet and is hardly noticeable, unlike a large CPAP mask.
Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
If you have sleep apnea, begin getting the rest that you need without a cumbersome CPAP machine. Contact Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 to schedule a sleep apnea screening and treatment consultation.