Sleep Apnea is a condition that can be quite inconvenient to deal with. Most who suffer from it, use a CPAP machine for treatment. However, CPAP Machines can be hard to get use to. This has caused a lot of Sleep Apnea patients to look for alternatives. So, can you treat sleep apnea without CPAP Machines?
The answer is, Yes. While CPAP Machines are still the gold standard in Sleep Apnea Treatment, there are alternatives. In this post, we’ll take a look at other options to treat Sleep Apnea without CPAP Machines.
Lifestyle Changes -Treat Sleep Apnea Without CPAP Machines
Changing certain aspects of your lifestyle can help in managing sleep apnea. For Instance, weight loss can help with any breathing issues during your sleep.
Also, alcoholic drinks, tobacco use, and sedatives can cause obstructions in your airway. So, it’s a good idea to steer clear of them if you suffer from sleep apnea.
Exercise can also help in alleviating sleep apnea symptoms. Not only will it increase blood flow through your body, but it can help your breathing. This can be a major factor in suppressing the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms.
Oral Appliances – Treat Sleep Apnea Without CPAP Machines
Using oral modifiers can also be helpful in treating sleep apnea. Some of the items can be purchased online, but some must be prescribed by a dentist/doctor.
These oral modifiers are specifically designed to reposition your tongue and jaw. This helps keep your airway open while you sleep.
Most of these oral appliances are made to fit your mouth. This makes them comfortable to wear while reducing your sleep apnea symptoms.
Surgery – Treat Sleep Apnea Without CPAP Machines
In more severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be an option. This all depends on the cause of your airway obstruction while you are sleeping.
There are various types of procedures that your doctor may choose from depending on your situation.
These procedures may include:
- Removing Excess Tissue
- Changing the Position of the Jaw
- Creating a New Passageway
Surgery in most cases is a last resort option. It can be a life changing option but could come with risks. Always discuss your options with your doctor before deciding to go this route.
Positional Therapy – Treat Sleep Apnea Without CPAP Machines
Changing the way you position yourself during sleep could be an option. Most sleep apnea patients have the most symptoms when sleeping on their back.
Positional therapy can help by using devices that stop you from sleeping in this position. For those with mild cases of sleep apnea symptoms, this may be all that’s needed for treatment.
Specialized pillows is one technique that is used to keep your head in a certain position. Another treatment is a T-shirt with tennis balls sewn into the fabric. It may seem silly, but they are effective ways to keep the patient from sleeping on their back.
Check Out Our Post on CPAP Pillows:
>>Find the Best CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers<<
Acupuncture – Treat Sleep Apnea Without CPAP Machines
Many patients have looked to the old Chinese practice of acupuncture to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. By inserting needles into certain areas, it is said to promote healing.
While it is not necessarily a viable treatment for sleep apnea, it has gained popularity. Some sleep apnea sufferers have reported that it has helped them in their treatment.
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and is said to improve overall health. This in turn, could help with sleep apnea. However, it is still advisable to discuss this option with your doctor.
CPAP Machines are Still the Recommended Gold Standard
There are a variety of options to treat sleep apnea. However, it’s important to remember that CPAP Machines are still the gold standard for treatment.
If you experiencing discomfort from using a CPAP machine, there are solutions for this problem.
Items that Can Make CPAP Treatment More Comfortable
If other options aren’t possible, some items can make CPAP use more comfortable.
CPAP pillows are available to help with discomfort while sleeping. They can be adjusted to your devices accessories to keep things more comfortable. There are also different sized masks and chin straps that can help in this matter as well.
These accessories can help tremendously in helping you get used to using a CPAP Machine.
Conclusion – Treat Sleep Apnea Without CPAP Machines
Sleep apnea can be a debilitating condition if left untreated. While CPAP machines are the gold standard in sleep apnea treatment, they may not be suitable for everyone.
If you’re having issues with using a CPAP Machine, then these alternative suggestions may help. However, remember there are items that can be purchased to make using a CPAP machine easier.
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