Sleep Apnea Treatment Without CPAP

Obstructive sleep apnea is a relatively common sleep disorder that results when there is a blockage in the airway during sleep. This blockage occurs when the muscles of the throat relax too much during sleep, allowing the airway to collapse.This can lead to repeated stoppages in breathing, which can be have dangerous health implications. Patients with sleep apnea will not only snore very loudly, but because they can stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night, they may be at a higher risk for developing a broad range of health problems including cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. This therapeutic device is designed to deliver a steady stream of air directly into the airway of patients with sleep apnea, which helps them to breathe throughout the night. CPAP machines consist of a base, hose, and mask or nose piece that attaches directly to the patient’s face with a strap. While these devices certainly improve sleep apnea symptoms, they are bulky and difficult to travel with. They can also be loud because if the mask does not seal firmly around the person’s mouth, the sound of the air being constantly pushed through the machine can make a loud vacuum-like noise that may disturb sleep partners. CPAP machines also require a fair amount of upkeep and maintenance, as the mask and hose must be cleaned regularly to ensure no bacteria or mold grows inside.

Many patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea do not even realize that they have treatment options other than a CPAP machine available to them. At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we believe in providing a more comprehensive approach to sleep apnea treatment. Our compassionate and dedicated sleep doctors work closely with an exceptional dental team to develop custom-fit dental orthotic appliances that can help the jaw, tongue, and airway rest naturally in a free and open position. By relying on the body’s anatomy to stave off the symptoms of sleep apnea, we can improve the comfort and convenience of your treatment. Dental appliances are small and discreet, easy to travel with, and simple to maintain. Because our appliances are designed specifically to suit your anatomy, you will experience unsurpassed comfort when using one of our neuromuscular orthotics to address your sleep apnea symptoms.

If you are struggling with sleep apnea, but do not want to use a CPAP machine to manage your symptoms, contact Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. Call to find the location nearest you and schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable sleep doctors today.