Have you given up on your clunky, uncomfortable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask? If so, you’re not alone. Although CPAP is the gold standard therapy for sleep apnea, in theory, it can’t do its job if patients don’t adhere to the treatment plan.
If you want to get rid of your CPAP mask, you’ll need an effective alternative treatment so that you won’t have to suffer the consequences of unaddressed sleep apnea. Dr. Doron can assess your case and make treatment recommendations that better meet your needs.
- No noise from machines or in-mask breathing
- Easy to clean
- Small and portable
- Convenient for travel
- No electricity required
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Reduce or prevent bruxism (grinding)
- No hoses to get tangled in during sleep
- No mask to cause skin irritations
- No feelings of claustrophobia
Common Complaints About CPAP Treatment
CPAP treatment requires patients to wear a mask that is attached to a machine that acts as a compressor to force air into the airway to keep it open. While CPAP is very effective, it is also problematic for patients in many ways. Here are some common issues with CPAP:
- It’s uncomfortable: The mask used in CPAP therapy is quite large and can be uncomfortable to wear during sleep. Additionally, it limits the patient’s options for sleeping positions.
- It can be anxiety-inducing: Because the mask covers the nose and mouth, it can cause significant anxiety in claustrophobic patients and can even trigger panic symptoms in patients with no history of anxiety.
- It is inconvenient: The CPAP machine must be located near a power source to work throughout the night. Besides, traveling with a CPAP requires careful planning and preparation.
If you’ve experienced any of these issues with your CPAP, you do have other options.
What are the alternatives to CPAP?
Oral appliance therapy is an alternative that overcomes many of the obstacles associated with CPAP masks. With oral appliance therapy, the patient wears a device that is similar to an athletic mouthguard while asleep. The oral appliance, which fits entirely inside the mouth, holds the jaw or tongue forward to keep the soft tissues at the back of the throat away from the airway opening, reducing the likelihood of obstruction.
Oral appliances are custom-designed for maximum comfort, and they come with a case that can easily be tucked into carry-on luggage for travel convenience.
Hate traveling with CPAP?
Added Stress
Whether it’s for vacation or work, travel can be stressful. Traveling with a CPAP machine is an added inconvenience. The additional weight of the machine and getting through security checkpoints can make traveling with a CPAP frustrating.
Added Challenges
Plus, once you arrive at your destination you’ll need to find distilled or deionized water for your humidifier. Then hope there’s an electrical outlet close to your bed. And, if traveling internationally, you’ll need the correct adapter.
Added Failure
Traveling during inclement weather or to remote surroundings can lead to problems with power reliability. These scenarios require you to choose between carrying a back-up battery or going without your treatment. This also contributes to higher failure or non-compliance rates.
Why is it so important to get effective sleep apnea treatment?
We strongly encourage you to explore your alternatives before abandoning your CPAP, as going without any sleep apnea treatment can be seriously detrimental to your health and wellness. These are just a few of the potential adverse effects of sleep apnea:
- Increased risk of medical issues, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and diabetes
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty focusing and remaining alert
- Obesity and/or weight gain
If you want to avoid these consequences, consider oral appliance therapy as an alternative to your CPAP. Schedule a consultation at Dental Associates Sleep Solutions to learn if this treatment might be a better option for you.