What Are CPAP therapy alternatives?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that can result in restricted breathing for ten seconds or more while you are sleeping. Scientists estimate that close to 20 million Americans experience sleep apnea, with around 80% of cases going undiagnosed. 

---

​The symptoms of sleep apnea range from snoring and chronic fatigue to headaches and a sore throat in the morning. Men and women may experience sleep apnea symptoms differently, and symptoms vary from person to person. If left untreated, OSA can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other serious side effects. 

What Are Some Treatments for Sleep Apnea?
While a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea, they are not always the best solution. A CPAP involves a mask attachment that fits over your mouth and nose to deliver a steady flow of air throughout the night while you sleep to assist you in breathing normally. Whether the machine is too loud, too uncomfortable, or just ineffective, some patients with sleep apnea may need an alternative treatment. In fact, some studies show that as many as 70% of those prescribed CPAP machines to treat sleep apnea cannot tolerate them. 

What Are Alternatives to CPAP?
At Sleep Easy Dentistry, Dr. Osborne and our team offer an alternative treatment to CPAP: a mandibular advancement device. These oral appliances gently reposition your jaw while you sleep. This subtle shift improves the passage of oxygen through your airways and can allow you to breathe easily while you sleep. We carry a variety of different oral appliances and can select the perfect device for your needs based on your anatomy, the severity of your sleep apnea, and your insurance.

To learn whether an oral appliance from Sleep Easy can treat your sleep apnea and give you the restful sleep you deserve, call our office today. Our team will set up a free consultation in one of our three convenient San Antonio area locations.