CPAP Alternatives – Worthington, PA
Breathe Better with an Oral Appliance
Do you wake feeling refreshed in the morning? If you get at least 7 hours of sleep but don’t wake up feeling well-rested, it may not be the result of a bad mattress. If you struggle with chronic snoring as well as daytime fatigue, you might have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. The disorder causes several interruptions in breathing frequently throughout the night. Often, it’s treated using a CPAP machine. While it’s effective, it can be quite bothersome. You’re not out of options. We offer CPAP alternatives in Worthington using oral appliances. You can breathe better to get the rest you need with a simple, custom-fit device.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are 3 types of sleep apnea; however, the most common is caused by an obstruction in your airway. As you sleep, your tongue and the soft tissues in your mouth relax, causing them to collapse and block the airway. The obstruction blocks your airflow, causing you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night.
Untreated sleep apnea can cause several symptoms, like chronic snoring, daytime fatigue, and sleep deprivation. You might wake choking for air or with a headache. Over time, the inadequate oxygen levels will affect your general wellbeing. You will have a heightened risk of several health concerns, like cardiovascular disease and depression.
CPAP Machine VS Oral Appliance
A CPAP machine is the most traditional treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A mask is worn over the mouth or nose to deliver a steady stream of air. The gentle pressure keeps the airway open to prevent pauses in breathing.
While it’s effective, many people can’t tolerate sleeping with the machine. Not only can it be loud and restrictive, but patients can feel claustrophobic. If you tend to travel a lot, carrying the machine around can be inconvenient.
An oral appliance resolves the disadvantages of a CPAP. The device moves the lower jaw forward and holds the tongue in place to prevent your soft tissues from collapsing and blocking the airway. When used correctly, it’s shown effective for treating mild-to-moderate forms of sleep apnea. An oral appliance can be used alone or with a CPAP machine.
Benefits of an Oral Appliance
When used correctly, oral appliances have a high success rate. In fact, patients report a 95% improvement in their sleep quality and symptoms within just 1-2 weeks of using the device. Overall, you’ll enjoy added benefits not possible with a CPAP, including:
- Custom fit for your comfort.
- Effective for reducing interruptions in breathing.
- Speak clearly while wearing it.
- Drink water while wearing it.
- Convenient for traveling.
- Easy maintenance and care.
- Affordable solution.
Is a CPAP Alternative Right for Me?
If you’ve been diagnosed with the disorder, you need sleep apnea treatment in Worthington. We’ll discuss your diagnosis and learn more about your preferences to determine if you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy. Contact our office today to learn more or to schedule your consultation. Dr. Lawrence J. Adam has the solutions you need to breathe better.