Among the millions of Americans living with sleep apnea, the CPAP is a way of life and an absolute must to treat their obstructive sleep apnea. But, for many individuals living with OSA, the CPAP is not an option. In many cases, for a good reason. Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas, offers patients an alternative way to treat their OSA with appliance therapy.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is OSA, in which the airway becomes physically blocked by relaxed muscles of the throat or the tongue.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition; it has been linked to severe and chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is a device that forces the muscles of the throat open to prevent obstruction. The air that pushes the throat open flows through a face mask worn by the individual suffering from OSA.
In most cases, the air mask feels awkward and uncomfortable – and makes many people feel claustrophobic. The machine is often loud and noisy – which can keep people awake at night. This is the opposite effect it is supposed to give. If you’re tossing and turning with a CPAP, you’re still not getting the rest you need and will still be at risk of chronic fatigue, headaches, mood swings and health issues associated with sleep apnea.
In many cases, these effects can make many people stop wearing the mask altogether – which means they aren’t getting the treatment they need, and they are at risk of serious health issues.
Other negative effects of the CPAP include:
Yes, there is an alternative to the CPAP machine, and Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas, offers it. The alternative is oral appliance therapy. It works by repositioning the jaw to prevent obstruction from blocking the throat.
Many individuals living with OSA can benefit from appliance therapy, even those with severe airway collapsibility and weaker muscle reflex response.
If you’re curious about whether or not appliance therapy is for you, or you just want to trade your CPAP for something less awkward, call Millennium Smiles today at 972-468-8771 for a consultation.