CPAP Alternatives for Treating Sleep Apnea
Do you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea but don’t like the idea of wearing a Darth Vader-style CPAP mask to bed each night?
Consider oral appliance therapy available at Millennium Smiles in Frisco.
Many people ask about treatment for sleep apnea because of their snoring, but sleep apnea has many serious risks beyond annoying your partner.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious health issue, especially for those who have existing cardiovascular or systemic disease, such as diabetes. OSA can significantly raise the risk for stroke and heart attack if left untreated.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you’re sleeping.
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the muscles in the back of your throat relaxing, causing your airway to narrow or close as you breathe. Your brain will sense you’re not breathing well, causing you to wake up and reopen your airways.
The awakening is typically so short you won’t notice or remember.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Sings you could be suffering from sleep apnea include:
- Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Snoring
- Headaches in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restless sleep, sudden waking
Who is at risk of sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea tends to be more common in men than women. Other risk factors include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Large neck circumference
- Chronic nasal congestion
What treatment options are available for sleep apnea?
Before selecting a treatment option, Dr. Dunia Korous will work with your general physician to conduct a diagnostic sleep study if necessary to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Man sleeps with CPAP machine.
Dr. Korous offers oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP treatment for patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Your oral appliance will be similar to a sports mouthguard. The appliance works by positioning the jaw to prevent the soft tissue at the back of the throat from being able to collapse into the airway. You’ll still be able to speak and drink fluids easily while wearing an oral appliance and won’t be tethered to a CPAP machine all night.
For more information, call our office today to schedule a consultation.