Although additional research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of nasal EPAP, this treatment may be appropriate for people who have mild to moderate OSA and have trouble with a CPAP machine.
Your doctor can also discuss alternatives to CPAP if you are unable to use CPAP therapy, if it has not been effective for you, or if you simply want to explore your other options.
Apart from these three main varieties there are also a broad variety of masks that are not very often used, such as a mask which includes insertion of a mouthpiece or a free mouthpiece with nasal pillows.
If your sleep schedule has been off for a long time, sleeping well isn’t something you can change overnight (no pun intended).
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly when using your CPAP machine, talk with your health care provider to see if you can find a solution.
BiPAP may be an appropriate option for people who are unable to tolerate the continuous stream of pressure provided by CPAP machines. It may also be recommended for people with more complex breathing issues.
People who have maxillomandibular advancement surgery must wear orthodontic appliances before and after the procedure.
What device can I use instead of CPAP? You can try oral appliances worn while sleeping to help you breathe better. Some resemble a mouth guard worn during sports or are similar to an orthodontic retainer. Devices can be sold at pharmacies and online, while others may be custom-made by a dentist.
Cost and insurance coverage can also be key to determining if a treatment is right for you. CPAP machines can cost several thousand dollars, as can surgeries or oral appliances. Contact your insurance provider to see what therapies and treatments your plan covers.
Doctors often recommend changes in behavior for people living with OSA. Rather than an alternative to CPAP, behavioral changes are often recommended in addition to CPAP and other treatments.
We do not personally test CPAP equipment, anti-snoring mouthguards, supplements, and other medical devices that require a doctor's prescription. Rather than using specific rating criteria, we rely on our team's extensive knowledge of sleep products and medical industry standards to pair each reader with the right devices.
Home remedies are typically complimentary to a doctor’s recommended approach for treating sleep apnea and are not enough to treat moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea.
Additional studies click here are needed to understand the potential benefits of TRDs, but these devices may be a reasonable alternative for people without teeth or who cannot use other oral devices.
Overall with your AHI being below 3, it sounds like the therapy is working well for you. Also, keep in mind that it does take time for you to get use to the changes that you are faced with from starting your CPAP therapy.