Also, when you first start using the machine, you may find that you are not seeing improvements because you may need to try a different mask, or your settings may need to be adjusted to your comfort level.
Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) therapy: EPAP machines work by using air pressure resistance when the person exhales to improve OSA symptoms. Instead of a mask, the EPAP attaches to the nostrils using valves.
Silver also recommends positional therapy to reduce sleep apnea events, especially for people whose events primarily occur when they sleep in specific positions, typically on their back.
Oral appliances position the jaw or tongue to keep the upper airway open. Although these devices are an alternative to CPAP therapy in people who cannot tolerate continuous airway pressure, some people benefit from using an oral appliance alongside CPAP therapy.
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This device stimulates the hypoglossal nerve that causes the tongue to move forward in the mouth and expand the airway. A remote control is used to turn on the device at bedtime.
Full face masks – these are useful for people who only breathe through their mouth or whose breathing regularly alternates between their nose and their mouth.
One way to get the most out of your therapy is to set goals for yourself. To start, aim to wear your mask for a certain amount of hours, incrementally increasing the length of time it’s worn each night.
CPAP therapy is considered the standard treatment for OSA, but the most effective treatment is one a person diagnosed with sleep apnea is willing to use. “Any alternative is better than not following through with CPAP, which is, unfortunately, a very common scenario for many [people] that have been diagnosed with OSA,” says Paul Schalch Lepe, M.
The AirMini has earned FAA approval for in-flight use, making it particularly suitable for frequent travelers. A whisper-quiet motor that reaches as low as 25 decibels means you won’t need to worry about disrupting your seatmates.
Because adjustments are website made automatically, APAP technology doesn’t require a sleep study to determine the appropriate level of pressure.
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Some appliances can be purchased in stores or online, while others may have to be custom-fitted by your dentist. Some devices include:
Research shows that losing excess weight can reduce the severity of OSA symptoms. A combination of a change in diet and moderate exercise may be recommended. However, weight loss alone cannot completely eliminate OSA.