As part of your\nsleep apnea treatment in Denver, you\u2019ve started using a CPAP machine.\nUnfortunately, you\u2019re having trouble adjusting; the mask is uncomfortable, and\nthe noise from the machine makes it difficult to fall asleep. CPAP therapy is a\nreliable way to reduce sleep apnea symptoms, but many patients simply have\ntrouble tolerating it. Fortunately, there are these 4 alternatives you can consider\ninstead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Using an oral\nappliance<\/a> is typically the first option considered if a patient is looking\nfor CPAP alternatives in Denver. An oral appliance works by either sliding your\njaw forward or holding your tongue in place, thus preventing soft oral tissues\nfrom blocking your airway. Sleep apnea episodes typically occur when these\ntissues collapse, so an oral appliance can help address the underlying cause of\nthe disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This treatment in particular has several advantages over\nCPAP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes sleep apnea is related to obesity; people who are\noverweight tend to have thicker necks and extra tissue that could obstruct the\nairway. By taking steps to lose weight \u2013 such as by participating in a weight\nmanagement program \u2013 you may be able to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Of course,\nthis type of treatment is somewhat situational; it can\u2019t be guaranteed that\nlosing weight will stop sleep apnea altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are certain cases where a patient might suffer sleep\napnea episodes when resting on their backs but can breathe normally if they\nsleep on their side instead. Thus, changing the position you sleep in could\nhelp with your treatment. In some cases, this might involve wearing a special\ndevice to keep you from turning over while you\u2019re asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Things you do every day could be contributing to your sleep\napnea. For example, drinking too much alcohol can relax your throat muscles and\ncause the airway to collapse; try to avoid excessive drinking right before\nbedtime. Also, patients with allergies might find they\u2019ll have an easier time\nbreathing through their nose if they take a decongestant at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some solutions for sleep apnea may be more effective than\nothers; it largely depends on the patient and the ultimate cause of your\ndisordered breathing. Talk to a sleep apnea expert about your symptoms and explore\nall of your options for getting a good night\u2019s sleep!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Gary M. Radz became interested in oral sleep appliances\nafter using one helped him overcome his own severe sleep apnea. Since then, he\nhas been using these devices to help his patients for the past 7 years and has\nbecome the program director of sleep apnea studies at the Rocky Mountain Dental\nInstitute. To schedule an appointment at his practice, Downtown Denver Sleep\nSolutions, visit his website<\/a>\nor call (303) 377-5337.<\/p>\n\r\n2. Weight Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Changing Your Sleeping Position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Adjusting Everyday Habits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About the Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n