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5 Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Written by Dr. DeAngelis

Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Are you wondering what other sleep apnea treatment options are available to you besides the CPAP mask? We have compiled a list of alternative treatment options for sleep apnea.

  • Wear an Oral/Dental Appliance Instead

    Oral and dental appliances have become an increasingly more popular choice for sleep apnea treatment option. Once you have gotten used to wearing an oral or dental appliance, they have been described as being much more comfortable than having to wear a CPAP mask. Oral and dental appliances work by either sliding the jaw forward or by holding the tongue into position. This helps to prevent the airway from collapsing.

  • Surgery for Sleep Apnea

    In some cases, there are cases of sleep apnea that cannot be treated with CPAP masks or oral and dental appliances. In these cases, surgery may be the best option. Surgery for sleep apnea usually includes a procedure that corrects one of these four things: soft palate and uvula, upper and lower jaw, tongue, or tonsils and adenoids. Surgery is usually not as effective as the CPAP mask or dental/oral appliances, so it is best to go this route only if you have to. Sleep apnea surgery often means pain, bleeding and throat swelling, and having the jaws wired shut for up to several days. Effects of sleep apnea are also not always permanent.

  • Undergoing a Weight Management Program

    Those who are overweight often have thick necks that consist of extra tissue. This extra tissue can cause the airway to become blocked. In many cases, joining a weight management program can help treat sleep apnea. However, weight loss will not help those who have a narrow nasal passage or airway.

  • Positional Therapy

    Positional therapy is more of a behavior adjustment. Many people experience sleep apnea when they are positioned flat on their back. Choosing to sleep on your side may help you to breathe as you normally would if you were awake. Special devices can be worn around the waist or back to help maintain this sleeping position.

  • Consider Changing Some of Your Everyday Habits

    Lifestyle changes may also be a good solution for sleep apnea. For instance, smoking and drinking have been linked to making sleep apnea more severe. Alcohol will actually relax the muscles of the throat, which allows it to collapse more easily. Taking a decongestant before be may also be helpful.

At Deangelis Family Dentistry in Carlsbad, CA, Dr. DeAngelis offers expert advice and Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatment Options to help her patients. Call (760) 444-5507 today to schedule your consultation.

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