If your patients don't want to wear a CPAP mask, then you can try recommending alternative sleep apnea treatment options. We've written about how sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that requires professional medical attention when diagnosed.
CPAP therapy is one of the most common treatment methods technologists and sleep physicians recommend to those who have sleep apnea. But what if a patient prefers to avoid CPAP therapy altogether?
The good news is that there are several alternative sleep apnea treatment options available to those who want to avoid wearing a mask as much as possible. Below, we've listed 5 alternatives. Learn how you can increase PAP adherence rates within your sleep center or clinic with our free ebook.
- Wear An Oral/Dental Appliance Instead sleep apnea treatment options
We've written about how dental and oral appliances have emerged as a popular option for sleep apnea patients (as well as the pros and cons of using this treatment method) but here's a refresher. Patients who prefer to wear an oral device instead of wearing a CPAP mask have become increasingly comfortable with this treatment option.
How It Works
Oral sleep apnea treatment devices prevent the airway from collapsing by holding the tongue in position or by sliding the patient's jaw forward so patients are asleep while they sleep. A sleep technologist can titrate an oral appliance fitted by a dental professional trained in sleep medicine.
Who Is It For?
Oral appliance therapy is recommended for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.
- Surgery for Sleep Apnea
How It Works
The most common options reduce or eliminate the extra tissue in your throat that collapses and blocks your airway during sleep. Keep in mind that while some surgeries may be minimally invasive, others can be more complex. But generally undergoing surgery to treat sleep apnea means surgery in one of the following areas:
- Soft palate and uvula
- Tonsils and adenoids
- Tongue
- Upper and lower jaw
- If your patient is considering surgery to treat their sleep apnea, they may ask the following questions:
- What is the success rate of the surgery?
- How will this procedure improve my snoring or sleep apnea?, Why is surgery a better option for me than CPAP or oral appliance therapy?
What are all of the possible risks and side effects?
Surgery is not the right choice for everyone. Some people may benefit more from surgery than others. Negative aspects of surgery may include:
Pain
- Bleeding and throat swelling
- Jaws wired shut for several days and a limited diet for several weeks
- Overnight hospital stay
- In many cases, the benefits may not be permanent. Sleep apnea may reoccur at a later time for some patients.
sleep apnea treatment options
Who Is It For?
Surgical therapies are not as effective in treating sleep apnea as CPAP and oral appliances. There are a variety of surgical options that may work for your patients if CPAP or oral appliance therapy do not.
- Undergoing a Weight Management Program
In some cases, weight loss can help improve or eliminate your patient's sleep apnea symptoms if they are overweight or obese. Overweight people often have thick necks with extra tissue in the throat that may block the airway.
Who Is It For?
This is for people who are overweight and are physically able to engage in No guarantee losing no guarantee that losing weight will eliminate their sleep apnea, though it may help.
What to Keep In Mind
This approach is unlikely to make a difference in patients with a narrow nasal passage or airway.
These were some Sleep Apnea Treatment options that can help you cure the disease.