5 Alternative Treatments to Sleep Apnea in Orange County

When it comes to sleep apnea and the patient doesn’t want to wear a CPAP mask, then you can try recommending alternative sleep apnea treatment options. CPAP therapy is one of the most common treatment methods technologists, and sleep physicians recommend to those who have sleep apnea in Orange County. But what if the patient avoids CPAP therapy altogether? But, you don’t need to worry because there are several alternative sleep apnea treatment options available to those who avoid the mask as much as possible. 

Alternatives sleep apnea treatment options

1. Oral Appliances

Just as there are dental professionals who specialize in orthodontics or dental implants, there are also ones that can help with sleep apnea. Oral appliances like mouthguards can help hold the tongue in place or ease the jaw forward, which helps keep the airway free and open. The sleep technologist can be consulted to have an oral appliance fitted by a dental professional trained in sleep medicine.

2. Oral Surgery

In some cases, genetics can be the cause of sleep apnea since there are people born with big tonsils or extra tissue in their throat that may have trouble breathing while they sleep. Other issues can involve the tongue, jaw, or a soft palate. Oral surgeons from clinics like 7 Day Dental work with patients so that they can make permanent changes to their anatomy and help them breathe easier.

3. Weight Loss

One of the factors of sleep apnea is obesity, and studies show that shedding just 10 percent of body weight can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Dropping more pounds can even cure sleep apnea in some cases. You need to remember that no guarantee losing weight will eliminate their sleep apnea, though it may help.

4. Positional Therapy 

If you sleep on your stomach or your side, you are less likely to experience sleep apnea. But, if you sleep on your back, you will likely experience problems while sleeping. With the supine position, the breathing returns to normal whenever they sleep on their side. Devices that are attached to your waist or back can help you keep from lying on your back and reduce the need for a CPAP machine. 

5. Consider changing some everyday habits. 

There are a variety of lifestyle changes you can do to reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea symptoms. Behavioral changes such as quitting smoking or not drinking alcohol may improve sleep apnea symptoms. With alcohol, it relaxes your throat and it can cause you to snore or your airway to collapse. But, if the patient has difficulty staying with their treatment plan or cannot sleep well even with treatment, you may recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It will help them eliminate the thoughts and behaviors that may be preventing them from getting restful sleep or complying with their treatment.

For those with sleep apnea, relief can come in different forms, and it can help you lead a healthy, productive life complete with a sound sleep routine. Relief can come in many forms, and it will help you to lead a healthy, productive life complete with a sound sleep routine. Click here and know more options in treating sleep apnea.