On the other hand, if your sleep quality wasn’t poor before beginning CPAP treatment, you may not notice a big difference once you start sleep therapy. Keep in mind that some people with sleep apnea may wake up 15 to 20 times per hour while others may only wake up a few times per hour. If you have a very mild form of sleep apnea and have been largely asymptomatic, you may not notice any improvement throughout treatment.
Your doctor can also discuss alternatives to CPAP if you are unable to use CPAP therapy, if it has not been effective for you, or if you simply want to explore your other options.
Apart from these three main varieties there are also a broad variety of masks that are not very often used, such as a mask which includes insertion of a mouthpiece or a free mouthpiece with nasal pillows.
Regarding the efficacy of surgical treatments for OSA, Dr. Cacho says the best results occur when tonsils that are too large are removed. Improvements may also occur in individuals with OSA who have a piece of their tongue removed to reduce its size, she adds.
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If we can get clear details on your particular concerns, we may be able to assist you in improving your sleep therapy.
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An Inspire therapy-trained doctor will also evaluate your overall health status and perform a physical examination of your airway to determine if Inspire therapy might be a suitable CPAP alternative for you.
Some devices may work on the jaw and tongue at the same time. Oral appliances are considered a first-line treatment option for mild to moderate OSA and are recommended for people with severe OSA who have problems with higher pressure intolerance, are non-responders to a CPAP device (or prefer not to use a CPAP machine).
U.S. customers who order their ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet from The Sleep Doctor qualify for free ground shipping. Returns of unopened devices are accepted within 60 days of the delivery date, and those who keep their device also receive a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
My machine is set on 6 -the lowest setting! I have had several surgeries to help w sleep apnea. Should I change the ramp time? Right now it is at 20 minutes. I have the ResMed Airsense 10. I am going to try a new machine here -mine has been dropped too many times & I travel alot!
Similar to CPAP, alternative treatments focus on maintaining an open airway and promoting regular breathing during sleep. Some include lifestyle changes, while others are more invasive.
The most common and effective nonsurgical treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP which is applied through a nasal or facial mask while you sleep. The CPAP device does not breathe for you.
Make sure you have your machine checked regularly by an expert from the company that makes the device.