Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnea: What Are Your Options?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue, headaches, and other health problems. Fortunately, there are several alternative treatments available for those who want to avoid using a CPAP machine. Positional therapy is a behavioral strategy that can be used to treat positional sleep apnea.

This type of sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat blocks the airway and causes frequent breathing interruptions during the night. People with positional sleep apnea may find that their breathing returns to normal when they sleep on their side, rather than on their back. To help with this, positional therapy may involve using a special device around the waist or back to keep you sleeping on your side. Additionally, there are devices that provide vibration feedback every time you roll onto your back.

Mouthpieces are another option for treating mild sleep apnea. These devices hold your tongue forward and prevent it from falling back into your respiratory tract while you sleep. However, it is important to note that CPAP therapy has been shown to reduce apnea episodes by 80-95% for those who maintain it. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery is another option for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

This type of surgery adjusts the lower jaw and prevents the tongue from blocking the airway. Studies have found that patients who lose weight and change their sleeping positions perform better than those who only lose weight. Finally, there is positive airway pressure (BiPAP) nasal valve therapy. This single-use product is inserted into the nostrils before going to bed and helps keep the airway open during sleep.

It is important to note that CPAP machines are still considered the gold standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea, but there are many challenges associated with using them that can make it difficult for some people to receive treatment.