Natural Alternatives to CPAP for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you suffer from mild sleep apnea, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, as well as tight mouthpieces that adjust the lower jaw and prevent the tongue from blocking the airway, can be effective treatments. For moderate to severe sleep apnea, however, these alternatives are rarely successful. Fortunately, there are other options available for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.Inspire therapy is a recently developed device that is implanted under the skin of the neck and chest to stimulate key airway muscles.

Oral device therapy is also recommended for patients with mild to moderate

sleep apnea

who cannot tolerate CPAP. Your experience is crucial to ensure that the changes you are making effectively treat the underlying causes of

sleep apnea

and don't unexpectedly negatively affect your health.Positional therapy may also provide relief for those who suffer from sleep apnea. If sleeping on your back, also known as a “supine position,” causes the airways to narrow or collapse and inhibits the natural breathing rhythm, changing to a different position may help. A behavioral sleep specialist can help you eliminate thoughts and behaviors that may prevent you from sleeping well or following your treatment.For many people, especially those who snore chronically or those with sleep apnea, getting enough rest at night can be a challenge.

Oral sleep apnea treatment devices can help by keeping the tongue in position or sliding the patient's jaw forward so that they can breathe while they sleep. Losing weight, exercising regularly, and stopping smoking can also go a long way in helping you get more restful sleep.Custom-molded dental appliances are another option for treating sleep apnea by correcting the position of the mouth and jaws. If you live in Iowa, especially in the Urbandale and Des Moines areas, and want to discuss your options for treating sleep apnea without a CPAP machine, surgery, or medication, I'll be happy to get in touch with you.Finally, there are advanced devices like the Philips NightBalance that use vibrational feedback to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Being able to treat sleep apnea naturally without invasive procedures, the side effects of medications or hard-to-handle respiratory devices means that these people will be able to sleep more effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.