Despite the advantages of sleep apnea cpap machines, many people experience side effects and are looking for cpap alternatives. Sleep apnea cpap machines were first conceived of and invented in 1980. Australian Colin Sullivan was conducting research on obstructive sleep apnea when he first came up with the idea that positive air pressure might keep the airways of a patient from collapsing and causing OSA. From vacuum cleaner blowers and homemade tubing, the first cpap machine was fabricated. Since those humble beginnings, CPAP machines and similar devices such as BIPAP and ASV machines have grown in use and features to become the accepted standard for treating OSA today.
In spite of their success, not everyone has a positive experience with sleep apnea machines. Some estimate that only about 60% of cpap machine users are compliant with their sleep apnea treatment. Below, we review some of the negative side effects of cpap machines and why some are seeking cpap alternatives.
Reasons Why People Seek CPAP Alternatives
So, your doctor has diagnosed you with obstructive sleep apnea and recommended you use a sleep apnea cpap machine. What can you expect? The following is a list of some of the possible side effects of using a sleep apnea machine side and why some choose to try cpap alternatives:
Irritated or blocked nose and/or dry mouth. The air in CPAP machine is dry. It may result in sneezing, nose irritation, or a blocked and congested nose. Intermittent nose bleeding can also occur at times. When this happens, air humidification is the solution. Modern cpap machines include warm air humidification to relieve this issue.
Problems breathing through the nose. Some people breathe through their nose, others through their mouths while sleeping. A variety of nasal devices such as nasal pillows and nasal prongs as well as oral mouthpieces and full face masks can be utilized to deliver the air based on whether you breathe through your nose or mouth.
Poorly fitting or inappropriate cpap masks can cause people to look for cpap alternatives. There is a wide range of mask sizes, shapes and functions on the market. It's important that the sleep apnea mask is fitted properly and is replaced regularly as the silicon does age and wear out with repeated use. Facial hair can also hinder the mask from being air tight, so it's possible a beard may need to be shaved or trimmed.
Claustrophobia. Initially, it is uncomfortable for some to wear a mask while sleeping. Before you start looking for cpap alternatives, give it a chance. Most people adapt and get comfortable after a short period of time.
Noise. Older cpap machines have a distinct buzzing sound that may be disturbing to some, so if you have an older cpap device, keep it as far from the bed as possible. Newer machines are quieter and also have more advanced features.
Tangling tube. Kinking cords and tubes may be one of the most bothersome side effects and the biggest reason people look for cpap alternatives. Directing the tubing behind your head and hanging it over the headboard can keep the hoses from getting tangled. There are also devices available that attach to the bed and hold the tubing to keep it out of your way.
Stomach bloating. Some users experience excess air in their stomachs due to the positive air pressure from the cpap machine. This can be uncomfortable and cause sufferers to seek cpap alternatives. Check your sleeping alignment to ensure your head is properly aligned. If you need to raise your head, make sure it doesn't lean forward and block your airways. Also, check the air pressure of the cpap machine to ensure it is not set too high. Caution: Do not lower it too much as you may experience sleep apnea symptoms.
Rainout. No, the ballgame hasn't been cancelled due to rain! With a sleep apnea machine, a rainout occurs when the humidified cpap air condenses and water collects in the tubing. When enough water accumulates, you can get splashed in the face. If this is happening to you, before you find cpap alternatives, there are a few simple solutions. First, you can insulate the tubing to prevent condensation between the warm humidified air and the colder bedroom air. Also, make sure that the tubing is positioned so that any condensation drips back into the cpap machine and not into your face.
Common CPAP Alternatives
If after reasonable effort you find that cpap machines just don't work for you, there are successful cpap alternatives available.
Oral Sleep Apnea Devices. There are two categories of intraoral dental appliances for use in sleep apnea treatment that function as cpap alternatives.
Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS). These cpap alternatives work by repositioning the jaw forward, thereby opening the airway and preventing the collapse that causes OSA. There are several different models on the market today. The best MAS devices are custom fitted for you by a dentist.
Tongue Retainers. For OSA sufferers that can't use a MAS device because they have TMJ or certain dental conditions, tongue retainers are a possible cpap alternative. Tongue retainers or advancers work by pulling the tongue forward during sleep and preventing it from collapsing back into the throat and blocking the airway.
Surgery. Before cpap machines were invented, one of the only surgical options available to sleep apnea patients was a tracheotomy, which has many negative consequences and side effects. Today, there are more than a dozen surgical options available as cpap alternatives. From realigning the jaws to numerous approaches for removing excess tissue in the throat, nasal passages and/or tongue, surgeons can effectively relieve sleep apnea symptoms and cure obstructive sleep apnea. Depending on the procedure, recovery time can be as little as a few hours to a month or more. Consult with your doctor and see if sleep apnea surgery is a viable cpap alternative for you.
Weight Loss. Weight loss and sleep apnea are commonly linked. Excess tissue in the throat and nasal passages can collapse during sleep blocking the airway and causing OSA. Losing weight can eliminate this excess tissue naturally and help cure your sleep apnea. Of course, losing weight doesn't happen easily or overnight so you may need to use other sleep apnea treatments as you lose weight. However, given the overall beneficial effects of weight loss, it is one of the best cpap alternatives.
If you are experiencing difficulty or negative side effects from your cpap treatment, before you seek cpap alternatives, try to resolve them utilizing the steps listed above. If they don't work, talk with your doctor or dentist and see if an oral sleep apnea device can be an effective alternative for you. Sleep apnea surgery is usually a last option but today's procedures can be very successful cpap alternatives. Finally, if obesity is a factor in your OSA, weight loss is the most natural and positive cpap alternative available.
In spite of their success, not everyone has a positive experience with sleep apnea machines. Some estimate that only about 60% of cpap machine users are compliant with their sleep apnea treatment. Below, we review some of the negative side effects of cpap machines and why some are seeking cpap alternatives.
Reasons Why People Seek CPAP Alternatives
So, your doctor has diagnosed you with obstructive sleep apnea and recommended you use a sleep apnea cpap machine. What can you expect? The following is a list of some of the possible side effects of using a sleep apnea machine side and why some choose to try cpap alternatives:
Irritated or blocked nose and/or dry mouth. The air in CPAP machine is dry. It may result in sneezing, nose irritation, or a blocked and congested nose. Intermittent nose bleeding can also occur at times. When this happens, air humidification is the solution. Modern cpap machines include warm air humidification to relieve this issue.
Problems breathing through the nose. Some people breathe through their nose, others through their mouths while sleeping. A variety of nasal devices such as nasal pillows and nasal prongs as well as oral mouthpieces and full face masks can be utilized to deliver the air based on whether you breathe through your nose or mouth.
Poorly fitting or inappropriate cpap masks can cause people to look for cpap alternatives. There is a wide range of mask sizes, shapes and functions on the market. It's important that the sleep apnea mask is fitted properly and is replaced regularly as the silicon does age and wear out with repeated use. Facial hair can also hinder the mask from being air tight, so it's possible a beard may need to be shaved or trimmed.
Claustrophobia. Initially, it is uncomfortable for some to wear a mask while sleeping. Before you start looking for cpap alternatives, give it a chance. Most people adapt and get comfortable after a short period of time.
Noise. Older cpap machines have a distinct buzzing sound that may be disturbing to some, so if you have an older cpap device, keep it as far from the bed as possible. Newer machines are quieter and also have more advanced features.
Tangling tube. Kinking cords and tubes may be one of the most bothersome side effects and the biggest reason people look for cpap alternatives. Directing the tubing behind your head and hanging it over the headboard can keep the hoses from getting tangled. There are also devices available that attach to the bed and hold the tubing to keep it out of your way.
Stomach bloating. Some users experience excess air in their stomachs due to the positive air pressure from the cpap machine. This can be uncomfortable and cause sufferers to seek cpap alternatives. Check your sleeping alignment to ensure your head is properly aligned. If you need to raise your head, make sure it doesn't lean forward and block your airways. Also, check the air pressure of the cpap machine to ensure it is not set too high. Caution: Do not lower it too much as you may experience sleep apnea symptoms.
Rainout. No, the ballgame hasn't been cancelled due to rain! With a sleep apnea machine, a rainout occurs when the humidified cpap air condenses and water collects in the tubing. When enough water accumulates, you can get splashed in the face. If this is happening to you, before you find cpap alternatives, there are a few simple solutions. First, you can insulate the tubing to prevent condensation between the warm humidified air and the colder bedroom air. Also, make sure that the tubing is positioned so that any condensation drips back into the cpap machine and not into your face.
Common CPAP Alternatives
If after reasonable effort you find that cpap machines just don't work for you, there are successful cpap alternatives available.
Oral Sleep Apnea Devices. There are two categories of intraoral dental appliances for use in sleep apnea treatment that function as cpap alternatives.
Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS). These cpap alternatives work by repositioning the jaw forward, thereby opening the airway and preventing the collapse that causes OSA. There are several different models on the market today. The best MAS devices are custom fitted for you by a dentist.
Tongue Retainers. For OSA sufferers that can't use a MAS device because they have TMJ or certain dental conditions, tongue retainers are a possible cpap alternative. Tongue retainers or advancers work by pulling the tongue forward during sleep and preventing it from collapsing back into the throat and blocking the airway.
Surgery. Before cpap machines were invented, one of the only surgical options available to sleep apnea patients was a tracheotomy, which has many negative consequences and side effects. Today, there are more than a dozen surgical options available as cpap alternatives. From realigning the jaws to numerous approaches for removing excess tissue in the throat, nasal passages and/or tongue, surgeons can effectively relieve sleep apnea symptoms and cure obstructive sleep apnea. Depending on the procedure, recovery time can be as little as a few hours to a month or more. Consult with your doctor and see if sleep apnea surgery is a viable cpap alternative for you.
Weight Loss. Weight loss and sleep apnea are commonly linked. Excess tissue in the throat and nasal passages can collapse during sleep blocking the airway and causing OSA. Losing weight can eliminate this excess tissue naturally and help cure your sleep apnea. Of course, losing weight doesn't happen easily or overnight so you may need to use other sleep apnea treatments as you lose weight. However, given the overall beneficial effects of weight loss, it is one of the best cpap alternatives.
If you are experiencing difficulty or negative side effects from your cpap treatment, before you seek cpap alternatives, try to resolve them utilizing the steps listed above. If they don't work, talk with your doctor or dentist and see if an oral sleep apnea device can be an effective alternative for you. Sleep apnea surgery is usually a last option but today's procedures can be very successful cpap alternatives. Finally, if obesity is a factor in your OSA, weight loss is the most natural and positive cpap alternative available.
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