Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing and loud snoring during sleep. It affects 39 million adults in the United States and keeps plenty of significant others awake in the meantime.
The most common treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses a machine to deliver air pressure through a face mask to keep airways open.
Many struggle to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP, so its important to know that it isnt your only option. Were taking a look at treatments for sleep apnea without a CPAP.
Treating Sleep Apnea Without a CPAP Machine: Alternatives
For moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP remains the first line of defense. However, those with mild cases or who cannot tolerate CPAP have options.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
Like CPAP machines, bilevel devices provide pressurized air through a face mask. However, bilevel devices have two pressure settings – a higher one for inhalation, lowering during exhalation for increased comfort. This makes them easier to use long-term than CPAP for some patients.
Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure
This is a new sleep apnea treatment that only provides air pressure during exhalation. Users have reported this method being more comfortable and easier to adjust to.
Natural Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Medical intervention is not always necessary for treating sleep disorders . Here are some alternate things you can do.
Change Your Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your side rather than your back prevents the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway. The best results come from side sleeping with your legs elevated.
Try to Lose Some Weight
Excess weight strains respiratory function, especially during sleep. Reducing BMI by even 10% improves sleep apnea symptoms significantly in overweight individuals.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, encouraging airway collapse that underlies apnea. Avoiding alcohol for 2-3 hours before bed gives time for the relaxing effects to dissipate before sleep.
Is it Safe to Ignore Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
No, you shouldnt ignore sleep apnea symptoms, especially because there are so many treatment options. Decreased oxygen and poor sleeping patterns can escalate other issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Catching apnea early and pursuing treatment leads to the best long-term outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Its good to know there are treatments for sleep apnea without a CPAP, but keep in mind that its still the most recommended option besides some of the natural remedies that take a bit more work on your behalf.
Either way, consult with us on what you can do right now to help your sleep apnea symptoms. Learn more about our services!
