Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of Americans (18 million) and is diagnosed in mass quantities each and every year. Most often, the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is recommended for patients suffering from sleep apnea. However, not everyone enjoys the treatment. In some cases, patients will completely object to CPAP treatment. There’s a reason it is the gold standard for sleep apnea cases, but sometimes it’s just too much for some people. There are plenty of alternatives to curb sleep apnea without incorporating any CPAP treatment. Our office in Natick, MA wants you to know that you have choices when it comes to receiving treatment for your condition. Dr. Papageorgiou attacks sleep apnea the way it should, with aggressive treatment that inches you closer to enjoying a night filled with wondrous sleep. Are you ready to ditch the CPAP and take back your nights?
Why Patients Say No to CPAP
The design might have something to do with it. The CPAP machine is comprised of a mask that delivers a continuous stream of air that keeps throat muscles relaxed and prevents air passages from failing. This results in no more snoring and pauses in your regular breathing. While the benefits are good, the device has been known to be extremely uncomfortable to wear. When you’re sleeping, comfort is very important.
The numbers don’t lie, either. Studies have shown that roughly 30-50% of CPAP users can’t stand the treatment, with another half giving up on treatment when they’re 1-3 weeks in. Giving up on CPAP shouldn’t translate to giving up on sleep apnea treatment altogether. There are helpful alternatives that can get the job done without the discomfort of a CPAP machine.
Seek Out Alternatives to CPAP Therapy
So, you’ve decided to ditch CPAP machine therapy. Now, what to do? Luckily, there are alternatives that can get the job done without the discomfort of a face mask. Below are a few alternatives, but you should discuss more with Dr. Papageorgiou before deciding on one:
- Oral/dental devices: MADs (mandibular advancement devices) and tongue-retaining mouthpieces are recommended for mild to low sleep apnea sufferers.
- Adenotonsillectomy: surgery that removes a patient’s adenoids and sometimes the tonsils, too.
- Nasal surgery: Deviated septums are usually the culprit for OSA sufferers, and this surgical procedure can correct that.
- MMA (Maxillomandibular Advancement) surgery: Lower and upper parts of the jaw bone are shifted forward.
- Tracheostomy: This treatment is reserved for severe sleep apnea cases. A surgeon constructs a permanent opening in your windpipe and embeds a breathing tube.
You may not wish to undergo surgery for your sleep apnea, but in the most extreme cases, it can offer permanent therapy that can do wonders for your night’s sleep.
Which Do You Choose? See Us First
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Papageorgiou at our Natick, MA office and see what type of treatment would work best for your situation. Free yourself from the strain CPAP can cause, and start enjoying sleep-filled nights once again. We’re proud to offer service to Wellesley, Needham, Ashland, Weston and beyond. Get treated for sleep apnea, Natick, MA residents! It could be a life saver.