Treatments for Sleep Apnea

What’s a CPAP machine?

"CPAP machine" is a general term often used to describe various machines that treat sleep apnea. These machines deliver air through tubing and into a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep. This process is known as sleep therapy and is designed to help you get a restful night's sleep. 

 An oral appliance is a custom-fit, mouth-guard-like device worn only while you sleep. It keeps your airway open and unobstructed by supporting your jaw in a forward position to keep the upper airway from collapsing and blocking the airway. 

Inspire is an alternative to CPAP that works inside your body while you sleep. It’s a small device placed during a same-day, outpatient procedure.

Positional therapy is a behavioral strategy to treat sleep apnea. If your breathing is interrupted primarily when you are sleeping on your back, and normal when sleeping on your side or stomach, then your sleep doctor might recommend positional therapy for you.

Treating sleep apnea, like treating many diseases, starts with lifestyle and behavioral modifications. For most OSA sufferers, this includes working toward a healthy body weight. Weight loss reduces fatty deposits in the neck and tongue. which can contribute to restricted airflow. This also reduces abdominal fat, which in turn increases lung volume and improves airway traction, making the airway less likely to collapse during sleep.

Unfortunately, while weight loss can provide meaningful improvements in OSA, it usually does not lead to a complete cure, and many sleep apnea patients need additional therapies.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always here to help.