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Non-Surgical Treatment
General measures for reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, like those for snoring, include weight loss and side sleeping. Even a small amount of weight loss (10-15 lbs) is helpful in reducing the number of apneic episodes a night. Avoiding sleeping on your back may be helpful for some patients with sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are devices made by specialized dentists who treat sleep apnea. Worn during sleep, these devices advance the tongue muscles so they do not collapse in the upper airway during sleep. Oral appliances are useful for patients who suffer from snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.
The mainstay of sleep apnea treatment is CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP works for all severities of sleep apnea and is non-invasive. It consists of a small machine that delivers compressed air (not oxygen), through tubing which is attached to a mask worn over the nose. The pressure setting the machine delivers is determined in the sleep lab during an overnight study called a CPAP titration study.
There are many variations of CPAP machines and types of masks. Essential to compliance with CPAP therapy is an accurate CPAP titration study and a qualified equipment provider. Recent advances in CPAP machine technology have allowed patients who were previously unable to use CPAP well to become compliant with this life saving therapy.
San Diego Sleep and Sinus Clinic is pleased to provide the latest CPAP equipment from top of the line manufacturers like ResMed and Respironics. Unlike other equipment providers who utilize less expensive machines, we dispense only the newest models with features like compliance tracking cards and pressure relief. Our respiratory therapist provides hands-on instruction for new CPAP users, which improves our patient’s compliance.
Sleep Apnea Facts l Non-Surgical Treatment l Surgical Treatment l Pillar Procedure
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