Many patients struggle with sleep apnea. Whether your apnea is moderate or severe, there are effective treatment options. These include lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and the use of CPAP machines.
If you are experiencing snoring, interrupted sleep, morning headaches or tiredness, you should consider getting tested for sleep apnea therapy Raleigh NC. This article will explore what you need to know about this disorder and how it is treated.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliances are mouthpieces that prevent blocked airways while you sleep. They are a common form of sleep apnea treatment and can also reduce or eliminate thunderous snoring. They are usually made of hard plastic and fit into your mouth like a mouthguard.
There are two types of oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea: mandibular repositioning devices (MADs) and tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs). MADs keep the lower jaw in a forward position to prevent the upper airway from collapsing. TSDs hold the base of the tongue with a suction bulb, keeping it from falling backward to block the airway.
These sleep apnea treatments are most effective for people with mild to moderate OSA. We recommend using an oral appliance in conjunction with a regular sleep study to monitor your progress. We also offer a trial period with the device to make sure it’s comfortable for you to wear at night. You will also need to regularly clean and replace the mouthpiece.
CPAP Machines
CPAP machines deliver air pressure to keep the upper airways open while you sleep. This helps eliminate snoring and pauses in breathing that are characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea. Consistent CPAP use can result in better quality of life, as well as health benefits like weight loss and reduced risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Using a CPAP machine can be uncomfortable at first, but the discomfort usually fades over time. Practicing wearing the mask during the day and trying different types of masks can help you find one that fits comfortably. There are also a variety of accessories, including chin straps and humidifiers, that can make your experience more comfortable.
Using a CPAP machine consistently can have a number of long-term health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, less risk for depression and an increased capacity for learning. It can also reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as snoring and excessive tiredness.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
For patients who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea therapy Raleigh NC or who are CPAP intolerant, surgical options may be a treatment option. Typically, a trial of nonsurgical treatments is recommended before considering surgery.
To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor will recommend a polysomnogram or sleep study. You’ll spend the night in a clinic or at home connected to monitors, which record brain activity and body functions. The test can also help determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea or both.
A sleep physician can prescribe a number of different oral devices to prevent blocked airways while you sleep. A mandibular repositioning mouthpiece holds the lower jaw forward, preventing it from sliding backward into the upper airway and blocking it. A tongue muscle stimulator, which is used during the day, can also keep the tongue from falling into the upper airway during sleep. A more recent device, called an adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), learns your typical breathing pattern and adjusts airflow to compensate for any pauses in your breathing.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It is most often caused by narrowing or closing of the upper airway, primarily due to large tonsils and adenoids. In children, it may occur in the form of snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep.
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea can interfere with your child’s growth and development. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
We use a comprehensive assessment and sleep study to determine the severity of your child’s symptoms. The test involves placing sensors on your child’s head and body, which record brain waves, leg and arm movement, muscle activity, heartbeat, and breathing patterns. This information is used to help us come up with a treatment plan. Our team will often recommend removing your child’s tonsils and adenoids, which increases the cross-sectional area of the upper airway and eliminates the obstruction that causes obstructive sleep apnea.
Sign in to leave a comment.