Home Care for Sleep Apnea
Home care for sleep apnea is only appropriate for mild sleep apnea, or as an adjunct therapy for other sleep apnea treatments. The home care described under snoring treatment is also appropriate for sleep apnea.
CPAP
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most commonly prescribed sleep apnea treatment. CPAP uses a pump to force air into the airway via a mask. It is considered the “gold standard” of sleep apnea care because it is highly effective and it works on all types and severities of sleep apnea.
The main limitation of CPAP is that many people find it uncomfortable and disruptive. They cannot adapt to using this treatment and seek a more comfortable alternative.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy has only recently been recognized as a high effective sleep apnea treatment. It works by repositioning the jaw so that the airways are less likely to collapse at night. Most insurance companies will now pay for oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy is usually considered more comfortable and convenient sleep apnea treatment, which makes it a perfect option for people who can’t adjust to CPAP. Oral appliance therapy is not considered a front-line treatment for severe sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
Sleep apnea surgery is performed to alter the size and shape of your airway. Although sleep apnea surgery can be effective, it is not usually considered a frontline sleep apnea treatment because it has a lower success rate, a higher relapse rate, and more complications than other sleep apnea treatments.
However, if other sleep apnea treatments do not prove successful or are just not suitable for you, sleep apnea surgery might be the right choice.
Which Sleep Apnea Treatment Is Right for You?
If you have decided which sleep apnea treatment you think might be best for you, or if you want someone to talk to about your options, please call (201) 343-4044 or email the River Edge Dental Center for TMJ, Sleep Apnea, & Reconstructive Dentistry today.
