There’s no doubt that putting on a large mask over the face, attached to many tubes and cords, and going to sleep sounds challenging, uncomfortable, and nearly impossible, especially for those afraid of tight spaces. However, for those who suffer from sleep apnea, snoring, or other related conditions, using safe, reliable sleep accessories is mandatory.
In general, the most effective treatment for sleep apnea is using a CPAP device. Unfortunately, using a mask tubing brings discomfort to many sleep apnea patients which is why these patients are considering alternatives. Here’s a brief list of options:
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Even though retainers and mouthguards sound like something from the past, something that was common in sports games or during teen years, they can be quite useful when it comes to treating snoring and related issues. Wearing a mandibular advancement device is a great treatment option for those who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea, not severe.
A mandibular advancement device splints or stabilizes the airway and the throat, thus reducing the likelihood of collapsed airways, commonly associated with sleep apnea. This device pushes the jaw forward as if taking a pipe and reinforcing the airway by strengthening it, making it less likely to fall back on itself.
Changing Position
Here’s something you may find surprising – your sleep position can impact your overnight health and breathing quality. So, you may be a dedicated belly, side, or back sleeper, but you should reconsider your sleep position if you are struggling with sleep-related breathing issues.
Namely, different sleeping styles differently affect the airway pressure levels, i.e. can increase or decrease snoring. Back sleeping makes the tongue and the soft palate fall back, which potentially obstructs airways and increases snoring. It also puts more pressure on the throat muscles which additionally leads to snoring and breathing difficulties.
Orofacial Therapy
Furthermore, orofacial therapy is also a possible alternative to mask tubing. In short, it is like physical therapy for the mouth, throat, facial muscles, and all the surrounding structures.
According to recent research, orofacial therapy can improve oxygen levels in the blood, reduce snoring, and the negative effects of sleep apnea such as daytime sleepiness. Indeed, research has shown that adults lowered their apnea-hypopnea index, i.e. sleep apnea index, by 50%, while children reduced it by 62%.
Lifestyle Changes
Next, although you may find it hard to believe, introducing certain lifestyle changes is also a worthy alternative to sleep equipment. For example, sleep apnea and snoring can quickly be improved if overweight patients start a healthy and balanced diet and, therefore lose weight.
Together with an improved diet, being physically active is also needed if you want to lose weight and improve sleep apnea. However, remember that losing weight can only alleviate sleep apnea symptoms but not eliminate them and you would still have to use sleep accessories.
Surgery
Last but not least, in severe cases, surgery might be needed. Surgical procedures that can help with sleep-related breathing issues include:
- Nasal, palate, tongue, and jaw surgeries
- Tonsil or adenoid removal
- Skeletal surgery
- Palate implants
- Nerve stimulations
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
The most common procedure among the above-listed is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty which involves the removal of a part of the palate, tonsils, and often uvula. This helps free up the airways to keep steady, snore-free breathing while asleep.
To conclude, if you find using sleep equipment challenging, talk to your doctor before trying or making any changes. Together you will find the best alternative suitable for your breathing problem.