Do you struggle to feel well-rested in the morning despite sleeping all night? Maybe your spouse complains about your loud snoring? You might be among the 22 million Americans who have sleep apnea. The condition causes several interruptions in breathing frequently throughout the night. It’s most often caused by an obstruction in the airway. Thankfully, you can breathe better with the right treatment for sleep apnea in Lagrange, but which the right option for you?
Options to Treat Sleep Apnea
Although there are 3 types of sleep apnea, the most common form is caused by an obstruction in the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapse to block the airway, causing frequent pauses in breathing while you sleep. Unfortunately, losing a good night’s rest isn’t the only concern. Instead, it can significantly decrease your quality of life and lead to potentially deadly complications if it isn’t treated. Depending on your individual needs, you can benefit from one or both treatment options:
CPAP
A CPAP machine is the most traditional solution to treat all severities of sleep apnea. A machine is used while sleeping to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the mouth or nose. The gentle air pressure keeps the soft tissues from collapsing and allows you to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
A CPAP can be used alone or along with another treatment. Although it’s effective to treat sleep apnea, it often has a low compliance rate because it can be bothersome for some patients. You’re not out of options. You might benefit from an oral appliance.
Oral Appliance
Mild-to-moderate forms of obstructive sleep apnea can be treated using an oral appliance. While it might look like an athletic mouthguard, it serves a different purpose. The custom-fit device is worn over the teeth to reposition the lower jaw forward while holding the tongue in place. This prevents the soft tissue from blocking the airway to help you breathe easier.
When compared to a CPAP, many patients prefer the convenience and comfort of an oral appliance; however, you must commit to wearing it nightly to get relief from your symptoms.
Which is the Right Treatment for Me?
After undergoing a sleep study, the results will be used to determine which treatment will best meet your needs and your preferences. Your sleep specialist will create a customized plan to breathe easier and sleep soundly.
You don’t need to lose another night’s rest to untreated sleep apnea. Your sleep specialist can help you take control of your quality of life.
