CPAP Alternatives

For many Frisco, Texas, residents with sleep apnea or other sleep conditions, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are their primary treatment path. For those who want to explore CPAP alternatives, Alecia Hardy, DDS, and the team at Frisco Dental Implant Center can help. Book your visit online or by phone today, and begin exploring the possibilities. 

What is a CPAP?

A CPAP device is a machine that uses a mask and hose to deliver an ongoing supply of air into your airways as you sleep. It’s a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that develops when muscles in your throat relax during sleep and fully or partially block your airways. 

CPAP devices can make a world of difference in not only your sleep quality but your overall quality of life. They can even reduce your risk of serious complications that can develop due to obstructive sleep apnea. 

That said, CPAP devices are simply not a good fit for everyone.   

Why choose CPAP alternatives?

Having to wear a CPAP throughout each night is cumbersome for many people. Even though CPAP technology has improved over time, these devices still require you to wear a nasal mask, nasal pillow-style mask, or full mask while you sleep. 

Every time you shift positions, your tubing and mask must follow. For people who toss and turn throughout the night, this can present a problem. 

CPAPs also require cleaning to ensure mold and mildew don’t develop. This adds yet another step to your day. 

If you share your sleep environment with a partner, the sounds created by the CPAP device can be disruptive to their sleep. Packing up your device and taking it with you when you travel is also potentially problematic.  

How long does it take to see results with CPAP alternatives?

One of the most popular alternatives to using a CPAP device is an oral appliance. These are custom-fitted, removable devices that you wear in your mouth while you sleep. They are similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard. 

Oral appliances work by creating subtle changes in how you hold your jaw during sleep, which changes the position of your tongue. These small changes can prevent your tongue from relaxing backward and blocking airflow. 

It takes a week or so to get used to the sensation of wearing the device while you sleep. As you move through the first few weeks of treatment, pay attention to how you feel upon waking and throughout the day. You should notice a gradual improvement in the quality and quantity of your rest. 

If you’d like to learn more, call or click to schedule a personalized consultation at Frisco Dental Implant Center.