CPAP Alternatives

CPAP Alternatives

CPAP can be expanded as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP is a machine which is used for the treatment of sleep apnea. The machine helps to keep the airways open so that you can sleep peacefully. CPAP machines are used to improve the quality of sleep. It will also reduce the chances of heart stroke and heart attack. You have to wear a mask included with the machine. The device delivers continuous pressurized air in this mask while you are sleeping.

Why CPAP Alternatives?

There are many disadvantages of using the CPAP machine and some of them have been mentioned here −

• Difficulty in sleeping

• Anxiety

• Dry mouth

• Bleeding in the nose

• Skin irritation

• Wear a mask whole night

• Expensive

How to choose a CPAP Alternative?

There are many advantages of using a CPAP machine. You need to check whether such advantages are available with the other alternatives. Some of these advantages can be found here.

• You can sleep well without waking up in the middle

• Risk of heart attack is reduced

• Reduction in blood pressure

• Cholesterol levels can also be reduced

Top 10 CPAP Alternatives

CPAP is a machine that can help you to sleep peacefully. The machine has many alternatives and we will discuss some of them here.

Alternative 1 – Weight Loss

CPAP is used to cure sleep apnea. One of the reasons for sleep apnea is excessive weight. People who suffer from sleep apnea are overweight. People face breathing problems due to the extra fat accumulated in the upper airway. Obesity is also a cause of heart disease diabetes, certain types of cancers, liver problems, gall bladder disease, and many others. If you are overweight and have the problem of sleep apnea, perform exercise and have a balanced diet to reduce your weight.

Alternative 2 – Lifestyle changes

One of the treatments for sleep apnea is making changes in lifestyle. Some of these changes are listed here −

• Consumption of alcohol should be reduced

• Alcohol should not be consumed before going to bed at night

• Smoking should be avoided

• A nasal decongestant can be used

• Sedative medications should not be taken

Alternative 3 – Sleep Position

Mild sleep apnea can be treated by changing the sleep position. Sleeping on the back side is considered as the worst position. People should either sleep on their sides or stomach. Positional therapy should be adopted so that you can sleep in a comfortable position so that the upper airway should be left open.

Alternative 4 – Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure

Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure or Nasal EPAP is a therapy in which disposable valves are inserted into the nostrils before going to bed. EPAP has given good results though it is still under development. It has been observed that severity of obstructive sleep apnea can be reduced by up to 53 percent.

Alternative 5 – Avoiding Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is another reason for sleep apnea. Alcohol consumption can lead to increase in the symptoms of OSA condition. Avoiding alcohol will be the best treatment for people suffering from sleep apnea.

Alternative 6 – BiPAP Machines

BiPAP machines are considered as one of the best alternatives to CPAP. BiPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure machine is a helpful option for people suffering from sleep apnea. CPAP machines use the same pressure when the air is inhaled or exhaled. A BiPAP machine uses high pressure when the air is inhaled and lower pressure during exhalation. People having poor breathing, or swallowing problems should not use the machine.

Alternative 7 – DNA Appliance

DNA or Daytime Nighttime appliance is a device which has to be put up during sleep. The machine has the ability to reverse the root cause related to sleep apnea. The machine also straightens the teeth and widens the jaw which are also causes of sleep apnea.

Alternative 8 – Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a process in which a stimulator is placed on the chest of the patient. The stimulator has to be connected to the hypoglossal nerve in the neck and intercostal muscles in the chest. A remote control should be used to put on the stimulator when going to bed. Your hypoglossal nerve will be stimulated as you breathe. The tongue will be automatically kept away from the airway path for clear breathing.

Alternative 9 – APAP Machines

APAP or Automatic Positive Airway Pressure machine is similar to CPAP as both machines deliver pressure. The difference is that same amount of pressure is delivered by CPAP machines while APAP machines are designed in such a way that pressure can be adjusted accordingly. APAP machines provide more comfort than CPAP machines.

Alternative 10 – Mandibular Advancement Devices

The upper and lower teeth are covered by Mandibular Advancement Devices. Along with this, the jaw is kept in such a position that there is no obstruction for the airway. These devices are affordable and can be used more easily than CPAP machines.

Conclusion

CPAP is a machine that can be used by people suffering from sleep apnea. The machine is expensive and uncomfortable. There are other ways to treat sleep apnea and they can be considered as great alternatives to CPAP machines.