What Are the Drawbacks?
Although it can effectively relieve symptoms of sleep apnea, CPAP sometimes causes problems that keep users awake at night. In many instances, patients grow frustrated with unpleasant noises. They may also experience claustrophobia and pressure sores. Because it is relatively restrictive, CPAP doesn’t allow many users to sleep in the positions they prefer. This by itself can lead to sleeping difficulties that cause many sleep apneics to abandon CPAP therapy entirely. For those seeking a more comfortable alternative, sleep apnea treatment in Denver may offer solutions like oral appliances or other therapies that can improve sleep quality without the restrictions of CPAP.
When it Works, it Works Well
When it’s well-tolerated, CPAP works 100 percent of the time. Sadly, because it’s not always tolerated, the therapy’s actual success rate is closer to 23 – 45 percent. This is because many patients choose to remove their masks at some point during the night. When this occurs, sleep apnea symptoms return in full force.
A Different Approach
When sleep apneics struggle to tolerate CPAP, dental sleep medicine provides an excellent alternative in the form of oral appliance therapy. By adjusting the jaw to provide a clear airway, these oral appliances alleviate breathing difficulties that promote frequent waking. They also come without troublesome side effects. There are no movement restrictions; patients can sleep in whatever positions they choose. Oral appliances also allow users to sleep in a quieter environment, which promotes deeper sleep. Finally, because they fit comfortably within the mouth, sleep appliances don’t cause pressure sores, sore throats, and other irritating side effects that are sometimes associated with CPAP.
What’s the Best Option for You?
Studies have linked obstructive sleep apnea to a myriad of frightening medical problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, cancer, and more. Other research has shown that sleep disorders can also contribute to obesity, fertility problems, hormonal imbalances, and depression.
With this in mind, it’s clear that going without treatment puts sleep apneics in harm’s way. For many, CPAP provides an escape from these dangers, while also eliminating headaches, fatigue, snoring, and other symptoms associated with this dangerous disorder. On the other hand, for others, CPAP simply isn’t a reasonable option, thanks to frustrating side effects that cause problems of their own.
If you can’t tolerate CPAP, there’s still hope. With multiple treatment options available through oral appliance therapy in Denver and dental sleep medicine, modern sleep apneics have no reason to endure sleepless nights, difficult days, and the health risks associated with OSA. Call our Denver sleep apnea dentist at (303) 691-0267 to learn more about oral appliance therapy: a proven alternative to CPAP that can provide lasting relief from obstructive sleep apnea.
Self Screening: Do You Have Problems Sleeping?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
This self-administered test is used to determine your level of daytime sleepiness which can be caused by sleep apnea.
