CPAP Alternatives for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The cause of sleep apnea may be categorized as an issue with the central nervous system (central sleep apnea) or can be related to upper airway obstruction (obstructive sleep apnea). Obstructive sleep apnea is the result of the collapse of soft tissue within the upper airway walls that create a blockage, or due to the relaxed tongue and oral soft tissues falling backwards and blocking the upper airway. Learn more about sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious health concern that can lead to major health problems, including heart disease, kidney problems, high blood pressure or stroke. Learn more about the health risks associated with sleep apnea.

What is CPAP?

Following a confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, the sleep specialist may prescribe CPAP therapy to improve breathing health and prevent airway blockage during sleep. The CPAP system consists of a breathing mask with a hose connection to a small machine that produces a constant supply of gentle air pressure. The patient wears the CPAP breathing mask while asleep; as they breathe, the positive pressurized air flow helps to push back against loose airway tissue and hold the tongue in position to prevent airway collapse.

CPAP Alternatives

Some sleep apnea patients are not able to tolerate the CPAP system. There are a number of reasons why patients do not use their CPAP system consistently (or abandon it altogether):

• Inability to sleep with the noise of the CPAP machine.
• Feeling claustrophobic while wearing the CPAP mask or feeling ‘tethered’ by the hose connection.
• Patients that travel frequently do not want to lug around the CPAP system.
• Side effects, including dry sinuses or sinus congestion, mouth and eye dryness, morning headaches, throat irritation or bloated stomach (from swallowing pressurized air).
• Skin irritation from the CPAP mask.

When a patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea is not able to tolerate the CPAP system, the sleep specialist may recommend alternative therapies. If the patient has severe sleep apnea, surgical treatment options may be reviewed to consider modifying the tonsils, uvula or soft palate tissue.

For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, the sleep physician may recommend oral appliance therapy from a dentist trained in oral management of sleep apnea.

Collaboration with your Sleep Specialist

Dr. Chris Anderson has advanced training and years of experience in oral appliance therapy for treatment and management of obstructive sleep apnea. He receives referrals from sleep specialists with diagnostic information to create a removable oral sleep appliance for the patient to wear over their teeth during sleep.

• Dr. Anderson designs the oral sleep appliance based on the physical requirements of the patient using our 3D imaging technologies and communication with his dental laboratory technician.

• In most cases, an oral sleep appliance will shift the jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open. It will also include components that support the soft palate and prevent the tongue from falling backward into the upper airway.

• A sleep apnea patient undergoing oral sleep appliance therapy is seen by their sleep physician for additional testing and follow up visits.

• Dr. Anderson receives follow-up testing information from sleep professionals and will see the patient to make adjustments to the appliance as needed to improve their sleep breathing health.