CPAP Alternatives

Continuous positive airway pressure machines, or CPAP, are the most common treatment method for sleep apnea. Though they’re often effective for treating sleep apnea, about half of all people prescribed a CPAP stop using it within one year.

People stop using their CPAP because the machine can be bulky, noisy, and sometimes makes people feel claustrophobic. It’s difficult to sleep when you have to wear a mask over your face and the machine can seem like more trouble than it’s worth.

That’s why health professionals have been developing better methods of treating sleep apnea. Oral appliances are often just as effective as CPAP machines, but they’re more comfortable and completely silent.

Oral appliances are a great CPAP alternative and are compact and easy to use - they look like a sports mouthguard but are created to ensure your throat remains open while you're asleep. Each appliance is custom-made, so it'll be comfortable for you.

Vivos Life treatment also treats the source of your sleep apnea, rather than just the symptoms. You may not even have to wear an appliance for the rest of your life. Best of all, wearing an oral appliance can relieve snoring without the need for invasive surgery.

In addition to treatment with Vivos, there are some small everyday changes you can make to alleviate your symptoms and speed up your treatment.

Dr. Henrichsen recommends the following habits for sleep apnea relief:

• Exercise & Diet: Weight loss can make a difference in sleep apnea symptoms because any excess weight in the neck can lead to difficulty breathing while you sleep. A neck circumference of over 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women can cause issues.

A regular form of gentle exercise can help to alleviate some symptoms. Though weight isn’t the sole factor in developing sleep apnea, it can have a significant impact.

• Reduce Tobacco & Alcohol: Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products makes you more likely to develop sleep apnea because tobacco is an irritant to your upper airway.

Alcohol and sedatives relax your throat, causing airway obstruction while you’re asleep. These substances can make sleep apnea worse, so reducing or halting your intake may help you.

• Positional Therapy: Sometimes, sleep apnea can worsen with the position you sleep in. Sleeping on your back is often a source of snoring and difficulty breathing.

Training yourself to sleep on your side instead may help to alleviate your sleep apnea. You can also perform mouth and throat exercises to strengthen your muscles so they don’t relax as easily when you fall asleep.

If you feel stuck in a rut, you could benefit from a new sleep apnea device. Vivos mouthpieces are innovative, comfortable, and can make a lasting difference. They can revitalize you so you're able to enjoy your day-to-day life.

Dr. Henrichsen can also make suggestions for lifestyle changes and other treatments. To contact us, call our office in Rochester, MN by dialing (507) 701-1127 or simply fill out our online contact form. We're here for you.