Table of Contents
Do OTC sleep apnea devices work?
In a 2014 TOMADO study, a crossover randomized controlled trial of oral mandibular advancement devices designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea, it was found that over-the-counter prefabricated thermoplastic devices were effective in reducing snoring and AHI. The best device for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine, which provides Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to hold the airway open, allowing you to breathe without obstruction. Oral appliances are a great alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. For patients with mild sleep apnea, there are other excellent CPAP alternatives available, like custom-fit dental appliances. Losing weight, sleeping on your side and avoiding sleeping on the back can also help reduce snoring. Getting good, refreshing sleep significantly improves quality of life. An ill-fitting mouth guard can worsen sleep apnea if it ends up obstructing your airway rather than improving it. That’s why it’s so important to see your dentist for any dental devices. CPAP machines stop snoring by creating continuous positive air pressure that keeps your muscles from collapsing. In this way, the soft tissues of your neck, throat, and mouth do not partially block your airway, creating the “snore” sound. CPAP machines also reduce your risk of health complications from sleep apnea.
Do mouth devices help sleep apnea?
An oral appliance will usually improve your sleep apnea, but may not completely control it. If you have moderate or severe OSA, CPAP is more likely to work to correct your sleep apnea than an oral appliance. However, an oral appliance may be a better option than no treatment at all if you cannot tolerate CPAP. Oral appliances are less effective than CPAP machines, but more people adhere to using them as a sleep apnea treatment. Reasons for choosing an oral appliance instead of CPAP may include the side effects of CPAP such as discomfort and sinus infections. Obtain a Prescription for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A CPAP machine can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor or sleep specialist. Mouthpieces and other oral appliances can help treat mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. The average cost for a sleep apnea mouth guard ranges from $1,800 to $2,000. This includes the appliance, dental visits, and follow-ups. Many health insurance companies will cover the expense. In reality, though, taking sleeping pills while suffering from even mild sleep apnea could be one of the worst decisions you could make, and there’s an extremely good chance that your condition will get even worse.
Can nose strips help sleep apnea?
The short answer is no. In fact, this exact question has been recently studied by Dr. Clete Kushida and his group. They found that nasal strips did not actually increase REM sleep cycles, oxygen intake during sleep, or most importantly, nasal strips did not decrease patients’ sleep apnea symptoms. Unfortunately, mixing certain medications can either help or hurt your sleep apnea symptoms. You can doze off using OTC sleeping pills, like Advil PM or Benadryl, but they can also increase your risk of sleep apnea complications. Even if you have mild sleep apnea, the medications cause your mind and body to relax. Sleep apnea affects men, women, some children and it may run in families. Studies indicate that 9% of middle-age women and 24% of middle-aged men suffer from sleep apnea. However, these rates are much higher for people that are overweight and those diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Breathe Right® nasal strips may be used on a daily basis. Do not use for more than 12 hours per day. If rash or skin irritation occurs, discontinue use. Each strip is for a single use only—do not reapply; use a fresh strip.
Can sleep apnea be controlled naturally?
“Naturally” is a fairly broad term, but if we take it to mean, “without surgery, medication, or a specialized breathing machine” — yes, it can. While there was once a time when surgery, medication, or CPAP therapy would have been your only options for treating sleep apnea, that’s no longer true. You’ll need a formal prescription from your doctor before you can buy a CPAP machine. Although CPAP therapy is relatively safe and one of the most effective ways to treat the symptoms of sleep apnea, you’ll need to make a trip to the doctor’s office first. Anything that could narrow your airway such as obesity, large tonsils, or changes in your hormone levels can increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breathe. Is it OK to breathe through your mouth with a CPAP machine? No, you should not breathe through your mouth with or without a CPAP machine. Mouth breathing weakens airway anatomy and can cause breathing to stop and start repeatedly through the night. Traditional herbal medicines, such as Sarpagandha, Shankhpushpi, Jatamansi, Ashwagandha help alleviate cognitive dysfunction, which is often affected by sleep apnea. Intake of these medicines will reduce stress-conditions, anxiety, and prevent obstructive sleep apnea.
Is there an alternative to CPAP for sleep apnea?
For mild sleep apnea, non-CPAP options include lifestyle changes (weight loss and exercise) and fitted mouthpieces that adjust the lower jaw and keep the tongue from blocking the airway. For moderate to severe sleep apnea, these alternatives are rarely successful. For years, the most common treatment for millions of people with sleep apnea involved wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask. That is, until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new, maskless treatment option — the Inspire upper airway stimulation device. Get a pillow or wedge that elevates your upper back and head on a 30-60 degree angle. This should help you keep your mouth closed while you sleep and promote breathing through your nose. Dr. Jason Perlman is a qualified dentist of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. EPAP: Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) therapy is a newer alternative to CPAP. Instead of using a machine that delivers pressurized air, a nasal EPAP device uses valves to create air pressure when the user exhales, keeping the upper airway from collapsing.