Sleep apnea is a very common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeated cessation or shallow breathing of the air during sleep. The pauses can occur numerous times during the night and can cause reduced oxygen delivery to the body and restful sleep to the brain. Loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, poor concentration and un-refreshed awakening are among the common symptoms.
Fortunately, it is not always a surgical procedure that is required for sleep apnea treatment. Based on the type and severity of sleep apnea, there are several non-surgical options to help breathing during sleep and minimize the symptoms. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliances, positional therapy, weight management, and more as recommended by a healthcare professional.
This guide provides information about some of the non-surgical treatment options and how they can help people cope with sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
When people sleep, their breathing is disturbed on a regular basis, it is called sleep apnea. The most frequent type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in which the muscles and tissues in the upper airway relax and partially or completely collapse, creating a blockage of airflow.
The other type is central sleep apnea, which is caused by an issue with the signals sent from the brain to control breathing. Some people can also have a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
The treatment depends on a person’s condition and medical review since the situation and severity are different for everyone.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
It’s crucial to identify symptoms and obtain appropriate treatment. Symptoms may include: Common Sleep Apnea symptoms include:
- Excessive snoring or snoring that doesn’t stop
- Ceases breathing during sleep
- Difficulty breathing while sleeping
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty swallowing or choking due to weak muscles
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness or changes in mood
- Frequent night time awakenings
- Tiredness even though getting sufficient rest
Not all sleep apnea people snore loudly so it is not possible for a person to have an absence of snoring and not be suffering from sleep apnea.
If symptoms do not go away, your health care professional might suggest a sleep evaluation or sleep study to help diagnose sleep apnea and its severity.
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Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes. There are various non-surgical options available that can be used to treat many sleep apnea patients. This will depend on the type of sleep apnea that you have, how severe it is, your symptoms, the anatomy of your airways, your health, and your needs as a patient.
One of the primary aims of sleep apnea treatment is to keep the airway open or to somehow control it during sleep to ensure breathing, fewer interruptions in sleep, and better quality sleep.
In some cases, a single remedy might be enough, in others multiple remedies may be necessary.
1. CPAP Therapy
One of the most popular treatments for OSA is CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
A CPAP machine is a machine that provides continuous air pressure through a mask worn at night. The pressure maintains airway patency, and may help prevent episodes of breathing cessation related to airway collapse.
CPAP therapy might be suggested in cases of moderate to severe sleep apnea or when a health care provider decides it is necessary.
New CPAP machines can come with various comfort features, pressure levels, masks, humidification choices, and much more. Finding a suitable mask and correctly adjusting the machine can make therapy more comfortable.
Patients should follow the instructions given by their health care provider or equipment manufacturer for patient use of their CPAP machine.
2. BiPAP Therapy
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) therapy offers two pressure levels – one during inhalation and a second during exhalation.
A physician might prescribe BiPAP under some circumstances when CPAP is not applicable or when another level of pressure support is required. May be used for specific breathing problems and some form of sleep-disordered breathing.
The use and settings of BiPAP should be determined by a medical professional evaluation. Proper doses are essential to safe and effective treatments.
3. Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can be an important supporting sleep apnea therapy. They might not be enough for everyone, especially those who have moderate to severe sleep apnea, but they can be used alongside other sleep apnea treatments.
Lifestyle tips can include:
- Exercise regularly
- Staying physically active
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol, especially near bedtime
- Sleeping at the same time of day and night
- Getting adequate sleep
- Talking with a health professional about medications which can interfere with sleep or breathing
In some instances, losing the extra weight may decrease the severity of OSA for individuals who are overweight.
Generally lifestyle changes are not a substitute for specific treatment, but should be considered as a component of treatment.
4. Positional Therapy
Sleep apnea symptoms may be exacerbated when sleeping on the back for some. Positional therapy is intended to promote sleeping on the side.
Some individuals may be able to prevent positions that impair breathing by using simple strategies. Position devices of a special kind might also be available.
But positional therapy is not suitable to be the only therapy for all. This requires consulting with a health care provider for its effectiveness and is dependent on the individual’s sleep apnea pattern.
5. Oral Appliances
For some individuals who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance is also a non-surgical option.
These devices are placed in the mouth when sleeping, and may be used to reposition the jaw or tongue to increase the room for airflow. They may be considered for some individuals who have mild to moderate OSA or individuals who are intolerant of CPAP.
A properly fitted and monitored oral appliance should be fitted by a qualified dental or medical practitioner with knowledge of sleep-disordered breathing.
6. Weight Management
Excess tissue in the upper airway and around the neck can be a significant issue in OSA, since it can narrow the airway.
A medically and structurally designed weight management program for overweight individuals can help alleviate sleep apnea and health issues.
Balanced nutrition, physical activity, rest and professional advice, if necessary, can be part of weight management.
Remember that sleep apnea can also happen in a person who isn’t overweight. So, losing weight is not the universal solution in itself.
7. Sleep Apnea Home Treatment and Healthy Sleep Habits
Individuals tend to look for sleep apnea home treatment when they’re searching for straightforward approaches to help lessen the symptoms. Some home treatments may be helpful for better sleep, but should not be used in place of a proper diagnosis and treatment if sleep apnea is suspected.
Here are some helpful tips: Stick to a sleep schedule, set up a sleep environment, avoiding clear of alcohol near bedtime, and follow a treatment plan that a health care provider recommends.
When prescribed a CPAP machine or a BiPAP, the use of the machine on a regular basis is more important than relying solely on home remedies.
Sleep Apnea Remedies: What Should You Know?
The Internet is full of products and techniques that claim to cure sleep apnea remedies. Some have general evidence of improving sleep, but this can vary in effectiveness.
For instance, some individuals may find their breathing improves if they change positions to sleep, keep a healthy lifestyle, and avoid drinking alcohol before going to sleep. These, however, don’t always address the underlying problem of clinically significant sleep apnea.
Potential dangers of taking unproven devices, supplements or remedies as an alternative to medical recommendations for treatment.
When you suspect sleep apnea, it’s better to be evaluated for a diagnosis or try several remedies without knowing what’s causing your symptoms.
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Why Diagnosis Is Important Before Treatment
To select a sleep apnea treatment, one needs to first find out if sleep apnea exists and what type and its level of severity is.
A sleep study can assist health care professionals in assessing blood oxygen levels, the heart rate, sleep stages, breathing patterns, among other parameters, during sleep.
The sleep specialist may suggest an overnight sleep study at a sleep center or at home, depending upon the circumstance.
When the results are available, appropriate treatment can be discussed.
Choosing the Right Sleep Apnea Therapy
No one treatment fits all. The optimal sleep apnea therapy varies from person to person.
For instance, some may do well with CPAP; others may be suitable for an oral appliance or positional therapy. Depending on their medical condition some people may require BiPAP or other positive airway pressure.
Comfort also matters. Poorly fitting mask, incorrect setup and or adaptation to therapy can impact on treatment adherence.
If using a CPAP or BiPAP machine and feeling uncomfortable, having air leaks, feeling the pressure, or being unable to sleep with the mask, contact your healthcare provider or equipment supplier. The mask may need to be adjusted and/or different for comfort.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
If symptoms like loud snoring, breathing pauses that you see while sleeping, night time gasping, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches occur repeatedly, you should consult a health care provider.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can impact sleep quality and daytime functioning and can be related to other health issues.
If daytime sleepiness is interfering with driving, work or other activities that require alertness it is particularly important to get professional assessment.
Final Thoughts
Sleep apnea Treatment doesn’t always require surgery. Non-surgical treatment may be considered, depending on the type and severity of the condition, including CPAP, BiPAP, oral appliances, positional therapy, healthy lifestyle modifications, and weight management.
The best treatment is to be determined by a proper diagnosis and medical advice. Home measures and sleep apnea remedies can help to enhance sleep health, but should not replace the right treatment if clinically significant sleep apnea exists.
If you have had symptoms of sleep apnea, talk to your healthcare provider about them and determine if you should get a sleep study. After assessing your condition, you can work with your healthcare provider to determine which sleep apnea therapy or treatment is right for you and help you get a good night’s sleep and enjoy the best quality of life possible. Contact Us Today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best sleep apnea treatment?
Treatment varies depending on the kind of sleep apnea and its intensity. Treatment may involve CPAP therapy for OSA, or additional treatments like BiPAP or others may be indicated, depending on a physician’s assessment.
2. Can I treat sleep apnea at home?
Some lifestyle modifications can help you sleep better, but if you think you might have sleep apnea or you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you shouldn’t rely on home remedies as your only treatment. A health care professional will be able to advise on the treatment, such as CPAP or BiPAP therapy.
3. Is a sleep examination required prior to sleep study machine like CPAP?
Sleep study is often ordered to diagnose and determine the severity of sleep apnea. Based on the sleep study results, your health care provider can decide if a sleep study is needed and make recommendations for treatment.
4. What is better, CPAP or BiPAP in the treatment of sleep apnea?
CPAP and BiPAP are different and used in different circumstances. CPAP is usually prescribed for people who have obstructive sleep apnea and BiPAP is used when different pressure support levels are required. Should be determined by a healthcare professional.
5. Can I rent a CPAP or BiPAP machine for sleep apnea treatment?
Yes, CPAP and BiPAP machines may be available for rent, if available. For those who wish to experience a suitable machine or require temporary respiratory assistance, renting may be a choice. It’s recommended to seek professional advice before choosing a device.
