Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), one of the most widespread sleep disorders, impacts an estimated 936 million adults aged 30 to 69 worldwide. While CPAP machines are a well-known approach to managing OSA, they’re not the only option.

For those seeking alternatives, advanced treatments offer innovative ways to address OSA and its impact on health and sleep quality. In this article, we’ll explore these options and how they might provide a better fit for your lifestyle.

Limitations of CPAP in Treating Your Obstructive Sleep Apnea

When you receive an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis from your primary care physician, the most commonly prescribed treatment is the use of a CPAP machine. This is for good reason, as it is well known to be the most reliable treatment for this condition.

Further, research indicates that most users experience a marked improvement, including a reduction in their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and fewer symptoms like daytime fatigue. In fact, some studies report that up to 75% of patients benefit from CPAP therapy.

However, long-term adherence to CPAP can be challenging. Estimates suggest that little over half of those with OSA use their CPAP machines every night. For many, the obstacles can be overwhelming. Common complaints include discomfort caused by the mask, difficulties adjusting to the airflow, and irritation of the nasal passages or skin.

Additionally, some patients report feelings of claustrophobia or disrupted sleep due to noise from the machine. These challenges can also affect sleep partners, leading to frustration and further interruptions in household sleep patterns.

For these reasons, many patients seek alternative options that better suit their preferences and lifestyles. In the next section, we’ll take a look at some of the advanced treatments available for OSA that go beyond CPAP therapy.

Alternative Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

It can be frustrating to find that the CPAP machine simply does not work for you. After all, when we don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep that our bodies need every night. One of the first things that doctors will suggest in these cases includes lifestyle modifications. Because obesity is well known as one of the most common causes of sleep apnea, those changes can begin with weight loss and leading a healthier lifestyle. Your doctor might also suggest some self-care to help address possible depression that is commonly associated with sleep apnea.

But adopting healthier eating habits and adding physical activity to your day won’t create immediate results. It’s a marathon—not a sprint. So, what can you do to reduce the risks associated with a poor night’s sleep while you work on making those lifestyle changes?

Here are some of the best options when it comes to sleep dentistry.

• Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-made devices reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. These appliances are easy to use and less intrusive than CPAP machines.
• Positional Therapy: Designed for those whose OSA worsens when sleeping on their back, this approach uses specialized devices or pillows to encourage side-sleeping, reducing airway blockages.
• Surgical Options: Procedures like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) remove excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery repositions the jaw to create more space for airflow.
• Nerve Stimulation Techniques: The Inspire implant, for example, stimulates airway muscles during sleep, keeping the throat open. This system is controlled by the patient and offers a more advanced way to address OSA.

Benefits of Advanced Treatments for OSA

As your dentist, we can help with oral appliance therapy to treat your sleep apnea. These devices are custom made to fit your mouth, and your mouth only. They are designed specifically to reposition the jaw or tongue to help maintain an open airway throughout the night. Compact and easy to use, oral appliances are often preferred by patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or disruptive.

Beyond oral appliances, other advanced treatments offer so many benefits. Here are some of the greatest advantages.

• Improved Comfort: Treatments like oral appliances or positional therapy are often more comfortable and less invasive than CPAP therapy, making them easier to incorporate into your nightly routine.
• Custom Solutions: Devices such as oral appliances are tailored to your unique anatomy, allowing for a precise fit and targeted treatment.
• Quiet Operation: Many alternative treatments, such as oral appliances or positional therapy, operate silently, which can help improve sleep for you and your partner.
• Lifestyle Compatibility: Portable options like oral appliances or positional therapy devices are convenient for travel and everyday use.
• Long-Term Benefits: Surgical treatments and nerve stimulation can address OSA at its root, potentially reducing or eliminating symptoms without nightly equipment.

Visit Dental Care Associates of Buffalo to discuss alternative OSA treatment.

Dr. Spier at Dental Care Associates of Buffalo has received board certification with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and can help you with your sleep apnea treatment options. We want you to be able to sleep better. So, if you are struggling with that cumbersome CPAP device, it’s time to ask for help.

Are you ready to sleep better? Request a consultation today.