Alternatives to CPAP Therapy
March 25, 2022
CPAP therapy is incredibly common these days, but it’s not your only option when it comes to dealing with sleep apnea. If you’ve been struggling with CPAP therapy or you’re looking for a milder form of sleep apnea treatment, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about sleep apnea and alternatives to CPAP therapy.
What is CPAP Therapy?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the most common treatments for those suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a type of sleeping disorder that affects breathing throughout the night, causing you to start and stop breathing periodically. It can range from mild to severe and can affect everything from your sleep quality to your heart health.
Mild sleep apnea might cause disruptive sleep and fatigue the next day, but severe sleep apnea can lead to a range of health risks, including diabetes, high blood pressure, liver problems, and more.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea and understanding which type you might have can help you take the right steps to improve your sleep and overall health.
Central sleep apnea
This happens when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to your muscles that control your breathing, causing you to stop and start breathing while sleeping. This type of sleep apnea doesn’t cause snoring, but can lead to those suffering from it to suddenly wake up feeling panicked or short of breath.
Obstructive sleep apnea
This is a more common form of sleep apnea that occurs when there’s an obstruction in the mouth or throat that makes breathing more difficult during sleep. This obstruction is typically when the tissues and muscles of the airway relax, making it harder for air to flow through. It often leads to snoring and difficulty sleeping.
Complex sleep apnea
This is a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea, and may require multiple forms of treatment.
What is Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (POSA) is a form of obstructive sleep apnea that can be mostly attributed to sleep position. It generally occurs when sleeping in the supine position, meaning flat on your back. This position affects the shape of the airway, and makes it harder to breathe while sleeping.
POSA can not only make it tough to get a good night’s sleep, but can also have more serious effects, including stroke, diabetes, heart attack, and more. The repeated low oxygen levels combined with elevated blood pressure and heart rate can be incredibly hard on the body. It’s critical to treat any form of sleep apnea, including POSA, to maintain good health and prevent more serious conditions from developing.
Alternatives to CPAP Therapy
It’s important to treat sleep apnea, but treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people might struggle with CPAP therapy, or find that it doesn’t work effectively. This is where alternatives to CPAP therapy come into play.
These two options are great for those who are looking for a less intense form of sleep apnea therapy that helps them get the rest they need while keeping their sleep apnea in check.
ZZoma Positional Sleep Device
This medical device is a great solution for those suffering from positional obstructive sleep apnea. It’s an FDA-cleared device that helps treat mild to moderate POSA by helping you stay in the side-sleeping position throughout the night. By preventing you from rolling onto your back, which is where POSA affects most people, the ZZoma device can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. It’s also incredibly comfortable, so you can get the undisturbed sleep you need, night after night.
OptiPillows EPAP Mask
Another great option for alternatives to CPAP therapy is the EPAP mask. It works just like CPAP therapy, but without any tubing or machines and you don’t need a prescription for it. If you have mild obstructive sleep apnea, you’re going to want to try this FDA-cleared mask: it uses Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) therapy to keep airways open and improve sleep quality. It’s lightweight and comfortable, making it sleep while wearing, and is reusable. Plus, the OptiPillows EPAP mask is the only one on the market that lets you adjust the pressure to your unique needs.
Improved Sleep on Your Terms
If you’ve tried CPAP therapy and haven’t found success, or if your sleep apnea is mild, alternatives to CPAP therapy can help you sleep better and reduce your sleep apnea symptoms. Everyone’s needs are different, so exploring your options can help you find what works best for you and your sleep, so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
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