Sleep Apnea Treatment: What Is CPAP?
The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is commonly considered the foremost treatment option for patients suffering from sleep apnea. But many patients find that a host of issues can make CPAP ineffective, which is why Mason dentists Dr. Gary and Tara Hardin recommend alternative sleep apnea treatments.
A CPAP machine maintains a steady flow of oxygen into the airway to help you maintain easy, healthy breathing during sleep. Pressurized air is gently distributed through a hose connected to a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose during sleep.
In theory, CPAP therapy is a very successful sleep apnea treatment: up to 99% of patients who use the device nightly see a reduction in symptoms like daytime fatigue. In reality, though, many patients find the CPAP machine difficult to use night after night.
Compliance rates after one year drop by as much as 70% due to issues such as:
- Discomfort
- Cotton mouth
- Dry or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Skin irritation
- Nosebleeds
- Trouble going to sleep and staying asleep
Because of issues like these, Dr. Tara and Dr. Gary frequently recommend alternative treatments to using a CPAP machine. Many of our Mason sleep apnea patients report that treatment with a custom oral appliance is not only effective but significantly more comfortable.
The SomnoDent® nightguard keeps your breathing passages open not with forced air but simply by readjusting the position of your mouth and jaw during sleep. This appliance successfully alleviates snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms without the hassle that often accompanies CPAP.
To learn more about our Mason sleep apnea treatment options, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry or call (513) 234-5531 today to schedule a consultation at our office in the Greater Cincinnati area. Dr. Gary and Dr. Tara also welcome patients visiting us from SE Indiana and Northern Kentucky.
