5 Reasons to Consider an Alternative to CPAP

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’re not alone. Between 2% and 5% of women and between 3% and 7% of men have this condition, adding up to an estimated 22 million Americans. The numbers may be even higher than this since approximately 80% of people with sleep apnea don’t even know they have it.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. However, there are other options available and these are worth considering. The Vivos System in particular is a revolutionary new option for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Here are a few reasons to consider an alternative to CPAP:

1. CPAP Machines Are Loud

CPAP machines make a lot of noise, and this can make it difficult to sleep for you and for anyone who shares the room with you. Since sleep apnea affects sleep quality, one of the major effects is fatigue. It seems counterintuitive that a treatment for this condition would potentially make that fatigue even more by making it harder to get enough sleep.

2. The Mask Can Be Uncomfortable

Many patients find the mask for using a CPAP machine uncomfortable. Again, this can make it more difficult to get asleep and stay asleep. This can sometimes be resolved by changing the sizing of the mask, but not always.

3. You May Experience Irritation in Your Eyes and Airways

The mask for a CPAP machine tends to leak some air. It blows this toward your eyes, which can result in dry eyes and irritation. Additionally, the pressure from the machine can cause dry airways, including your nose and mouth. These issues often linger into the daytime. While there are some solutions that can offer relief, these issues can still be frustrating for patients.

4. Compliance for CPAP is Low

Due to the issues above, many patients don’t use CPAP consistently. If this is the case, you will still be suffering from the side effects of sleep apnea with no relief.

5. CPAP Doesn’t Fix Sleep Apnea

While CPAP is effective in treating sleep apnea, it doesn’t address the root cause of the issue. You need to keep using CPAP consistently to get relief from symptoms, and if you stop, the problem will return.

An Alternative to CPAP for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you are looking for an alternative to using a CPAP machine, consider the Vivos System. This is a custom-made oral appliance that addresses the issues that cause sleep apnea. This innovative system can treat mild-to-moderate OSA. In most cases, patients need no further intervention after they have completed treatment.

Vivos Dentist in Oro Valley

Dr. Atty Smith is a Vivos-approved dentist in Oro Valley, AZ. She works in collaboration with Vivos doctors to help address sleep apnea.

To learn more about how we can help treat your OSA without a CPAP machine, contact us today.