Sleep Therapy | Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea

Did you read our last blog post? If not, you can read it here. In it, Dr. Faist talked about the two types of sleep apnea: OSA and CSA. If you snore, wake up not feeling rested, or have excessive daytime sleepiness, you may have one of these kinds of sleep apnea. If you do have OSA or CSA, you should seek treatment ASAP. Unfortunately, sleep apnea has been linked to many more serious diseases if left untreated.

What treatment options are available to combat sleep apnea and snoring?

Treatment 1: Change your lifestyle 

Alcohol and snoring can all be causes of snoring. In fact, obesity is the most common cause of snoring. Many times, fatty tissue clogs your airways and causes you to snore throughout the night. If you are overweight, consider going on a diet to lose some weight and see if the snoring subsides. Another cause of snoring could be from alcohol consumption prior to bed. Try to cut back on consuming alcohol too close to bed time. 

Treatment 2: CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine)

A CPAP consists of a small motor, a mask, and a tube that connects that motor to the mask. This system works to force a steady stream of air into your airway to keep it open and free from vibration. While a CPAP machine is a great treatment method, many people stop wearing the mask, as it is uncomfortable to wear through the night and many other problems can occur. 

Treatment 3: An oral appliance (bite guard)

This type of treatment is the most commonly utilized by Dr. Faist. Dr. Faist uses a custom-made oral appliance (bite guard, night guard, bite splint, etc.) to keep your airways open throughout the night. These oral appliances are best designed to treat light and mild cases of sleep apnea. However, in severe cases where the patient cannot use a CPAP system, a bite guard will help them as well.

Do you want to receive treatment for your sleep apnea?

The first step in receiving treatment for your sleep apnea is to undergo a sleep study. A sleep study can be performed at your house, and provides valuable information to solve your problems. After you have undergone a sleep study, a sleep physician will recommend a treatment plan. If you are in need of some type of oral appliance, Dr. Faist welcomes you to schedule an appointment!