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If patients do not follow the routine of wearing the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask, then they can follow the alternative treatment options for sleep apnea. A lot of information is available about sleep apnea disorder on the internet, but most of the people find it difficult to understand the basics about it.
The sleep apnea condition is a serious disorder that requires professional attention and supervision at the time of diagnosis and treatment. The CPAP therapy is one of the commonest sleep apnoea treatment methods that the sleep physicians recommend to the people who suffer from this problem.
What if a patient disagrees to undergo CPAP therapy altogether? In such a situation, there is nothing to worry about as there are numerous alternative options available in the market, today. A patient who doesn’t want to wear the mask can follow one of the many options available, as per his convenience.
Here are top four alternative options:
#1. Undergoing a weight management program
There are many patients seeking sleep apnoea treatment from doctors. Many a time, it has been observed that weight gain is the root cause of this problem. Improving or eliminating the symptoms of sleep apnea in patients can be done if the patient loses weight. Obese patients have a thick neck or extra fat in the throat region that, eventually, obstructs the air flow, to a certain extent, while breathing. This treatment option is for the ones who are overweight and are keen on participating in a weight management program.
#2. Positional therapy
It is a behavioral concept that helps in treating sleep apnea to great extents. Some people develop sleep apnea only when they sleep on their back. This is known as a supine position. Their breathing gets back to the normal tone when they change to the other side while sleeping. Positional therapy can include wearing a special device, worn around your back or waist while sleeping. It will keep you from sleeping on your back and give some relief from sleep apnea.
#3. Wearing a dental appliance
There have been some discussions on how oral appliances, for sleep apnea patients, are hogging the limelight these days. But there is something more to it that you should be aware of. Instead of wearing the CPAP masks for sleep apnoea treatment, patients who choose to wear dental or oral devices find them more comfortable and convenient as a mode of treatment. These appliances are recommended for the patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea and cannot get along with the CPAP therapy.
#4. Making some lifestyle changes
There are numerous lifestyle changes that you can make, in order to get rid of the snoring habit, to a great extent, and simultaneously, improve the sleep apnea symptoms as well. Some of the behavioral changes such as quitting smoking cigarettes and cutting down on consumption of alcohol can provide great relief from sleep apnoea. Consumption of alcohol relaxes the throat muscle and collapses airways, which results in snoring.
Related:
If you have certain types of allergies, you can easily buy a decongestant and use it before going to bed. This will help in improving the airflow via the nose. Some of the best alternatives for sleep apnoea treatment have already been mentioned, in case, you are not interested in wearing the CPAP masks. Taking help of anti-snoring medications can also give you some relief, but it is for a short period of time. If you are looking for long time sleep apnoea treatment, you can either consider the options mentioned above or consult a doctor for the best advice.
