If you always feel tired after a night of sleep, then you may be suffering from sleep apnea. This condition stems from blocked airways or even faulty signaling from the brain. It makes it difficult for a person to breathe while asleep because it interrupts the natural breathing patterns. The result can be snorting or awakening, feeling like you are short of breath.
Medical Equipment Outlet, as well as medical professionals, might agree that if you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s important to know the treatment options available.
CPAP Therapy
This therapy is the most popular method by which sleep apnea can be treated. CPAP refers to Continuous Positive Air Pressure, which explains how it works. Masks are placed over the nose and mouth of the sleeping individual and a steady stream of air is pumped through. This ensures that the airway is kept open for the rest of the night and gets the body used to the uninterrupted air supply.
It can be a bit difficult to get used to it, but it is one of the most effective treatments available. You can get additional effects from the CPAP machine, such as added humidity to the air so that breathing would be smoother. Just stay with the treatment so that you can maximize the benefits.
There is also an alternative available called BPAP or bi-level positive air pressure. Instead of having one constant flow of air, the machine provides different pressures so that it is easier for you to inhale and exhale.
Dental Devices
The main goal of treating sleep apnea is to keep the airways open. Dental devices can do the same thing as CPAP machines. An excellent example of this is the mandibular repositioning device. This moves your jaw a bit, so there is a space behind your tongue. This prevents closing the airway and keeps you from snoring so that you can have a relaxing sleep.
There are just minor side effects, with people sometimes complaining about jaw pain. These dental devices are very effective for those with minor apnea issues.
Surgery
For those who are desperate to resolve their sleep problem, surgery is one of the most effective options. This is because it completely eliminates the source of the blockage to your breathing pathway. This can range from enlarged tonsils to just some extra tissues. Depending on how serious the surgery needs to be, this can be just a short visit to the doctor’s office or a full operation.
The options for surgery can range from removal to just stiffening some parts of the soft tissue in your soft palate. A permanent implant can even be placed inside to keep the pathway open. You should deal with a recovery period for your surgery, as well as pain.
Weight Management
Sometimes, the blockage is just caused by excess weight. Obese individuals often have extra neck tissue that can cause sleep apnea. Your doctor might recommend a weight-loss regimen to help. This is one of the simpler solutions available and it just requires a bit of effort to implement.
Sleep apnea can eventually get worse enough to cause heart disease and other serious medical conditions. The above options are excellent ways to treat the condition so that you can have a peaceful night of sleep and a healthy future.
