Sleep apnea is a serious health condition, but with the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and improve your sleep. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment. While there is no sure-fire way to ‘fix’ sleep apnea, if you don’t want to use a CPAP machine or mask, there are other options that can help you manage your condition.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes sufferers to stop breathing suddenly and repeatedly during their sleep. This can happen dozens of times per hour during the night, while they are in the deepest stages of slumber.

The symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Trouble breathing while asleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • A dry mouth when you wake up
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Morning headaches
  • Irritability, depression, and anxiety

Can I Fix My Sleep Apnea Without a CPAP Machine?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered if there was another way to treat sleep apnea. What if there were a way to fix it without relying on a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine blows air into your throat while you sleep, which keeps your airways open so that it can be easier for you to breathe when you sleep. Many people don’t like using the CPAP machine due to its large size, the noise it makes, or because they dislike the feeling of wearing a mask.

Alternative sleep apnea treatments include:

  • Oral appliances: this is a non-invasive treatment option that works by changing how you breathe during sleep. These devices fit over your teeth and help keep your airway open by pushing down on your tongue or palate as you sleep. Oral appliances don’t require any medication or use of equipment like CPAP machines do, and can be a fantastic alternative for patients who dislike wearing a mask or the noise associated with a CPAP machine.
  • Nasal surgery: nasal surgeries which remove excess tissue from the nasal passages or change the shape of your nose can improve airflow.
  • Laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (LAUP): this is a minor surgical procedure that removes extra tissue from the soft palate, uvula, and tonsils.
  • Nighttime jaw exercises: These exercises help strengthen the muscles in your mouth, including those that support your tongue and throat while you’re sleeping. They’ve been shown to improve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in some people who tried them on their own or with help from their dentist or doctor.

Visit Marx Sleep Center to learn about alternative sleep apnea treatment options

At the Marx Sleep Center, you’ll find a variety of sleep apnea treatment options that do not require a CPAP machine. We take time to understand what you need to get a restful night’s sleep. Contact us today to learn about alternative sleep apnea treatment options and what they might mean for you.