List of five treatment options other than CPAP for Sleep Apnea

CPAP is the most recommended solution for Sleep Apnea, it has been the first choice for people and Sleep specialists. However, not everyone is comfortable with wearing a CPAP mask. For such people, certain alternatives could help in improving the symptoms. There are options other than CPAP for Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that affects your breathing patterns while sleeping. It occurs from complete or partial blockage of airways. If you’re suffering from OSA, the soft tissues present at the back of your throat get relaxed and block the airways. Your brain cannot send you a signal every time you stop breathing.

options other than CPAP for Sleep Apnea


Obstructive Sleep Apnea causes symptoms like-

●       Snoring

●       Gasping for breath while sleeping

●       Waking up multiple times while sleeping

OSA doesn’t only make you sleepy the next day but it can also increase your blood pressure levels, heart attack, stroke, and depression. The main treatment for OSA is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This device consists of a mask that you wear over your nose, mouth, and sometimes on both. The machine pushes an adequate amount of air into your nose and mouth to prevent your airway from collapsing while you are asleep.

CPAP machines can improve help in improving your sleep and mood and lower blood pressure and other heart disease risks. Even though it is the most effective treatment, more than half of the people who begin with CPAP treatment don't stick with it completely.

One of the main reasons for switching the device is that it’s extremely clunky and uncomfortable. In some cases, it cannot even improve CPAP symptoms. Also, it’s noisy and people cannot sleep when the machine is on.

Therefore, there are some treatment methods which can help you get a better quality of life-

Treatment for mouth breathers

●       Human beings mostly breathe through their mouth and nose. Some people who have Sleep Apnea breathe through their mouth when they are asleep. Mouth breathing typically takes place when enlarged tonsils, adenoids or a deviated septum blocks the nose.

●       If you breathe through your mouth while you’re using a CPAP, there are chances that you might wake up with a dry nose and sore throat. This unpleasant side effect causes many people to abandon CPAP treatment.

●       You might be able to overcome this issue by wearing a chin strap with your nasal mask or switching to a full face mask. You can also use a CPAP machine with an inbuilt humidifier to boost moisture to the air you breathe in.

A few other ways which can help you improve the symptoms without using a CPAP-

●       Using a nasal decongestant, antihistamine, or saline decongestant to clear the congestion before hitting the bed.

●       Propping up your head while you’re asleep.

●       Consult your doctor about the surgery if you have a deviated septum or other traditional problems with your nose.

Other treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If CPAP isn’t for you then you can switch to other OSA treatment options-

●       An oral appliance

●       Bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP)

●       Nasal valve therapy

●       Basic lifestyle changes like losing weight, reducing alcohol consumption, etc.

●       Surgery to prevent the underlying cause of OSA like snoring etc.

These were some points regarding CPAP and options other than CPAP for Sleep Apnea. 

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