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CPAP Intolerance
Diagnosing sleep apnea and treating it are two very important but different things. Since sleep apnea is a life-threatening issue it's critical that once you have been diagnosed that you receive treatment that will help you deal with the complications of sleep apnea.
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). With CPAP, a mask is placed over your face and air is continually pumped into your nose and mouth to prevent your throat from collapsing while you sleep.
While CPAP is the most common way to treat sleep apnea, it isn't always the best way. Many people with sleep apnea suffer from CPAP Intolerance. CPAP intolerance can manifest itself in many ways.
The first way to determine if you are CPAP intolerant is if you still experience the symptoms of sleep apnea while using your CPAP machine. If the CPAP mask is working properly the symptoms that alerted you to your sleep apnea should disappear, not continue. Most commonly people still experience sleepiness throughout the day even after getting a full night's sleep. Other side effects of CPAP intolerance are nasal congestion, headaches, bloating, eye irritation and skin irritation.
Another common complaint by patients with CPAP intolerance is that the CPAP mask is just too invasive. A CPAP machine and mask can be quite uncomfortable. Most CPAP masks cover the majority of your face and are held in place by straps that encircle your head. The mask is also connected to the machine by a hose so that the air can be pumped into your mouth and nose. The combination of theses factors can make CPAP unbearable to wear to some people.
However, CPAP isn't the only sleep apnea treatment available. A less invasive oral appliance is available to help treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. The oral appliance is a fitted, retainer-like appliance that helps to keep the throat open during sleep. With the oral appliance the throat is unable to collapse and it prevents snoring as well as the many other side effects of sleep apnea.
CPAP masks can be a big lifestyle change and can be hard for people who travel frequently, but a sleep apnea oral appliance is simple to use, small enough for travel and won't interrupt your lifestyle. Sleep apnea oral appliances are also covered by most insurances.
If you are still suffering from sleep apnea after using CPAP, then it's time to give an oral appliance a try. It could help save your life.
