Technology That Can Treat And Identify Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea causes serious health problems for many people if left untreated. Fortunately, modern technology is available to identify and treat sleep apnea, which is described in detail below. Also, medical professionals can learn more about sleep apnea through convenient, online CEU classes on the subject. 

Positive Airway Pressure Devices

Positive airway pressure machines used with many breathing masks are the most common technology tools used for sleep apnea. 

The patient wears the mask snugly over their nose and mouth when they sleep, and the device provides pressurized air that can flow intermittently or constantly to the throat. The higher air pressure prevents the airway from collapsing during sleep. 

The air is under pressure and supplied with a tube from one of several available devices. They include:

• CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure
• BiPAP: Bilevel positive airway pressure 
• VPAP: Variable positive airway pressure

Clinical studies on the effects of the above devices show that people with sleep apnea have better sleep, feel better, and have fewer health consequences from sleep apnea. 

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances can treat sleep apnea, and they’re increasing in popularity as the public understands they’re an effective treatment for people with the problem. 

At least 100 oral appliances for sleep apnea have FDA approval for treating snoring and sleep apnea. The person wears the device in their mouth, similar to a mouthguard for sports. 

Oral appliances hold your lower jaw forward enough to keep the airway open and keep the muscles and tongue from collapsing and blocking your airway. 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine approved oral appliance therapy to treat patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. This organization also recommends these oral devices for people with severe sleep apnea who cannot wear a CPAP mask. 

This is another option for people with severe sleep apnea combination therapy, where you wear a mask and oral device together to reduce the load on the CPAP machine. This makes the machine more comfortable for a good night’s sleep. 

Other Considerations For CPAP Machines

Some people with sleep apnea only breathe through the mouth when they sleep. Mouth breathing often happens when you have enlarged adenoids or tonsils, deviated septum, or congestion. 

If you only breathe through your mouth on a CPAP or other device, you can wake with a dry throat and nose. These side effects can make you give up on CPAP machines. 

But you may beat this problem by using a chin strap with your mask or going to a full face mask. Also, consider using a CPAP with a humidifier built into the device to add moisture to what you breathe at night. 

Why Consider Oral Appliances?

Oral appliances can be an effective and non-invasive way to treat sleep apnea that fits into a busy lifestyle. Many patients like oral appliances because they’re comfortable, quiet, portable, easy to wear, and easy to keep clean. 

It’s also simple to travel and control your sleep apnea; just pop the device into your mouth when you go to bed, and a good night’s sleep is yours. 

Custom Made Or Over-The-Counter

There are several over-the-counter oral appliances you can purchase at drug stores or online. You often boil the mouthguard in water and mold it into the proper shape with your teeth and bite. But these devices have limitations and drawbacks. 

First, they aren’t approved by FDA to treat the condition. When the device is improperly fitted, it can cause problems, including jaw and tooth pain. It also can make sleep apnea worse. 

As you can see, there are plenty of devices and treatments available for people with sleep apnea, so there’s always hope.