Sleep apnea affects a large number of people all over the world every year. It can make sleeping incredibly uncomfortable, even impossible in some circumstances, which is why many people seek professional, medical help to alleviate their discomfort and treat the root cause of their condition. If you are someone suffering from sleep apnea, and are wondering what you can do to finally get a comfortable, good night’s rest, below are some of the available treatments for sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy
One of the main ways that sleep apnea is treated is through the use of oral appliance therapy. These devices are only worn during sleep, and work by making sure that the jaw is supported in a forward position to ensure that your airway is open all night. Research has shown that this treatment is an effective way to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. They are comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, and you can take them with you wherever you go. Three of the most common airway appliance manufacturers are Airway Management Inc., Apnea Sciences, and Dream Systems LLC.
Lifestyle Changes
Regardless of whether you go to an MD, the dentist, or both for your sleep apnea issues, you will most likely also be told that there are certain changes to your lifestyle that you can make to help combat your sleep apnea. These include stopping smoking and drinking, as well as getting the proper amount of exercise and eating healthier. Basically, doing everything you can to improve the efficacy of your airways will generally help with sleep apnea.
Positive Airway Pressure Devices
These devices, which are used in conjunction with a range of breathing masks, are the most widely used treatment for moderate and severe sleep apnea. The patient sleeps with the mask fitted firmly over the nose and mouth during sleep. The mask and machine supplies pressurized air that flows either continuously, or in intervals, down the patient’s throat to ensure that there is always an adequate amount of air being delivered to the lungs during sleep.
Sleep apnea is not something you want to have to live with, but thankfully, there are a range of treatment options, as well as lifestyle changes, that can help you sleep normally and comfortably. If you have been suffering from sleep apnea for a while and don’t want to suffer any longer, keep the above treatment methods and options in mind, and get the rest you need to feel great each and every day.