Devices For Sleep Apnea Treatment

Your doctor may recommend one of several devices that are used to help you improve the passage of air to your lungs. While these devices often feel cumbersome and difficult to use, over time they will become no problem for you. Plus, the way they work gives instant benefit so many people that do use them find the small amount of initial discomfort to be worth the good night's sleep they can achieve.The most common device is the CPAP machine, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

This machine fits over the face with straps. It covers the nose and provides a constant stream of air pressure which works to keep the breathing passageways open while you sleep. The amount of air pressure used is just slightly more than the air pressure in the room around you. You won't notice it or it will not be so much that you feel uncomfortable with it. What this machine does is use this pressure to keep your upper airways open. The result is that you don't snore and you won't be experiencing the waking up the sleep apnea causes.

There are other devices that your doctor may recommend if the CPAP machine does not work for you. For example, you may want to consider another adjustable airway pressure device. These will work to keep your airway open by they adjust the pressure used as needed. They will provide you with more air pressure when you inhale to breath than when you exhale, which makes the process more comfortable for some individuals. You may also want to consider an oral appliance, which is designed to be inserted into the mouth appropriately and pull the jaw forward. This helps to keep the throat from closing and causing sleep apnea.

Surgery Treatment: The Last Option

In some people, there simply is no other option than to seek out surgery as a treatment for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea surgery is often used on patients that do not get any benefit from devices and weight loss. The surgery will simply remove the tissue that is located around the nose and throat that is constricting your air flow.

One type of surgery is a UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) which removes the tonsils, adenoids and other tissue in the back of the throat. The maxillomandibular advancement surgery is another option. Here, the lower and upper portions of the jaw are moved forward. Like the oral devices, this surgery is used to help open up the airways. This procedure can be complex and often requires the help of an oral surgeon.

A tracheotomy is another type of surgery for sleep apnea. Here, only those with life threatening and severe sleep apnea will be considered. The procedure involves opening a small hole in the neck and inserting a tube through which you will breathe. It is only used during the night, and remains covered during the day.

Each of these treatments for sleep apnea can improve the quality of life you have by improving the quality of sleep you get. Talk with your doctor about the severity of your condition and find out which treatment options will give you the best overall results. For many people suffering from sleep apnea, it is necessary to have treatment administered sooner, rather than later.

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