Sleep Apnea Devices: Breaking Down the Different Treatment Options

Sleep Apnea Devices: Breaking Down the Different Treatment Options

Sleep apnea devices work to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common types of OSA treatment devices are CPAP machines, oral appliances, tongue-retaining devices, and surgically implanted devices. Let’s take a closer look at each type.

CPAP machines

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are considered the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA. CPAP machines work by delivering a continuous stream of slightly pressurized air through a face mask. The positive air pressure helps keep the airway open so breathing isn’t interrupted during sleep.

While effective for most people, Sleep apnea devices requires users to wear a mask over the nose (or nose and mouth) throughout the entire night, which can take some getting used to. Finding the right mask and pressure setting also takes trial and error for many. However, CPAP therapy has been shown to significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms and lower health risks when used as directed.

Oral appliances

Oral appliances are a non-invasive alternative to CPAP for mild to moderate OSA cases. They work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to open the airway during sleep. Common types include mandibular advancement devices (MADs) that resemble sports mouthguards and tongue-retaining devices.

Advantages of oral appliances include comfort and ease of use compared to masks. However, effectiveness varies more between individuals. Other downsides include potential side effects like jaw pain. Dental monitoring is also often required, as long-term wear can impact teeth alignment. Still, oral appliances offer a mask-free option for those unable or unwilling to try CPAP.

Tongue-retaining devices

Newer tongue-retaining devices hold the tongue in a more forward position to open the airway during sleep. They consist of an oral placeholder and mouthpiece attachment that prevents the tongue from falling back and obstructing breathing.

These non-customized devices are inserted in the mouth like a mouthguard before bed. So they provide simple and comfortable treatment without the need for molds or fittings by a dentist. However, more research is still needed on their long-term safety and effectiveness compared to other sleep apnea devices therapies.

For severe cases of sleep apnea that don’t respond to other treatments, surgically implanted devices may be an option. These include therapies like hypoglossal nerve stimulation, which uses mild pulses to stimulate and keep the tongue muscles active during sleep.

Tongue suspension with implanted anchors that suture the tongue in a more forward position is another innovative surgical technique. While not widely available yet, these implanted options aim to replicate the mechanics of oral appliances but with a permanent in-body solution. As with any surgery, risks need to be weighed against potential benefits.

sleep apnea devices provide a variety of treatment avenues depending on an individual’s OSA severity, health needs, and preferences. Working with a board-certified sleep doctor can help determine which options may be suitable and safely manage symptoms over the long term. Proper diagnosis and management of sleep apnea is important for reducing health complications and improving quality of life.