Anyone suffering from sleep apnea has likely heard of a CPAP machine, but have you ever considered that there may be a CPAP alternative out there? While CPAP machines are breakthroughs for people suffering from sleep apnea, they are cumbersome, noisy, and can be expensive. Some of the alternatives can be just as effective for some types of sleep apnea, but offer none of these hassles. If you are looking for an effective CPAP alternative, then read on and see which may work best for you.

Common CPAP Alternatives

One of the most common CPAP alternatives is different devices that fit into your mouth. Most of them move your jaw around until it is in the right position to keep your airway open. However, there are some devices that hold your tongue up and out of the back of your mouth, making breathing easier while you sleep. These devices are usually inexpensive, but take a little time to get used to.

Another common alternative to a CPAP machine is medication. Doctor’s regularly suggest that their patients try allergy medication or nasal sprays if their patient is suffering from a mild case of sleep apnea. Other medication, such as the prescription versions, are for more severe cases, and they are meant to stimulate breathing while you sleep.

Other CPAP alternatives include surgery, which most sufferers try and avoid at all costs if possible, and changes in the way that one lives. Typically this involves getting more active, losing weight, lowering stress, and avoiding any type of drugs or alcohol. You can also teach your body to sleep differently. The easiest way to do this is to put something on the back of your pajamas so that when you roll on to your back, you feel it and roll back to your side or stomach. This helps you breathe easier, and experience less sleep apnea symptoms.

If you are looking for a CPAP alternative, but are not sure what is best for your specific case of sleep apnea, contact Dr. Levy today and find out which alternatives are going to be safe for you to try.