What is CPAP therapy? Sarasota Center for General Dentistry Explains

If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your physician may mention CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) therapy as one of the treatment options. So, you may ask: what is a CPAP machine?  Is there an alternative to CPAP therapy? Sarasota Center for General Dentistry understands the agony of living with OSA, and you may want to know the treatment options available. So, what exactly is a CPAP machine? Keep reading to find out more.

Mask, machine, or device: What is CPAP?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) involves using a mask to deliver a constant stream of air into your airway through your nose or mouth. This continuous airflow splints the airway open, eliminating breathing pauses when sleeping.

Patients using traditional CPAPs always feel intimidated wearing a mask overnight. However, with technological advancements, modern CPAP machines are now available in ultra-lightweight and quieter designs, ensuring comfort for you and your bed partner.

When you sleep with a CPAP, you no longer snore or wake up gasping for air. You’ll sleep throughout the night and wake up in the morning feeling refreshed. Even better, using a CPAP unit every night reverses severe health issues linked to sleep apnea, such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, etc. 

What are the alternatives to CPAP therapy?

Although CPAPs work, some patients may find them uncomfortable or noisy. When you can’t tolerate a CPAP machine, we have alternatives to help you combat your sleep apnea. Dr. Francisco Marcano offers oral appliance therapy (OAT) to treat OSA. Unlike a CPAP machine, OAT doesn’t use a mask. Instead, it uses a customized mouthguard that you only wear at night.

A sleep apnea mouthguard suppresses your tongue and repositions your lower jaw to a more forward position to keep your airway open when sleeping. By keeping the airway open, a sleep apnea mouthpiece reduces the frequency and severity of breathing pauses and snoring associated with sleep apnea. OAT improves airflow and oxygen levels during sleep, leading to better sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of OAT is as good as CPAP.

Learn more about sleep apnea treatment options.

Ready to take the first step towards better sleep and improved health in Sarasota, Florida? Contact the compassionate team at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry today at (941) 900-3555 to discuss how oral appliances and other treatments can impact your life.