For many, a sleep apnea diagnosis comes with the dreaded image of a CPAP machine. But what if your symptoms primarily occur when you sleep on your back? You may have Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (POSA), a condition for which several effective, machine-free treatments exist. Let's explore your options beyond the mask.
Four Ways to Treat Positional Sleep Apnea Without a CPAP Machine
Positional Therapy: Training Your Body
The most direct way to combat POSA is to prevent yourself from sleeping on your back. Modern positional therapy uses small, wearable devices that gently vibrate when you start to roll over, conditioning your body to stay on its side. Over time, this trains you to maintain a sleep position that keeps your airway naturally open.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A Custom Solution
Imagine a solution as simple as wearing a retainer. Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fitted, mouthguard-like device that you wear only during sleep. It works by slightly advancing your lower jaw or tongue to prevent airway collapse. This approach is silent, portable, and highly effective for many with mild to moderate POSA.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Building a Healthy Foundation
Empowering lifestyle changes can significantly reduce apnea events. For some, weight management can decrease the fatty tissue around the neck, relieving pressure on the airway. Reducing alcohol consumption, especially before bed, and practicing specific throat exercises can also strengthen muscles and prevent them from relaxing too much during sleep.
Advanced Options: Targeted and Lasting Relief
For the right candidates, advanced procedures offer a more permanent solution. Inspire therapy, for example, is an implantable device that works from inside your body. It stimulates key airway muscles with each breath, keeping the airway open without a mask or mouthpiece. It’s a revolutionary step forward in sleep apnea treatment.
Reach Out Today
A CPAP machine is not your only option for conquering positional sleep apnea. To find out which comfortable, machine-free alternative is right for you, a professional evaluation is key. The specialists at Sleep Center of Colorado are here to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you reclaim your rest.