If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA and would like to try positional therapy, talk to the medical provider who is treating your OSA, who can suggest sleep positions that might help improve one’s symptoms.
People with OSA often wake up many times at night, feel tired during the day, and have an increased risk of health complications.
Although CPAP remains the treatment of choice for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, several alternatives are available to help reduce breathing issues and resolve daytime symptoms.
In the inpatient setting, it should be monitored very closely with vital signs, blood gases, and clinical profile. If there is any sign of deterioration mechanical ventilation should be considered.
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes repeated lapses in breathing during sleep. Symptoms can include snoring, headaches, and excessive sleepiness. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed using an at-home test.
You should feel a mild sensation from the stimulation. Typically, patients feel a tingling sensation or mild contraction in their tongue muscles.
People who have maxillomandibular advancement surgery must wear orthodontic appliances before and after the procedure.
Side effects of CPAP treatment may include congestion, runny nose, dry mouth, or nosebleeds; humidification can often help with these symptoms. Masks may cause irritation or redness of the skin, and use of the right size mask and padding can minimize pressure sores from tight contact with skin.
Cost and insurance coverage can also be key to determining if a treatment is right for you. CPAP machines can cost several thousand dollars, as can surgeries or oral appliances. Contact your insurance provider to see what therapies and treatments your plan covers.
Changing sleep positions can also help reduce OSA symptoms in some people. Alternative sleeping positions may include sleeping on one’s side instead of on their back or sleeping with one’s head slightly elevated, says Dr.
Some patients are able to receive a little relief by changing their sleep positions. It is suggested that when possible, lay in a position that allows your chin to remain above your torso.
Keep in mind that using your CPAP machine in conjunction with a mask that works well for you, is key. If you are finding your current mask uncomfortable, you may need to change your mask. Otherwise, I would encourage you to continue working with your doctor about the way you are feeling and any symptoms that arise.
Nasopharyngeal (NP) CPAP: Administered via a nasopharyngeal tube- an airway placed through the nose whose tip terminates in the nasopharynx. This has the advantage of bypassing the nasal cavity, and CPAP is read more delivered more distally.
Research shows that losing excess weight can reduce the severity of OSA symptoms. A combination of a change in diet and moderate exercise may be recommended. However, weight loss alone cannot completely eliminate OSA.