Non-Surgical Alternatives

There are two non-surgical alternatives depending on the situation.

Mandibular advancement splints

Are effective in both reducing snoring and episodes of apnea. They do this by bringing your lower jaw forward or by lifting your soft palate.  Some devices also stop the tongue from falling back over your windpipe. These devices are usually prescribed and fitted by a dentist as opposed to an otolaryngologist or ENT specialist. The process is that the dentist will make a mold of your mouth and then either send it out for a custom appliance to be produced or will produce the appliance themselves. This treatment was effective in a small sampling in that all who participated said that they had positive results and a lessening of symptoms. However it must be noted that there were side effects that, while minor, included a drying out of the mucosal membranes, excess salivation, shifting of teeth positions or other tooth and mouth problems. So you should certainly check back with your dentist after sleeping with a mouthpiece for a few months. 

In today’s society and with the many people who lack insurance, many people believe that it is sufficient to take the path of least resistance or the cheapest solution to the situation. Unfortunately while there are $25 oral devices that are sold without prescription, it is important to note that many times not only does the device not solve the problem, it can make it even worse by causing other jaw and throat problems. It is critical to consult a physician or dentist who is trained in these devices. 

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) BiPap

The most common sleep apnea treatment option, it involves wearing a mask that supplies a steady stream of air through the nose during sleep. The airflow keeps the nasal passages open sufficiently to prevent airway collapse and apnea.

In the 1990's developers worked to overcome the problem inherent in trying to overcome the extra pressure necessary when exhaling with C-PAP. This brought about Bi-PAP or VPAP. These devices use two different levels in a breathing cycle. This would involve an increased level during inhalation and a decreased level during exhalation. This has allowed some people who were unsuccessful using C-PAP to now successfully use these devices to keep their apnea under control. BiPAP has been found to be especially useful for patients with congestive heart failure and lung disorders, especially those with high of carbon dioxide. In addition, patients for whom intubation is not possible can benefit from the breathing assistance from BiPAP. Sufferers of atelectasis will also benefit from a BiPAP, Atelectasis is when a part of a lung or the whole collapses. This results in the loss of the ability of the far air sacs of the lungs to expand.