CPAP Alternatives

Treatments for Sleep Apnea and Snoring in the Northwest

CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure, has historically been one of the most common treatments for a condition like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A CPAP machine uses a special face mask and compressor pump to keep airways open so that patients can breathe while they sleep. For some patients, though, CPAP doesn’t effectively do what it was created to do. In fact, some patients may find that CPAP exacerbates certain symptoms while also leading to new ones they weren’t experiencing before treatment began. This is what our Seattle team refers to as CPAP intolerance. Signs of CPAP intolerance include:

• Nasal congestion
• Skin, eye, or sinus irritations
• Bloating
• Headaches
• Continued drowsiness

Thankfully, CPAP isn't the only treatment option for patients who struggle with OSA. With oral appliance therapy, our patients from Seattle and beyond have an alternative to overcoming obstruction and getting the full night of rest they deserve.

Oral appliance therapy uses a comfortable, custom-made mouthpiece designed to reposition the patient's tongue and lower jaw, keeping airways clear. Not only will that help OSA patients sleep better, it will also treat snoring, which often goes hand-in-hand with sleep apnea. What's more, there are many different kinds of mouthpieces to choose from. If one doesn't work, we can recommend another until we find exactly the right one for you.

Have you tried to treat your OSA with CPAP, only to experience uncomfortable side effects? At the Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center in Seattle, WA, we can help patients with OSA find relief with a personalized treatment plan that includes oral appliance therapy. During a consultation with us, we can explain how treatment will work and answer any questions you might have. Contact us today for an appointment. We serve patients from Tacoma, Everett, Redmond, and Alaska. If you're a doctor who wishes to refer a patient, please use our referral form.