Cpap Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Are there any alternatives to CPAP machines for sleeping?
   I am having a hard time getting used to my cpap machine. Are their any alternatives that work well for my sleep apnea

   • ANSWER:
     I just got back from my sleep doctor and he outlined several surgeries. One would change my nose and the other would bring my jaw out further. I pictured myself with an altered jaw---no way! I am choosing to "make peace" with cpap. My doctor also told me that even after surgery, cpap treatment is still necessary or becomes necessary again over time.
     Hope it helps!
     Sarah

2. QUESTION:
   What alternatives are effective for sleep apnea, besides CPAP?
   I can't afford a CPAP machine right now. Are there any other alternatives that help with sleep apnea? I've tried a dental device before, but it hurts my jaw and teeth too much. Surgery is also not an option right now due to the cost. Is there anything else that can be done? I'm trying to lose weight, so no need to tell me that, either.

   • ANSWER:
     It may be worth revisiting the sleep apnea mouthpiece option. If you can get it into hot water before putting it in for the first time it should mould to your features better and be less uncomfortable

3. QUESTION:
   what are some alternatives to cpap for sleep apnea?
   im on cpap. presure 8 . not enough . going to do third sleep study. 4th mask now. m 44

   • ANSWER:
     I would need to know the severity of your sleep apnea to give you all the possible treatment options. But from what you have provided, it sounds like you feel that CPAP at 8cmH2O pressure is not enough. Another CPAP titration ("3rd sleep study") sounds like what you are having and hopefully they will be able to tell you better if the CPAP at 8 is enough to control your apnea. CPAP can go up to a max of 20, so they have room to work with. If 8 is no longer enough, weight gain or aging could cause you to need more pressure over a period of time. I assume they have you on CPAP fixed at 8 because a previous sleep study (CPAP titration) showed that 8 was good for you. I also would try to get one on one help with mask fit. Getting the right mask if half of the battle.
     Options instead or in conjuction with CPAP:
     1. A mouth piece to keep lower jaw forward at night (given to you by a trained dentist in sleep apnea mouth pieces)
     2. weight loss or bariatric surgery
     3. ENT surgeon consult, since a large uvula, high arching palate, or large tonsils can increase apnea
     4. if your apnea is mostly on your back, you can try a device like the Zzoma that keeps you sleeping only on your side (http://www.zzomasleep.com/about.htm)

     I hope this helps some, Good Luck!
     And props to you for treating your sleep apnea, it is a serious disease and CPAP can extend and increase your quality of life!!

4. QUESTION:
   what other alternatives r there for sleep apnea cpap?
   my nasil nostril area is narrow. i cant get enough air with a mask. i got them to raise the presure again. noluck. i breathe only thru my nose when i sleep. had a deviated septum n turbinates removed. it did nothing. went thru insomnia pills . nothing. what else can i try.

   • ANSWER:
     Have you tried a full face mask (Resmed Quattro or Respironics Comfort Gel Full)? They are similar to the nasal masks except that they also cover your mouth. They allow you to breathe through your mouth and still get the benefits of CPAP.

5. QUESTION:
   I have sleep apnea, are there alternatives to CPAP and the dreadful mask?

   • ANSWER:
     the best alternative by far is weight loss. All of the studies show that for every 10% of body weight lost there is a 50% reduction in symptoms. However, there are also many dental devices on the market that can help to pull the soft palate forward. ENT surgeons can do surgeries that open your nose up or remove soft tissue from the back of your throat. Oral maxillofacial surgeons can also do various types of jaw surgery on you too. The 100% cure is when an ENT surgeon does a tracheostomy on you but most folks don't want the hole in their neck. If you haven't seen a surgeon or even a very thorough pulmonology provider then you need to have your anatomy assessed as the best alternative for your case. Good luck and God Bless.

6. QUESTION:
   Just had a polysomnogram. I refused a CPAP machine due to claustrophia. Any alternatives?
   This was probably the biggest waste of time and money on my part. Initiailly I went in (they told me I was to be in bed at 10 PM, while normally I dont go to bed until midnight). I take Ambien regularly (for almost 10 years) and even this didnt do the trick. I slept for about 1 and a half hours then at 1:30 I was told to put on the CPAP machine. The nasal cushion was very uncomfortable -- the pressure was somewhat suffocating, the headbands felt constrictive, and my movement was extremely limited. After 45 mins, the nurse came back and offered a BiPAP. I tried this and it felt even more cumbersome. They released me at 2:30 AM after signing a waiver.

   Originally I only went in to find in why I had such a hard time falling asleep. I haven't seen the results, but there was an indication that I might have mild sleep apnea (my father has it and I know it's hereditary). This experience was really bad.

   My question is, are there alternatives to these CPAP machines? Was this polysomnogram just a waste of time/money since I refused the CPAP procedure? Are there any stronger medications than Ambien to help get me to sleep?

   I'm hating this whole sleep study because it's ruined my entire weekend sleep schedule. I can't believe I'm up this late.

   Also, I'm 22, male, and not overweight.

   • ANSWER:
     if i am not mistaken there is an operation that can be done to stop this. talk to your doctor about this.
     i too have been diagnosed with severe case of sleep apnea and i use a bipap machine. i don't use the nose pillows, but i do use the face mask that covers the nose. it took me quite awhile to get used to having this on with my being claustrophobic.
     oh and your weight has nothing to do with having sleep apnea. my ex boss was very skinny and he too had sleep apnea. this disease does not discriminate from size, sex or color of skin
     i wish you luck with this problem of yours as it isn't an easy decision to make.

7. QUESTION:
   Alternatives to CPAP for sleep apnea?
   My doctor is leaning towards recommending a CPAP machine for my mild sleep apnea. I don't fit any of the apnea profiles - I have a skinny neck, I'm not overweight, my tonsils are normal, and I'm not post-menopausal. No one else in my family has it. I was terribly claustrophobic and panicky when I wore a CPAP for a few hours during my sleep study. The mask (they tried four different ones on me) was bad enough, but the airflow would "surge", then slow again, every few seconds which made me feel like someone was smothering me with a pillow. I'm very afraid - Is CPAP really the answer?
   I am also mostly a side sleeper but I do sleep on all 4 sides. Trying the tennis ball thing to train myself to stay off my back.
   It was a CPAP. The air surge/stop would often happen midway during inhalation, thus causing the "pillow over the head" sensation. It felt as though my breathing rhythm and the pattern of the CPAP just couldn't coincide no matter how I tried to relax.

   • ANSWER:
     It doesn't sound like they were using a CPAP during your test as the first C in CPAP stands for Continuous. It may have just seemed like it was "surging" because as you exhale, the noise made by the release vent gets louder than when you inhale. And yes, I'm afraid you do fit a profile or they wouldn't have recommended a CPAP for you. You have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, you don't have to be fat or have abnormal tonsils. OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea can simply be due to your tongue and other flesh in the throat blocking the opening when you sleep because your muscles relax when you sleep. If you will allow yourself to get used to the device, you will most likely find that you won't want to sleep without it. CPAP, BiPAP and AutoPAP therapies are incredibly effective in treating sleep apnea.

8. QUESTION:
   what alternatives do they have for cpap?
   i did a few sleep studies
   im on cpap
   i got my presure increased to 14 no luck
   when i put the mask on my nose i can barely breathe
   a full face mask doesnt work , i tried it, i breathe out my nose when sleepin
   i sleep on my side. doesnt help
   tried a bipap no luck
   been to many ent, docs neurologist etc

   what other ways can i fight sleep apnea

   • ANSWER:
     after my sleep study, my doctor suggested a mouth piece or a cpap. I tried the mouth piece and it works great. They advertise them on tv, so you might be able to get one online. But a dentist can also make you one. It essentially juts your lower jaw forward to help breathing at night.

9. QUESTION:
   Does anyone know a good alternative for my sleep apnea CPAP?
   I am very uncomfortable at night because of my CPAP.

   • ANSWER:
     My husband had sleep apnea for several years, and he went through several different sleep apnea treatments before we discovered a website that explained exactly causes sleep apnea. After more research, we found an herbal apnea remedy that helped him breath regularly all night. It was great for my husband to be able to sleep without a mask again. The following site explains exactly the reason for sleep apnea and how this capsule of herbs can stop the apnea.

     When he first started using this, I was not sure how well this remedy was going to work, but it proved to work much better than I had imagined it would. Everyone noticed a positive difference in my husband's mood and concentration within days. I have friends who have sleep apnea as well and I told them about this herbal apnea remedy, and after doing some of thier own research, they also tried these herbs. It worked better than anything else that they had tried.

     With this capsule, you should be able to stop using your CPAP. This isn't some kind of "miracle drug" that works overnight. It takes a few nights depending upon how severe your apnea condition.

     Overall this has worked well for my husband and friends. If you are suffering from sleep apnea and would like to sleep better at night, click below for more information about this herbal capsule. I hope this helps!

10. QUESTION:
    What happens iIf I do not use the cpap machine?Can I make lifestyle changes which can help?
    I am finding it v difficult to exhale,and am unable to fall asleep when the mask is on.Pls help i am confused?I feel I sleep much better without the mask!I am willing to try alternative therapy...how did you get used to cpap mask?
    I am able to sleep reasonably well, the issue is my loud snoring which affects others

    • ANSWER:
      Since apnea can be life-threatening, depending on your insurance you might qualify for a maxillo-mandibular advancement, which can "cure" the apnea altogether...the surgery isn't any fun, and you will lose a bunch of weight because you "eat thru' a straw" for several weeks after, but it is well worth it to be able to actually sleep again!

      Ask your doctor/insurance company about it...

11. QUESTION:
    What is a good alternative to a CPAP Machine for Sleep Apnea?
    I am 29 year old female. I am not obese so the doctor believes it to be hereditary since both my brother and father have it.

    My sleep apnea is on the borderline of mild to moderate with 15 episodes per hour. Unlike most people with apnea my sleep study showed that I did not snore, sleep with an open mouth or have any drop in my oxygen levels. Apparently most people with sleep apnea have a drop in oxygen mine remained consistent.

    My Symptoms do include:
    *Excessive daytime sleepiness.
    *Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes.
    * Morning headaches.
    *Sweating while I am sleeping.

    I have been using a CPAP machine for 1 week as of today. The mask I have has soft prongs that go in the nose. I have only been able to sleep for 3 to 4 hours per night before waking up and pulling the mask off. That is of course if it is not already off and hanging around my neck.

    I have tried two different nose pieces and will most likely try a fuller mask next week. I have started taking gravol to fall asleep at night and I am far more exhaust now then before the CPAP machine.

    So is there any alternatives that other people have tried and know to be affective? Cost is not really a huge issue since I have full benefits that will even cover the CPAP machine if I decide to keep it after the 30 day trial.

    • ANSWER:
      There aren't any alternatives. I question the sleep apnea diagnosis without a drop in O2 levels.....If I were you I would see another doctor.

12. QUESTION:
    Anybody with Sleep Apnia had any success with dental devices instead of CPAP machines?
    Sleep apnea causes snoring so bad that my GF and I have to sleep in separate rooms. The sleep study only recommended a CPAP, no other alternatives were given. Right now a CPAP is way out of our budget, so we have been looking at Mandibular Advancement Devices -(MAD's). Looking online I see a lot of places that will make them for you, but I am not finding reviews from people who actually use them. What are the Pro's vs. Con's of these devices? Has anybody had success or failure using them?

    • ANSWER:
      I would suggest maybe trying a snoring product before going with a CPAP. There are numerous products on the market that offer money back guarantees. My wife used to snore horribly and I bought her the My Snoring Solution jaw support and that worked wonders. Hope this helps

13. QUESTION:
    Where can I learn about the different types of SnoreGuards?
    I want to know what the different types of Snoreguards are. My dentist tells me there are more than one type. Snoreguards are an alternative to the use of CPAP machines in the care of Sleep Apnea.

    • ANSWER:
      Google it

14. QUESTION:
    What are some alternative treatments for sleep apnea?
    I was diagnosed with a mild form of sleep apnea. I have tried a CPAP machine and couldn't adjust to it. My doctor said I wouldn't be a good candidate for surgery. I'm considering a dental device (mouth piece), but wanted to know if there are alternative methods.

    • ANSWER:
      I'm in the same situation as you. I would see about the dental device. Anything has to be better than the CPAP.

15. QUESTION:
    Power Cord for Everest III CPAP?
    Does anyone know that name of the power cord end on the Everest III CPAP machine? I need to know what the name of the end is so that I can try and figure out what kind of a cord I will need for an alternative power source. I am looking for an identifier such as USB, mini USB- that type of name.
    Thank you!

    • ANSWER:

16. QUESTION:
    CPAP Machines and panic attacks?? Need Advice Please!?
    Last night my husband went to do a sleep study. It was a split study. Half the night just monitor normal sleep, second half montior him on a cpap machine. He was fine until they put him on the cpap machine - he tryed two different types of masks - one full face - one nose pillows. For the first time in his life (42 years old) he had a panic attack. It was really bad, he freaked out so bad they had to stop the study and calm him down.

    My question is - If he cannot use a cpap due to these panic attacks what are his options? He had what they call episodes during normal sleep - 26 episodes per hour. Thats alot - I had 14 and now have the cpap. I am realy worried about him and want to give him som peace of mind that there is an alternative out there. Can anyone help me? Thanks for your time! I really apperciate it!
    He had the throat surgery 12 years ago. Also I know it was the masks and even the nasal pillows that freaked him out.

    • ANSWER:
      Yvonne, I am assuming that your husband is attending the sleep study because he suffers from sleep apnea. I am also assuming that this is his first time to do so.
      As you know, CPAP machines aren't exactly the most re-assuring pieces of equipment to look at, and it is even worse when you know what they actually aim to do for you.
      I am sure the right people are there to ensure the correct adjusting of the different rates that would be suitable for your husbands physiological needs, but you have to now focus on your husband and his psychological needs. Is he totally at ease and comfortable with doing these sleep studies? Many times individuals really aren't comfortable with CPAP machines but soldier on anyway hoping for relief. This can be the cause of much tension and stress in an individual.
      It would be a good idea to hold off from these CPAP machines and seek alternatives for a short while because if he is put on (or near!) a CPAP machine soon, he may have a worse panic attack.
      Keep in mind also, that the time it takes for any individual to adjust and get used to a CPAP machine varies greately from individual to individual.

      I really hope this is of benefit.

      Good luck.

17. QUESTION:
    CPAP Machine?
    My husband has been diagonosed with sleep apneao, and subsequently been given a CPAP machine but is having severe difficulty getting used to the mask that really is quite invasive, does anyone have any suggestions as to either how to overcome this claustophobia or is there another alternative, he cannot use the nostral ones as his nose is too narrow at the back. He`s snoring and quality of sleep is so much better when he does use it but he is really struggling at the moment...ps so am I!!!

    • ANSWER:
      I recommend that you contact your home care company and ask them what can be done. There may be another design of nasal mask that feels better for him or an accessory that makes the mask more comfortable. My home care experience is limited. What I do know is that patients find out what they like through trial and error. The company carries a variety of masks, each with subtle differences that can make the experience of wearing it more pleasant. Your home care company is there to help him use his equipment. That's their job. The Respiratory Therapist(s) there have far more knowledge and experience with CPAP than I have. They do it all day, so they are the experts on the subject.

      I think of CPAP like hearing aids, head gear, or retainers. They are all uncomfortable in the beginning, but when you wear them for long enough, you get used to it. Has he tried wearing it while watching TV to help him get accustom to it? That might help.

      Keep with it! It's tough for everyone at the start, but most get used to it.

18. QUESTION:
    Healthy 13 year old boy, stuck in the hospital, how can we get him out?
    My 13 year old brother had a brain tumor that was non cancerous and removed. When the tumor was removed his tongue and half of his throat functions were temporarily paralyzed. He has a trach in his throat now and a peg tube in his stomach until his throat recovers. This could be anywhere between 6 and 12 months. It has been 2, those functions are slowly coming back. While in the hospital he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, his oxygen levels drop to 70 a few times in the night while he sleeps. The FDA has not approved the home use of a ventilator or cpap machine (for trach use) to give him oxygen when it detects it has gone below 90. So the hospital has to keep him there until his trach gets removed or the law changes. My brother is fine and he is forced to live in a swine flu ridden hospital 30miles from home. It is awful. The doctors have not tried any alternatives. He wants to kill himself. He has no life. He can't even leave the hospital during the day, when the problem is only at night! This seems so wrong. He is getting sick there too. He could be living at home just fine and living a normal life (a trach and peg tube are not very restricting) but they won't let him try it. Sleep apnea is very common, some people don't even use their machine when they are supposed to and they are fine. We don't know what to do. We might have to go to a different hospital because this one has given up on him and just put him in a dark room. It isn't fair. It costs 65000 a week to keep him there, our tax dollars are being wasted by this hospital to keep him there (he has CCS, california childrens ins). The machine and the respiratory therapist that would visit monthly per year is 35000. Now tell me it makes sense to spend 65000 to have this kid in a room doing nothing, not even hooked up to a machine except for at night, but they won't buy the machine and have the RT come to our house for half that! Someone give me advice, what can my family and I do. It's been a month and nothing's happened. My brother wants to kill himself, he feels like he is in jail. And I miss him at home so much.

    • ANSWER:
      Trust the doctors. I know what it feels like to have family stuck in a hospital. The money thing is ridiculous. If you want to fight that, get a lawyer. That's the best I can do.

19. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea?
    I have a moderate to severe case of sleep apnea. Each night I sleep with a CPAP (continous positive airways pressure) machine. It works great, but is there an alternative because I'm getting sick of wearing this thing. Is there a surgery perhaps??

    • ANSWER:
      Maybe....surgery only works if there is an identifiable problem to be fixed. If the whole of your upper airway is too relaxed during sleep then fixing one thing won't help you. An ENT surgeon may want to look inside your nose and throat while you have a short anaesthetic to se what is happening there.

      There is a very strong correlation between sleep apnoea and having a large neck (shirt collar >17"). In the end, major weight loss may be the simplest, safest, and most effective remedy. I'm working on it myself!

20. QUESTION:
    does anyone know any alternative health cures/treatment for periodic limb movement disorder?
    I was just diagnosed and afraid to take the drug they recommended due to it influencing dopamine levels and potential for hallucinations and severe obsessions with gambling, sex, overeating, and shopping. there are lawsuits against the company for these life wrecking side effects.

    I have been sleep deprived nearly 25 years and on bipap/cpap for 15 with little abatement of the many health effects. I am finanlly starting to get some of the errors made in treating sleep apnea corrected but it will be in vain if I can't get the PLMD under control. I think they said I did it 175 times in less than 6 hours and weach time disrupts your sleep.

    I have not been able to find much alternatively since my diagnosis three days ago. I was considering dopamine raising herbs..anything else? )it is sometimes treated similarly to restless leg syndrome although it is a different thing..involuntary and under sleep unlike restless leg which is when awake and asleep. Dopamine also is related to
    Parkinson, another involuntary movement disorder. I am so scared of the medical drugs but also hanging on by a thread from severe sleep deprivation for so long.

    • ANSWER:
      drink 3 litres of water a day
      take ginko biloba mornings when you wake and have a hot bath at night before bed
      get other bits of your life sorted too (fear of movement?)