Snoring Treatments and Oral Appliance/CPAP Machine Facts

Snoring treatment is important for the management of sleep apnea. Snoring is often seen as a simple nuisance that is not serious. However, it is one of the signs of obstructive sleep apnea, which can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Nonetheless, there are many different types of treatments that can help. It can be overwhelming to face the numerous options, so the following facts help give an in-depth explanation.

What kind of snoring treatment is available?

There are many options to treat sleep apnea. Oral appliances and CPAP machines are the most frequently used devices to help stop snoring. If neither will work to resolve symptoms, there are different types of surgeries available that can give relief.

What are oral appliances and how do they help?

Oral appliances are custom-made dental devices, similar to mouthguards, that are designed to help stop snoring. These work by pushing the tongue and the lower jaw forward, which prevents the muscles in the back of the throat from blocking the airway during sleep. These appliances are highly effective at treating apnea. Patients do have to visit the dentist frequently to make sure the dental device is still fitting properly.

How does a CPAP machine work?

Continuous positive airway pressure, also known as CPAP, is a machine that distributes air pressure via a mask that rests on a patient’s face. The air pressure that comes from the machine is slightly stronger than the air in the surrounding area and is used to help keep the passages of the upper airway open. This is the most common snoring treatment available. There are three different types of CPAP masks available.

What are the different types of CPAP masks?

• Nasal CPAP mask: This mask covers the patient’s face from the bridge of the nose to the upper lip. It is a good choice for patients who need higher air-pressure settings. The airflow is delivered indirectly from the nasal mask. It is often recommended for patients who are restless sleepers.
• Full-face CPAP mask: The full-face mask covers a patient’s nose and mouth. This type covers more of the face than the other masks and delivers airflow over both airways. It is recommended for back sleepers and any patient who suffers from allergies, breathes through their mouth and those who need air pressure at higher settings.
• Nasal pillow: This mask is light and smaller than the others, making it a good choice for restless sleepers. It sits just over the nostrils and makes a seal around the bottom of the nose. This is a better option for patients who need lower air-pressure settings or are claustrophobic. Airflow is directed straight into the nasal passages.

Conclusion

Oral appliances and CPAP machines help stop snoring by preventing the muscles in the throat from blocking the airway so it is able to stay open. There are a variety of these types of snoring treatment devices available to help treat sleep apnea.

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