What You Need to Know About CPAP Intolerance

Treating obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be effective. A tube connects a mask covering the nose and mouth with a machine to deliver pressurized air into the airway. The device keeps your airway open so you can breathe while you sleep. Unfortunately, some people suffer from CPAP intolerance, which prevents them from treating their sleep apnea with CPAP therapy.

CPAP intolerance is a serious problem and can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Many times, someone will take a CPAP machine home with them and realize they can’t use it. Instead of looking for another solution, they accept that they must continue to suffer from their symptoms.

Common factors associated with CPAP intolerance include:

• Leaking mask
• Latex allergy
• Poorly fitting mask
• Uncomfortable straps and headgear
• Interrupted sleep from noises made by the CPAP machine
• Claustrophobia
• Limited ability to move while sleeping

When sleep apnea patients don’t receive adequate treatment, CPAP intolerance can increase the risk of developing various medical issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Treating Sleep Apnea Symptoms with Oral Appliance Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated episodes of stopped breathing while a person sleeps. The most common symptoms of this sleep-related breathing disorder include:

• Night sweats
• Loud snoring
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness while sleeping

Without the necessary treatment, obstructive sleep apnea can negatively impact your overall health. You face sleepless nights, daytime fatigue, and a range of health issues. You might think there isn’t a solution to your problem with CPAP intolerance. However, you could benefit from an alternative treatment.

Oral appliance therapy can prevent your airway from collapsing as you sleep. An oral appliance fits like a retainer or mouthguard. It supports the jaw in a forward position or holds the tongue in place to promote breathing.

You can choose from four popular devices based on your needs:

• Respite Blue+ – This oral appliance is customizable, so it fits comfortably in the mouth. Interlocking wings and a dual block design allow wearers to sleep in their favorite position while the device keeps their airway open.
• The Adjustable Herbst – The Adjustable Herbst consists of two pieces with a hinged mechanism on the upper and lower parts. Advancement of the mandible and titration is possible using the advancement screws on the hinged mechanisms.
• The EMA – The smallest appliance offered to patients is the Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA). A strap with varying flexibilities and lengths keeps two individual trays together. The wearer can enjoy the comfort and lateral movement from the 2 mm vacuum form material on the trays.
• Dynaflex Dorsal – One of the most popular appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea is the Dynaflex Dorsal. The device is made of two pieces and allows for comfort and lateral jaw movement. The hardware on the device also keeps the lower jaw in place while the wearer sleeps.

Contact Silent Night Therapy

At Silent Night Therapy, we believe every patient deserves quality sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea affects your health and can interfere with your daily routine. You should explore your options for treatment to manage your symptoms and sleep more soundly.

If you’re suffering from sleep apnea and CPAP intolerance, oral appliance therapy might be the treatment for you. Call Silent Night Therapy at 631-983-2463 today for your next appointment.