One of the most common treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It’s a device that does just what its name says: it blows a steady stream of air into its user’s airway through a mask. At SLEEPwell in Longview TX, this is a common sleep apnea treatment.
An estimated twenty-five million Americans suffer with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is a condition that blocks the airway during sleep, preventing air from flowing in and out of the lungs. Symptoms include loud snoring, abrupt awakenings, waking with a dry mouth or sore throat, and difficulty staying awake during the day.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to many serious health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Depression
The CPAP has been a godsend for many sleep apnea patients, who report better overall health, lower blood pressure, improved concentration during the day, and less sleepiness.
As great a blessing as CPAP can be, even people who like it say they take some getting used to. Modern CPAP machines are not as cumbersome as they once were, but users still need to adjust to wearing an air tube gadget to bed each night. There is more than one design for the CPAP mask, and it’s important to find the one that is right for you.
An alternative treatment to the CPAP are sleep apnea appliances, or mandibular advancement devices. These appliances are similar in appearance to a mouthguard, and are worn just like one at night.
They help realign the jaw and tongue to enlarge and keep the space in your upper airway open as you sleep. If you or a loved one is coping with sleep apnea, do not hesitate to contact SLEEPwell in Longview TX today. Patients from Gladewater, Hallsville, and New Diana also come to us for cosmetic and general dentistry. Request an appointment today!
Contact SLEEPwell Longview
903-663-5895
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3121 H G Mosley Pkwy Ste A
Longview, TX
75605
