If you want to learn more about sleep apnea devices, you’ve come to the right place. If you notice that your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, this could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Fortunately, the team at Signature Smile Arts can help you choose from various sleep apnea devices designed to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
Dr. Shore and his Homewood, Illinois team have extensive experience helping patients manage sleep apnea with personalized solutions. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, call us at (708) 799-5353 to schedule an appointment today.
What Are Sleep Apnea Devices?
Sleep apnea devices keep your airway open during sleep, reducing or eliminating the pauses in the breath that characterize sleep apnea.
The type of device you need will depend on:
- The severity of your condition
- Your comfort preferences
- Other health considerations which you can discuss with Dr. Shore
Below are some of the most common types of sleep apnea devices available:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines
The CPAP machine is a widely used and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A mask covering the nose and mouth helps deliver an ongoing air stream to the lungs during sleep. This steady flow of air keeps your airway open, preventing the airway collapse that leads to apneas.
While CPAP machines are highly effective, some patients find them uncomfortable or cumbersome. However, modern CPAP devices are more compact and quieter than older models, and many come with features like humidifiers and adjustable pressure settings for enhanced comfort.
BiPAP and APAP Machines
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machines can be preferable alternatives for those who struggle with CPAP machines.
- BiPAP Machines: Unlike CPAP machines, which deliver a constant airflow, BiPAP machines provide two different pressure settings—one for inhalation and a lower one for exhalation.
- APAP Machines: APAP machines automatically adjust the air pressure while you sleep to suit your natural breathing patterns better. This adaptability can provide a more personalized treatment experience and may be more comfortable for users who find CPAP settings too rigid.
Oral Appliances
Oral appliances, aka mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are custom-made mouthpieces that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open.
These devices are less invasive than CPAP machines and are often helpful for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are typically easy to use, portable, and quiet, making them an attractive alternative for many patients.
Positional Therapy Devices
For individuals who experience sleep apnea when sleeping on their back, positional therapy devices can be a simple yet effective solution.
These devices, which can include special pillows or wearable devices that encourage side sleeping, help to prevent airway obstruction by keeping you in a position where your breathing is less likely to be disrupted.
Choosing the Right Sleep Apnea Device
At Signature Smile Arts, Dr. Shore will work with you to find the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Whether you require a CPAP machine, an oral appliance, or another solution, our team is ready to help you achieve better sleep.
If you struggle with sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to get help. Call Signature Smile Arts at (708) 799-5353 or reach out online to make an appointment with Dr. Shore in Homewood, Illinois, and take the first step toward better sleep and a healthier life.
