Without effective treatment, severe obstructive sleep apnea can bring your life to a halt. In addition, leaving sleep apnea for a long time without treatment may increase your risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Type II Diabetes, Stroke, and more.
To help you keep a healthy life, experienced medical practitioners advise that you seek immediate treatment once you begin to notice symptoms of mild sleep apnea which may include loud snoring, restless sleep, breakdown of throat muscles, inability to fall asleep, daytime fatigue, weight loss, dependence on sleeping pills, mouth breathing, coughing, gasping or cocking when sleeping.
Suppose you have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea and are ready to act fast. In that case, one of the most effective remedies is getting machines specifically built to treat sleep apnea symptoms or other sleep disorders.
Since untreated sleep apnea Australia may lead to increased risk factors that may endanger your life, you should go to the nearest sleep laboratory to see a sleep specialist for a detailed diagnosis and explore the available treatment options, including continuous positive airway pressure CPAP therapy.
Meanwhile, you must know that the market is already saturated with high-performing and less-effective machines. Hence, you need an expert to help you choose the most effective devices to solve your mild sleep apnea problems.
To help you make the right choice, here is a list of the best devices to treat severe obstructive sleep apnea in the present market.
Best 7 Sleep Apnea Devices with Their Pros and Cons
1. CPAP Machine
As stated earlier, CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP machine supplies and maintains the same air pressure during inhalation and exhalation to clear your narrowed airway to open widely during sleep, allowing you to breathe correctly.
When severe obstructive sleep apnea occurs, your doctor may suggest you use airway pressure devices such as CPAP for quick recovery. At an intense level, people with sleep apnea syndrome or other sleep disorders may experience a reduction in blood oxygen levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more.
Pros:
- The standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
- Loaded with comfort features
- reducing the risk of high blood pressure
- Are available as travel-sized machines
- It Pairs with an app to track progress
- Wake up feeling refreshed and alert
Cons:
- It comes with side effects like dry eyes and mask soreness
- Expensive upfront
- Continuous Pressure can be difficult to tolerate
- Adjusting to CPAP is a lifestyle commitment
2. APAP Machine
APAP machines are just as effective as continuous positive airway pressure CPAP machines in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea but provide the lower air pressure needed to keep your airway open instead of providing a set, constant Pressure. Unfortunately, most CPAP machines are also available as APAP machines at an increased price. Still, CPAP and APAP machines will have virtually the exact equipment requirements (mask and tubing) and regular cleaning and maintenance.
Best for:
- People with allergies, colds, and flu-like Symptoms
- People who can’t tolerate continuous positive airway pressure
Pros:
- Adjusts to Your Needs on a Breath-by-Breath Basis
- They are handy for traveling
- Most people feel more comfortable with APAP than CPAP
Cons:
- More expensive than CPAP Machines
- Shares as much as CPAP
3. BiPAP Machine
A Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machine is a two-way device using the same tubing and masks as APAP and CPAP machines. Still, they have two distinct pressure settings: inhaling (Inhalation Positive Airway Pressure-IPAP) and exhaling (Exhalation Positive Airway Pressure-EPAP).
Best for:
- People diagnosed with a neurological condition
- People diagnosed with obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- People with moderate or severe lung conditions
Pros:
- It uses the same mask and hose styles as CPAP and APAP
- Shares many comfort features with CPAP and APAP devices
- higher maximum pressure setting
- It uses a distinct inhale pressure
Cons:
- Shares many side effects of CPAP
- Much more expensive than CPAP or APAP
4. Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are an effective alternative for obstructive sleep apnea. It doesn’t require patients to tolerate air pressure keeping their airway open and comes in a few forms:
Best for:
- People with moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- minors with obstructive sleep apnea
- Adults with difficulty adjusting to CPAP therapy
Pros:
- Oral appliances treat obstructive sleep apnea
- some can be readjusted on the fly
- Much more affordable than CPAP or APAP
- Fewer lifestyle changes required
Cons:
- Can worsen symptoms when used improperly
- it may cause jaw soreness/stiffness
- Can be uncomfortable
5. Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation
A Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator is a small device implanted inside the chest to help patients manage obstructive sleep apnea. It helps decrease central sleep apnea symptoms by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve and controlling throat muscles.
Best for:
- People with severe obstructive sleep apnea
- Those who have tried CPAP without success
- Those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy
Pros:
- Turned on/off with remote control
- The device automatically responds when on
- Safe and effective for treating OSA
Cons:
- Requires a reduced invasive procedure
- It can be costly
- It only works if your tongue causes your obstruction
- Can become infected and require the need for replacement
- It’s not recommended if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- The battery will need replacement after 11 years
6. EPAP Valves
Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure uses a small device inserted into the nostrils. When you create resistance to exhale against, EPAP valves use the natural air pressure that builds to keep the airway open. EPAP doesn’t supply Pressure, doesn’t require a machine, and only uses the power of breath to treat sleep apnea.
Best for:
- People who cannot tolerate CPAP
- Frequent travelers
- Those with limited access to electricity
- Those with mild to moderate OSA
Pros:
- Affordable
- No electricity required
- Highly portable
- Better compliance than CPAP
Cons:
- iI doesn’t work for everyone
- Not as effective as CPAP
- Not ideal for moderate to severe OSA
7. Position Pillows/Positional Therapy
Position pillows or positional therapy for sleep apnea uses different devices to keep patients from turning on their back when sleeping. Moderate sleep apnea can be addressed by changing your sleeping position. Many people experience Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which can be discussed moderately with position pillows, though they are not as effective as CPAP for treating sleep apnea symptoms.
- Side Sleeping Pillow: An excellent full-body pillow like the Medline Therapeutic Body Pillow can help position the body, helping to prevent the tongue from collapsing into the airway.
Best for:
- Back sleepers with mild obstructive sleep apnea
- Those Who Experience Positional Obstructive sleep apnea
- People who are not eligible for invasive therapies
- Those on a Budget
Pros:
- It offers multiple configurations
- Non-Committal Treatment Option
- It eases acid reflux symptoms
- Can benefit skeletal alignment
- It can be used with continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP therapy
Cons:
- Not As Effective as continuous airway pressure CPAP
- Doesn’t treat people whose airways are Blocked by Excessive Tissue
- Not Guaranteed to Bring Relief
Conclusion
The severity of your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms will determine your sleep specialist’s treatment option. Whether you are diagnosed with central sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea, all of the air pressure devices would be the best treatment for you.
We recommend you involve your healthcare provider when choosing a suitable device for sleep apnea to avoid further complications.
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