Two Most Popular Sleep Apnea Devices

Dealing with sleep apnea has become easier than before as many new devices have been invented to treat the dangerous disease. Let’s explore the two most common ones and learn about their functioning and the benefits they offer.

CPAP machine consisting of a system of mask and pump is used to provide continuous supply of air to the patient. The pump ensures that the patient breathes effortlessly during the night as it keeps the nasal and throat passages open. As a result, loud snoring is reduced and the person sleeps restfully the whole night. However, CPAP does not eliminate the sleeping disorder although a comfortable sleep can be achieved. Nevertheless, most of the consequences of sleep apnea are due to disturbances while sleeping and CPAP machine has proved to be effective in dealing with this issue. But it should be remembered that, CPAP device should be used at any time the patient is asleep, no matter if they are taking naps during daytime. However, using CPAP machine can make a patient feel uneasy as they are noisy.

Oral appliances are devices which are very helpful in reducing the sleeping disorder. In the beginning, they were used to control snoring as they worked successfully in doing so; they are now used by many sleep apnea patients. A number of oral appliances options are available. Mandibular advancement device or MAD and splint are the most preferred types. While mandibular advancement device shifts the lower jaw such that it gives more space for the passage of air, splint works on keeping the tongue in its place in order to prevent it from blocking the airway. The MAD contraption looks similar to the mouth guards worn by athletes. To minimize the side effects of using oral appliances, it is better to get them fitted by a good orthodontist.