“Sleep apnea”
I have sleep apnea, obstructive. I find it hard to wear mask. I have allergies and always have hard breathing through my nose. Any other alternatives besides wearing the mask? Thank u. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Male | 49 years old
Complaint duration: 2 years
Medications: Trazodone singular zyrtec
Conditions: Trouble sleeping
8 Answers
SleepMedicineSpecialistObstructiveSleepApnea
Different options rely on the severity of your sleep apnea. I would need to see your sleep study and we would also discuss different mask options.
oral appliance through dentist is an alternative for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy device is an alternative for moderate to severe sleep apnea!
Yes there are options. Will depend on the severity of your apnea. You might be able to use a dental device or implantable device- inspire.
Rajesh Rethnam - Sent from my iPhone
Rajesh Rethnam - Sent from my iPhone
The nose obstruction might be behind the sleep apnea.
Perhaps an ENT specialist could help.
Perhaps an ENT specialist could help.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation, or Inspire therapy (requires surgery), may help for people intolerant to CPAP. Oral appliances also can work in mild to moderate cases (usually done by dentists).
Consider full face mask so you can breathe through mouth when nasal airway is congested or inflamed from allergies. Consider suing saline nasal spray regularly or saline nasal gel and use Flonase nasal spray on severely congested days. Consider ENT evaluation. Depending on severity of sleep apnea, you can consider oral appliance to treat mild-moderate sleep apnea.
Depending on the severity of sleep disorder other types of treatment could be recommended including oral appliances-dental devices-, dentist who specializes in sleep medicine will design for you. Body position therapy, inspire new FDA equipment approved for treatment of sleep disorders. CPAP mask desensitization techniques are also recommended.
Consider wearing mask during day time (during free time) to get used to the feeling (desensitization). Consider using steroid nasal spray as well as sedating anti-histamine pills for a short time use. Some may consider hypoglossal nerve stimulation and/or dental appliances depending upon AHI.
