Even if you’re no longer experiencing classic sleep apnea symptoms after starting sleep therapy, you may be, much to your disappointment, still tired after CPAP.
People with OSA often wake up many times at night, feel tired during the day, and have an increased risk of health complications.
Physical activity has also been shown to improve symptoms of OSA, even among individuals who do not lose weight. If dietary changes and exercise are not effective in reducing symptoms, doctors may suggest bariatric surgery.
One study shows between one-third to over 50 percent of CPAP wearers either quit sleep therapy or never even fill their prescription (partially because they’re still tired after CPAP), but there are several things you can do to make your CPAP experience more comfortable, including:
Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page should not be taken as medical advice or used as a recommendation for any specific treatment or medication. Always consult your doctor before taking a new medication or changing your current treatment. Related News
“This approach can involve using special pillows designed to support the head and neck for side-sleeping, wearable devices that detect and alert you when you roll onto your back during sleep, or even shirts or vests with built-in mechanisms that make sleeping on your back uncomfortable,” she added.
Medical Disclaimer: The following content should not be used as medical advice or as a recommendation for any specific supplement or medication. It is important to consult your health care provider prior to starting a new medication or altering your current dosage.
As a freelance writer and editor, she has covered everything from healthcare and experimental music to education. Rebecca lives in Tennessee, where she spends her free time reading, writing fiction, and making music.
In the case of severe OSA,a health care provider or sleep specialist may suggest a person consider surgical options, should the obstruction blocking the airway require removal. Speak with a health care provider or sleep expert to help determine the best CPAP alternatives for your specific needs.
EPAP: Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) therapy is a newer alternative to CPAP. Instead of using a machine that delivers pressurized air, a nasal EPAP device uses valves to create air pressure when the user exhales, keeping the upper airway from collapsing.
Airway collapse can occur from various causes, and CPAP is used to maintain airway patency in many of these instances. Airway collapse is typically seen in adults and children who have breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a cessation or pause in breathing while asleep.
Surgeries to the lower airway resolve blockages or collapse caused by the tongue or epiglottis, which is the piece of tissue that prevents food from entering the lungs when a person swallows.
Another important feature is MyAir, a digital assistant that helps first-time users navigate the device.
But now there's a new approach for treating sleep apnea – Inspire therapy. This implantable device monitors your breath while you sleep at night to ensure your airways website remain open.