To get insurance coverage for your OSA treatments, CPAP machine, or other devices (like a portable oxygen concentrator for supplemental oxygen therapy during the day), you must get an official diagnosis from a health care provider.

Your doctor can also discuss alternatives to CPAP if you are unable to use CPAP therapy, if it has not been effective for you, or if you simply want to explore your other options.

If your otolaryngologist recommends CPAP, you may be scheduled for a second sleep study during which you will be fitted for a mask and CPAP device.

Luckily, there are alternative options to CPAP therapy for people experiencing difficulty using a CPAP device. Read on to learn more, including expert insight into what these alternatives are and whether they’re effective.

A CPAP machine also includes straps to position the mask, a hose or tube that connects the mask to the machine’s motor, a motor that blows air into the tube, and an air filter to purify the air entering the nose.

Sleep apnea surgery can be used in several different circumstances. As a first-line treatment, surgery may be recommended prior to CPAP therapy in people who have a blockage in their airway that can be fixed with a surgical procedure.

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.

Side effects of CPAP treatment may include congestion, runny nose, dry mouth, or nosebleeds; humidification can often help with these symptoms. Masks may cause irritation or redness of the skin, and use of the right size mask and padding can minimize pressure sores from tight contact with skin.

as one of the first steps in treating OSA, along with losing excess weight and changing sleep position.

Others have difficulties using CPAP consistently or prefer not to use it all. Fortunately, there are numerous CPAP alternatives for people who cannot or do not want to treat OSA read more with CPAP therapy.

Your doctor may choose to adjust your pressure, or try to help you pinpoint exactly your struggle is.

Similar to CPAP, alternative treatments focus on maintaining an open airway and promoting regular breathing during sleep. Some include lifestyle changes, while others are more invasive.

The most common and effective nonsurgical treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP which is applied through a nasal or facial mask while you sleep. The CPAP device does not breathe for you.

Customers in the contiguous U.S. who purchase their machine from The Sleep Doctor receive free ground shipping with their order.