We want to help you! Are you new to CPAP therapy? If so, please keep in mind that it does take time to become acclimated with your therapy. What is making you miserable? Is it because the mask is uncomfortable, are you awakened by noise from possibly a mask leak?

Boston Medical Center is committed to empowering all patients to thrive, through our innovative and equitable care. In addition to this commitment, our leadership in health equity, research, and teaching is driving the future of care.

Although CPAP remains the treatment of choice for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, several alternatives are available to help reduce breathing issues and resolve daytime symptoms.

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.

Your daily habits and environment can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Take the Sleep Quiz to help inform your sleep improvement journey.

The AirMini automatically decreases pressure levels to help you exhale more comfortably. People who have struggled with standard CPAP machines may have less trouble breathing with the AirMini. Customers should note the HumidX is only compatible with select face masks.

Customer Service Expert Carol says: February 18, 2020 at 6:48 pm Hello, i’m sorry to hear about your feelings of tiredness. This is a common issue with new CPAP users. Please keep in mind that it takes time to become acclimated with your CPAP therapy. One of the most important aspects of having successful therapy, is making sure you have a mask that is comfortable for you.

Nasal masks – these are the most common type of mask. They sit over the nose and are held in place by a strap around the head. However, they are not very useful if you cannot breathe through your nose particularly well.

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.

Choosing the right CPAP machine is an important and complex decision whether you’re buying for the first time or shopping for a replacement. You want to find a machine that works best for your needs, and things like cost, size, noise, portability, and features vary widely between manufacturers. We break down all you need to know about finding a CPAP machine and getting it set up.

Because adjustments are made automatically, APAP technology doesn’t require a sleep study to determine the appropriate level of pressure.

Physicians should monitor for compliance and follow up with their patients closely especially during initiation of CPAP therapy to ensure long-term success.[7] Patients must disclose any adverse effects that may limit compliance which must then be addressed by the physician.

Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone, but it can be an effective solution. The American Thoracic Society recommends gastric bypass surgery in people with a body mass index (BMI)ⓘ Body mass index (BMI) measures body fat based on height and weight. of 35 or higher to improve OSA. A recent study showed bariatric click here surgery, which is a procedure removing the portion of your stomach producing the hormone ghrelin—which signals hunger to your brain—improved OSA and caused remission in 65% of patients. [10]Oweidat K, et al. Sleep and Breathing. May 5, 2023.

If you feel depressed after starting CPAP, share your symptoms with your physician to determine if you could benefit from working with a therapist, as well.