What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of treatment for sleep apnea?
Choosing the right treatment for your kind of sleep apnea is an important decision. Next is a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment for sleep apnea. Keep in mind consulting a sleep specialist when making this decision.
* Advantages and Disadvantages of the Various Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Self-help
• Inexpensive
• Private, not embarrassing; unobtrusive to your bed partner
• The lifestyle changes you make can improve more than just your sleep!
• Only works for mild sleep apnea
• You may have to make permanent lifestyle changes
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
• Safe
• Very effective
• Immediate relief
• Difficult to use, so many drop use within the first year
• Mask may be uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or embarrassing. Appropriate fit avoids discomfort.
• Many side-effects
• Machine may be noisy
A lifelong treatment
Dental devices
• Easier to use and maintain than CPAP, so people stay with this treatment longer and are therefore more likely to experience relief
• Small size, so more convenient for traveling than CPAP
• More effective than surgery for some airway obstructions
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