If you are one of the millions of Americans who snore, you may have tried a CPAP machine. CPAP is the most common treatment for snoring and sleep apnea, and it can be very effective for many people. However, not everyone who tries a CPAP finds relief from their snoring. Let’s look at why CPAP therapy may not work and what you can do to make it more comfortable and effective. In addition, we will explore new treatments for sleep apnea that may help with your snoring as well!
What is CPAP Therapy for Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
It’s likely that around 75% of snorers also suffer from a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. (1) By treating sleep apnea symptoms, most snorers sleep better, reduce health risks, and have more daytime energy.
CPAP therapy has been the treatment for sleep apnea for the past 40 years. It works by delivering continuous, mild air pressure to the throat while you sleep. The CPAP prevents your airway from collapsing and helps you breathe more easily.
CPAP therapy is very effective for many people, but it’s not always comfortable or easy to use. In fact, some people who try CPAP find that it doesn’t work for them at all. Let’s look at why CPAP may not be working for you and what you can do about it!
Reasons Why CPAP May Not Work For You
There are a few reasons why CPAP therapy might not work for you. One common reason is that the CPAP mask does not fit well or is uncomfortable. If the mask is not snug and secure, it can leak air and be ineffective.
In addition, an incorrectly positioned hose can also cause leaks. If you are using a CPAP machine and are not seeing results, make sure that your mask fits well, and that there are no leaks in the system.
Another reason why CPAP therapy may not work for you is that you have nasal congestion or obstruction. This can make it difficult to breathe through your nose, which is necessary when using a CPAP machine with a nose-only mask. If you have nasal congestion, talk to your doctor about treatments that can help open up your nasal passages. Or, consider a CPAP machine with a face mask covering your nose and mouth. A full-face CPAP mask can make the difference if you breathe through your mouth!
Finally, some people find the constant air pressure from the CPAP machine to be uncomfortable. You may feel claustrophobic with the mask on with the air pushing in. If you are struggling to adjust to CPAP therapy, talk to your doctor about ways to make it more comfortable for you. There are several CPAP machines on the market with different features that may be more comfortable for you.
New Treatments For Sleep Apnea
If CPAP therapy is not working for you, there are a few other available options. One new FDA-approved treatment, called “Inspire” upper airway stimulation (UAS), uses a small implanted device that sends electrical signals to the muscles in your airway while you sleep. This electrical stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve controls the muscles of the tongue. The signals help keep the airway open while you sleep.
Because your airway is open with Inspire therapy, there is a significant decrease in snoring. In fact, “90% of bed partners report no or soft snoring by their partner.” (2)
If you are struggling with CPAP therapy or are looking for other treatment options, talk to your doctor about Inspire. This new treatment may help you get the relief from snoring and sleep apnea that you need!
How to Know If You Need Treatment for Your Snoring
If you’re not sure whether or not your snoring is a medical problem that needs treatment, here are some signs to look for:
- Loud snoring (louder than the sound of normal breathing)
- Feeling tired during the day
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed?
- Does your partner often tell you that you stop breathing at night?
If you struggle with the above problems, it’s important to talk to your ENT doctor about your symptoms. ENT doctors specialize in sleep disorders and the treatments you can take advantage of, including surgery.
You may need an evaluation for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a severe condition that can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Don’t suffer from snoring or sleep apnea any longer! There are treatments available that can help you get the restful and quiet sleep you need. Talk to your ENT doctor about the best treatment options for you.
We Can Help
At Enticare, our board-certified ENT sleep specialists work to find the root cause of your snoring. We offer a variety of sleep apnea treatments, from CPAP therapy to surgery. We also provide Inspire, the newly FDA-approved treatment for sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help you!