The best alternatives to CPAP therapy

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the country, with more than 18 million Americans suffering from some form. When faced with this diagnosis, the most effective treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP.

Understandably, many people find CPAP machines noisy, uncomfortable, or just plain cumbersome. There are a few alternatives to using a CPAP machine that you might find helpful, though it's important that you talk with your doctor before ditching a CPAP machine altogether. Join Dr. Breus as he explores some of the alternative methods for reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea.

0:00 Why CPAP is the Gold Standard
0:55 Mandibular Advancement Device
1:39 Tongue Retaining Device
2:23 Innovative Treatments for Sleep Apnea
2:59 Surgical Interventions
3:11 Inspire
3:39 Reduce Your Body Weight

😴 Michael Breus, Ph.D., is a double board-certified clinical psychologist and sleep expert. He's been in practice since 1999 and helped thousands of patients improve their sleep. Dr. Breus has written five books on sleep and conducted over 1,000 interviews to the press and public.

#cpaptherapy #snoring #osa

[lisa__rcs]

I’m 29 and was just diagnosed after finding your website. When I told my doctor, she was shocked and said I was too young and thin to have sleep apnea. I bet there are tons of people who are undiagnosed because of that type of thinking.

[Deltatwo]

Im a powerlifter and my wife has noticed the the last year ive started snoring like crazy and my sleep is absolutely horrible, turns out i have OSA so we are taking thr steps to treat that. Fantastic video full of great info!

[aprilmartin]

My dentist has been telling me for years how small my mouth and throat are. When I got diagnosed with sleep apnea last year I was told to lose some weight. Dont get me wrong, Ive got some to lose, but I am starting to realize these things are linked. my small airway has caused my sleep apnea which has led to high blood pressure diagnosis I got 2 yrs ago (perfect bp all my life), and increase in cortisol has lead to weight in my stomach and 30 lbs. Not to mention I went through menopause this year and that causes yiur muscles (throat included) to be come less firm. I love my doctor, but sometimes its up to us to be our own advocates and figure out the root of the problem.

[osheros]

Weight is most likely the cause of my snoring and mild apnea but it's really hard to lose weight when you don't sleep well. Thanks for covering some alternatives to the CPAP device.

[copperdragon]

I took the time to learn to sleep on my front. It changed my life. It was not easy but my chronic sleep apnea dropped dramatically. It also had a massive improvement on my nasal drip drip drip from my upper sinuses.

[sunvinislam]

Nice presence sir. You r not a doctor but also you r a friend of all of your patients.
Thanks for your valuable advice with well understanding method 😊

[rc]

Thanks for this video. I’m actually having a good experience with CPAP, but I like keeping up to date on alternatives, as well as developments in sleep apnea science. Your channel really helps me be a better informed sleep apnea patient.

[kattmilk]

I'm a petite, 5'1, 135 pound female. I've been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, and have been using a CPAP machine for over 4 years. I guess I must be an anomaly because I'm nowhere near overweight, don't smoke, or drink alcohol. 😢😢😢

[judidifonzo]

Since starting with using a CPAP, I'm getting migraines. I seem to be well rested but I don't function well with a migraine. Interesting that you suggested going to an ENT. They are treating me for eustachian tube dysfunction. I see a different doctor for my apnea.

[emroach]

Fantastic explanations! Thank you for this info

[darrellr]

Cpap did nothing for me. Always felt like crap in the morning and all day using cpap. My numbers were always good according to cpap machine. My Doctor told me to give it 6 months, which I did. Never felt refreshed. I was sleeping 7 to 8 hours every night with the mask on, and no leaks and ahi was always lower than 4. Seemed to make me feel worse, and all day headaches. I'm done with it.

[holyexperience]

One thing not mentiomed: Snore strips, like, Breathe Right is one brand. However, still find out the underlying cause in case you need something drastic,

[laithfraij]

Hello Dr., my problem is I see daily vivid dreams and see people don't think about .. causing waking up exhausted and needing more sleep, I'm so tired of this and need deep sleep

[jackbaldwin]

Very helpful...thank you! Do you have an opinion on the INAP device?

[ChroniclesofGhoul]

Why does nobody talk about cpap can raise optical pressures causing glaucoma?

[HoppyDayFarm]

How do they select patients for Inspire and determine that it is the tongue, not the jaw, or Uvula, or a combination. Is there a cost to remove it, if it doesn't work?

[feiwong]

How does weight cause OSA? Is it the weight around the neck that it collapses airway

[martech]

According to my sleep test I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in 2019 Tried the cpap half a dozen different times but just can’t do it & quit after numerous sleepless nights. I feel helpless & have given up.

[kathyshively]

I am starting the at-home Sleep Apnea testing. I'm anxious because I have sensory issues and cannot stand anything touching me when I'm sleeping, the room has to be dark and there cannot be any noise. If I should test positive for sleep apnea, I'm worried that the CPAP won't work for me. I am 73 years old and am not interested in having any surgery on my tongue. I am on Prednisone and have gained 25 lbs this last year. My doctor says that once I stop taking it I will lose the weight but in the meantime, I have to deal with this. Do you think the implant would be a good alternative?

[helenathomas]

I just found out that I have sleep apnea. My doctor told me to use a oxygen constantrainer