Sleeping habits vary from person to person: some might sleep soundly laying on their backs, while others can’t help but toss and turn all night. If you are a constant turner while you sleep and you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may fit into one of two categories:
- You shudder at the thought of sleep apnea treatment because you know that your sleeping habits will inhibit the use of your prescribed CPAP
- You find that you are more agitated with your sleep apnea and CPAP because of new conflicts that have emerged.
Because all forms of CPAP machines use hoses connected to a machine and a mask that go around your mouth during the night; the treatment option can be difficult for sleep apnea sufferers to wear if they move around often while they sleep. Patients could wrap themselves in the hose or yank the hose as they turn, taking the machine with them. Tossing and turning while wearing a CPAP could dislodge the pillows placed in your nose and could lift the mask off of your face completely, leaving you vulnerable to your sleeping disorder.
Patients who usually toss and turn try to acclimate themselves to a more calm and stationary sleep habit while wearing their CPAP; however, this can make it more difficult for them to get the quality sleep they require. The patients that choose to opt out of their treatments in order to continue their comfortable sleeping habits are again faced with apneic episodes, daytime drowsiness and a severe lack of energy.
Alternative Treatment Options May Help
For sleep apnea sufferers who can’t stay still while they’re sleeping, there are alternative treatment options that might work better with your sleep habits. These alternatives are effective to CPAP because they can keep your sleep apnea at bay even while moving around. Other oral appliances work by re-positioning the mandible or tongue.
It is important when seeking treatment for sleep apnea to remember that some treatment options will not work for everyone, which is why consulting with a sleep dentist will put you on the right track toward a treatment option that will work well for you.
To learn more about sleep apnea and available treatment options, contact us to schedule a consultation.
