Patients also need long-term follow up with an annual office visit to check equipment, titrate settings as needed, and to ensure ongoing mask and interface fit. Continuing patient education on the importance of regular use and support groups help patients obtain the maximum benefit of this therapy.

Keep in mind that for many CPAP users, it takes longer than one month of using the machine in order to see results. Unfortunately, much like your doctor, how long it will take for you to realize improvement is not known since each individual person is different.

Although adjusting to CPAP therapy can come with its challenges, many side effects of CPAP can be prevented or resolved by working with a health professional.

Regarding the efficacy of surgical treatments for OSA, Dr. Cacho says the best results occur when tonsils that are too large are removed. Improvements may also occur in individuals with OSA who have a piece of their tongue removed to reduce its size, she adds.

In spite of several benefits of CPAP therapy, compliance remains a big problem both in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

We regularly update our articles to include the latest research, expand coverage, and add new information as it becomes available.

Exercises that strengthen throat muscles are also shown to help improve sleep apnea to some degree, according to David Rosen, M.D., a sleep medicine physician and CEO of Renuma, a digital health platform designed to deliver sleep apnea treatment through telehealth.

The machine comes equipped with ClimateLineAir heated tubing that can be programmed for specific temperature and humidity levels for added comfort when breathing.

Rosen. This device isn’t worn while the user sleeps, and only requires constant use for 20 minutes each day.

EPAP: Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) therapy is a newer alternative to CPAP. Instead of using a machine that delivers pressurized air, a nasal EPAP device uses valves more info to create air pressure when the user exhales, keeping the upper airway from collapsing.

Alternative treatments may be recommended only after trying CPAP and finding it is not suitable for your situation. If you breathe irregularly as you sleep, wake up gasping for breath, or feel excessively sleepy during the day, you may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea.

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Some people see a significant improvement in their OSA symptoms when they stop sleeping on their backs. Though getting used to a new sleep position can be a challenge, several wearable devices are available that alert the user when they move onto their back. 

Yes, you can use a microwave oven and any common household appliances that do not emit strong magnetic fields. If you have concerns, consult with your Inspire therapy-trained doctor.