Alternatives to CPAP?

ribbie · Post by **ribbie** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 12:39 am

Couldn't find a thread about this. I have been using CPAP for about 18 months or so and am quite happy with the results, sleepwise. But, there are other issues that bother me.
a. using xpap for an extended period may result in central SA in some patients - don't want to go there.
b. skin problems on face where mask touches my cheeks
c. problems when travelling - cumbersome to add to other luggage (I don't drive but travel by public transport)
d. sometimes find myself sleeping without the machine because I'm already asleep before I put it on and then can't make myself wake up enough to do it in the middle of the night especially if the machine has come detached from the electricity without noticing it when I make the bed etc (there is no electric socket near the CPAP setup on that side of my bed so it goes around the back of the bed and sometimes gets detached).
So, the question is, is there anyone out there who can suggest an alternative?
I've heard of:
a. surgical intervention (operation)
b. mandibular repositioning devices (MRD)
c. some people have been cured of their apnea by naturopathic medicine
Any comments on any of these?

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 12:58 am

Death by stupidity! Its a sure cure for those not willing to put in any effort. Jim

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 1:15 am

ribbie wrote:Couldn't find a thread about this. I have been using CPAP for about 18 months or so and am quite happy with the results, sleepwise. But, there are other issues that bother me.
a. using xpap for an extended period may result in central SA in some patients - don't want to go there.
I'm not aware of the length of time using CPAP having anything to do with developing central apnea. Do you have a link where that thought came from? Sometimes pressure sensitive people have central apnea, but that's not everyone.
b. skin problems on face where mask touches my cheeks
Mask liners are available for purchase or can be homemade.
c. problems when travelling - cumbersome to add to other luggage (I don't drive but travel by public transport)
Yeah, that can be a pain in the neck. I use public transportation also. But it's more of an inconvenience to me to sleep poorly and feel like crap so I do what I've got to do.
d. sometimes find myself sleeping without the machine because I'm already asleep before I put it on and then can't make myself wake up enough to do it in the middle of the night especially if the machine has come detached from the electricity without noticing it when I make the bed etc (there is no electric socket near the CPAP setup on that side of my bed so it goes around the back of the bed and sometimes gets detached).
I will fall asleep without masking up too if I allow myself to lay down first. So I don't. Again, inconvenient, but after over 7 years, I don't fight it.
So, the question is, is there anyone out there who can suggest an alternative?
I've heard of:
a. surgical intervention (operation)
If this worked for someone that person wouldn't likely be here to tell you. I know several it didn't work for. Each case is so different - what was a nightmare for one may be a dream come true for another. Just be fully informed about each procedure and know how your anatomy specifically makes you a good candidate (or not).
b. mandibular repositioning devices (MRD)
Again, everyone's different, but if this worked for someone, they wouldn't be hanging out at a CPAP forum.
c. some people have been cured of their apnea by naturopathic medicine
Can you be more specific?
Any comments on any of these?

I've also heard a friend of a friend did the tongue tethering procedure. Don't know if it helped or not. This could be a tough audience - lots of people here believe CPAP is the most reliable option for most people, and the one that offers data to prove its effectiveness. Those who have positional sleep apnea can look at positioning options. Those whose apnea is not severe may find one of the other means you mentioned a viable option.

Alternatives to CPAP?

Alternatives to CPAP?

Re: Alternatives to CPAP?

Re: Alternatives to CPAP?