I Hate My CPAP – Are There Other Options?

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may have prescribed a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to keep your airway open during sleep. But what if you hate using it? You’re not alone—many people struggle with CPAP due to discomfort, air pressure issues, or mask leaks. The good news? There are alternative treatments that may be more comfortable and just as effective. Let’s explore your options.

Try a Different CPAP Mask or Adjust Your Pressure Settings

Before ditching your CPAP altogether, it’s worth troubleshooting common issues:

Mask type matters: If your mask is uncomfortable, switching to a different style—such as nasal pillows, nasal masks, or full-face masks—may improve your experience.
Adjusting air pressure: Some people find CPAP air pressure too high or too low. Your doctor can fine-tune the settings or try an auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP) for a more natural breathing experience.

Consider BiPAP Therapy – A More Comfortable Alternative

For those who struggle with CPAP due to pressure discomfort, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) might be a better fit. Unlike CPAP, which delivers a constant pressure, BiPAP provides:

Lower pressure when you exhale for easier breathing
Higher pressure when you inhale to keep your airway open
More comfort for people with central sleep apnea or pressure intolerance

Oral Appliance Therapy – A CPAP-Free Solution

If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and can’t tolerate CPAP, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) could be a great alternative. These custom-fitted mouthpieces help keep your airway open by repositioning your jaw and tongue. Benefits include:

Small, portable, and easy to travel with
No mask, hose, or machine noise
Comfortable and non-invasive
No electricity needed

Inspire Implant – A CPAP Alternative Without a Mask

Inspire therapy is an FDA-approved surgical implant that works inside your body to treat sleep apnea. This small device stimulates your airway muscles to prevent collapse, allowing you to breathe normally. Key advantages:

No mask or hose required
Controlled with a remote
FDA-approved for moderate to severe OSA patients who struggle with CPAP

Dual Therapy – Combining Treatments for Maximum Comfort

If CPAP or BiPAP alone feels overwhelming, dual therapy may be the answer. This approach combines two treatments to improve comfort and effectiveness. For example:

Oral Appliance + CPAP: Using an oral appliance can reduce the air pressure needed on your CPAP, making it more tolerable.
Inspire Therapy + PAP Therapy or OA: Some patients require a combination treatment with Inspire therapy to get their OSA in the controlled range.

Find the Right Sleep Apnea Treatment for You

If you’re struggling with CPAP, don’t give up on treating your sleep apnea. The right treatment exists—you just need to find what works best for you. At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, our team specializes in personalized sleep apnea solutions, from CPAP adjustments to advanced alternative therapies. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and get back to restful, healthy sleep.

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center is proud to serve patients at the following locations:

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A Safer Sleep Apnea Treatment During COVID-19

CPAP Alternative – Oral Appliance Therapy

CPAP Alternative

Over the years, we have heard it time and time again: I hate my CPAP, I’ve tried, but I really can’t tolerate it. I feel claustrophobic with the mask… isn’t there a CPAP alternative? Yes, there is! You can say Bye Bye CPAP and treat your sleep apnea and snoring without a mask with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Oral Appliance is also a safe and CPAP alternative treatment option during these times of COVID 19

Position Statement

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or in cases where patients are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. In addition, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) states that oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be prescribed as a first-line therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CPAP Non-Compliance

It is estimated that 30-50 percent of CPAP users don’t like their treatment; another survey discovered that about half of patients stop using CPAP within 1-3 weeks. Luckily, there is a better way to treat sleep apnea without a bulky CPAP or surgery.

A Better Treatment Option

Over 300,000 patients world-wide have found successful treatment with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), a custom-made oral device for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral Appliance Therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating sleep apnea and snoring. In fact, 91% of patients reported improvement in sleep quality while wearing it.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a no-mask CPAP alternative treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. It is similar in appearance to a retainer. The Oral appliance is custom fit by a qualified dentist. It works by holding the jaw slightly forward. This keeps the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing and blocking your airflow/breathing during sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Millions suffer from the effects of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet few are aware of the potential health hazards.

The warning signs of OSA include

Frequent and loud snoring
Daytime sleepiness
Waking during the night gasping for breath
Morning Headaches
Grinding Teeth

Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to the following health issues:

High blood pressure
Heart disease – including sudden cardiac death
Stroke
Type-2 Diabetes
Weight Gain
Greater risk of car accidents due to drowsiness
Depression/anxiety
Decreased Sex Drive

Pretty serious stuff if left untreated.

Treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can help you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

No mask or machine needed
Comfortable & easy to wear
Easy to disinfect and clean
Discreet & silent
Portable and easy for travel
No electricity needed
Allows for talking and drinking
Less issues for claustrophobic patients
Most patients see improvement in the first few nights
Better compliance rates compared to CPAP
Less cumbersome & more attractive compared to a CPAP
Significantly improves sleep apnea symptoms, i.e. oxygen saturation and daytime sleepiness

OAT may be the perfect CPAP alternative solution for ending snoring, treating Sleep Apnea, and improving your sleep quality. It is an ideal treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those who have severe OSA yet are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy and/or surgery.

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center

We have the area’s top sleep medicine specialists with 9 convenient locations in Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Chantilly, Dumfries, Germantown, Lansdowne, Manassas, and Woodbridge.

We are the only sleep center in the Washington, DC Metro area to provide on-site oral appliance therapy with our own team of dentists experienced in treating sleep apnea. Because OSA is a medical condition, the claim is filed through your medical insurance provider. Most medical insurances cover the cost (after your deductible or co-insurance is met). We offer no-interest flexible payment plans for patients with higher deductibles.

If you are interested in learning more about Oral Appliance Therapy, visit our website today. You can also email our Patient Care Coordinator, Marvin, at [email protected]. Call today to find a better and safer CPAP alternative treatment!

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