For patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation due to sleep apnea, the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device can cut the risk of arrhythmia in half. While this news – outlined in a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology – is certainly positive for patients at risk for cardiovascular issues due to sleep apnea, many people who have undergone CPAP treatment might wonder if an alternative is available.
CPAP is a proven therapy for sleep apnea. Unfortunately, it has not proved popular with patients.
Many patients who use CPAP report difficulty sleeping due to the machine’s uncomfortable design and noisiness during operation. Others experience irritation of the sinuses, mouth, and eyes, as well as rashes where the mask straps onto the face.
Thankfully there are CPAP treatment alternatives that alleviate sleep apnea without the discomfort and disadvantages that cause compliance rates with the device to be so low. Alternative treatment options include:
- Positional therapy
- Behavior modification, including weight loss, better sleep hygiene, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills
- Oral appliance therapy
- Medication
- A combination of these treatments
Sleep apnea is a danger to the heart and other parts of the body, so seeking timely treatment is very important. For patients who have difficulty adjusting to CPAP during sleep, a specialist can discuss alternative treatment options that have less of an impact on your lifestyle.
Find a suitable CPAP treatment alternative today: Call 1 (866) 727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) to speak with a sleep specialist in your area.
