Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea and the majority go undiagnosed. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be fatal. The condition is associated with health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. However, the most commonly prescribed form of treatment (CPAP) is often discontinued due to discomfort. Thankfully, sleep apnea treatment without a CPAP is possible. Lifestyle changes may improve mild sleep apnea while custom dental appliances and alternative airway pressure treatments may help moderate to severe cases. In some instances, surgery may be helpful. You don’t have to be tied to a CPAP for life. Find the treatment option that will work best for you and get a better handle on your quality of life, sleep, and health.

A large number of Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Many go undiagnosed or give up on treatment, which can be detrimental to one’s health. Sleep apnea leads to periods of shallow breathing or periods where breathing stops altogether. As a result, oxygen levels in the blood can reach dangerous lows. Over time, low oxygen causes a multitude of health problems, including an increased risk of cardiac arrest (or even death). That’s why it’s so important to treat sleep apnea consistently and efficiently. Your sleep quality (and life) literally depend on it.

As many as half of all sleep apnea sufferers stop using their CPAP machines due to uncomfortable masks and clunky equipment. Luckily, there are less invasive, low-profile mask alternatives on the market. However, if you’re a mouth breather, your doctor likely won’t recommend them. Or you’ll be stuck wearing a chin strap along with your new mask. Mouth breathing not only disrupts sleep, it puts your health at risk. Nasal breathing, on the other hand, helps the body function like a well-oiled machine. Mouth tape creates a proper lip seal that is non-invasive and comfortable to help you nasal breathe all night long. Best of all, you can use it in combination with your CPAP for improved sleep, comfort, and peace of mind.

If you deal with sleep apnea, you may think that an uncomfortable CPAP mask is simply a part of your condition that you have to learn to accept. However, uncomfortable sleep with a cumbersome mask doesn’t have to be the norm. There are low-profile options on the market with a natural fit that allow you to move comfortably as you sleep. The least invasive of these is a CPAP nose pillow, which rests gently under the nostrils. This type of fit is especially helpful for side sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night. Before you suffer through another unbearable, sleepless night, look into whether or not a CPAP nose pillow is right for you and your needs.

Tired of a leaky mask or waking up with pressure marks and rashes from your CPAP machine? Luckily, there are many CPAP alternatives out there so that you can find the combination that works best for you. You may need to try out a different kind of CPAP machine or even a different style of mask. If your full face mask is bothersome, you may need a nasal mask or pillow.