Sleep Apnea Treatment in Charlotte

OSA Treatment Menu

  • What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

  • What are the different ways to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

  • What is CPAP and why would I choose it over other Treatments?

  • Why should I consider an Alternative to CPAP?

  • What are the Surgeries for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when a person has trouble breathing while they sleep because something is blocking their airway. This blockage happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much, causing breathing to stop for a moment. When this happens repeatedly throughout the night, enough oxygen is not getting to the body, disrupting sleep and leading to health issues. The most common symptoms of OSA are loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and feeling tired during the day. 

What are the different ways to Treat OSA?

The three most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), OAT (Oral Appliance Therapy), and surgery. Each treatment has its advantages and disadvantages, and we give you more information on each treatment type below.

For those who want to watch the video version, please click on our video below:

What is CPAP and why would I choose it over Oral Appliance Therapy and Surgery?

A CPAP is a machine that provides you with a constant stream of air through a mask you wear while you are sleeping to keep your airway open. It needs to be adjusted to force the right amount of air into your body and a sleep test determine the amount of pressure. The Advantages of CPAP over OAT and surgery is that for highly severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea cases, this forced pressure will ensure that the air gets into the body. However, oral appliances seem to be heading towards treating severe OSA by themselves as Vivos Therapeutics (an oral appliance maker in the US) received FDA clearance to treat severe OSA in 2023 for one of their oral appliances. This means that this appliance is approved to treat the worse airway obstruction cases and it shows that oral appliance therapy is quickly becoming a preferred, natural treatment option for all types of obstructive sleep apnea.

Another advantage for CPAP is that it will almost always be cheaper than surgery, but may be more or less expensive than oral appliance therapy depending on your insurance and the office who is treating you. 

Why should I consider an Alternative to CPAP?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered the gold standard therapy to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, many patients who are prescribed a CPAP do not wear it as prescribed by their doctor.

Despite serious health consequences, studies show that about half of patients who are prescribed a CPAP machine abandon it within a year, and many even sooner than that. And beyond the first year of wearing it, many others stop their CPAP treatment. This is what is called non-compliance in the medical field, meaning the patient has stopped their treatment.

This issue of non-compliance with CPAP therapy is the #1 issue with this OSA treatment. When asked why they stopped CPAP treatment, these are the most common reasons:

  1. Feeling Restricted

    • Feeling claustrophobic with CPAP therapy is a common issue because of the mask, straps and forced air pressure. It can be an overwhelming feeling when these components of the CPAP are attached to you and the forced airflow is occurring while you are trying to fall asleep. 
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  2. Noise and Disruption:

    • The sound produced by the CPAP machine can be disruptive to both the user and their bed partner. Even with the reduced sound of newer CPAP machines, some individuals find the noise still noticeable while trying to sleep.

  3. Difficulty Adapting to the Routine:

    • Using CPAP requires a consistent routine of cleaning, maintenance, and wearing the mask during sleep. Some individuals find it challenging to incorporate this routine into their daily lives.

  4. Difficulty Adapting to the Routine:

    • The CPAP machine itself requires a cleaning routine, maintenance, and wearing the mask during sleep. Some individuals do say it is a challenge to do these necessary parts of CPAP treatment regularly.

What are the Surgeries for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

We Provide Easier Alternatives

Alternative 1: MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE (MAD)

The Mandibular Advancement Device is by far the most common alternative solution to the CPAP machine. It is patient customized to prevent Obstructive Sleep Apnea from occurring.

Alternative 2: VIVOS THERAPEUTICS / AIRWAY REMOLDING

FDA approved and 15,000 successful treatments worldwide, the Vivos® Therapeutics appliance is a non-surgical, non-invasive way to effectively remodels the airway and removed the constriction that causes obstructive sleep apnea. This allows for a healthy airway to function properly both night and day, 24/7. Using a removable appliance, the Vivos System works to promote proper growth of the upper and lower jaws. It removes the need for a lifetime of Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. Having a healthy airway you body can receive the necessary oxygen to function properly and repair itself. 

Learn More About Vivos

Healthy Peaceful Sleep is the Goal

With a healthy airway your body  can receive the necessary oxygen to function properly and repair itself. Quite, restful sleep and improved quality of life everyday are additional benefits of treatment.