CPAP machines may not immediately feel comfortable for all users. Individuals should work with their providers to increase comfort and compliance, try different mask types or sizes and use add-on features like a humidifier chamber or different pressure settings.

Boston Medical Center is committed to empowering all patients to thrive, through our innovative and equitable care. In addition to this commitment, our leadership in health equity, research, and teaching is driving the future of care.

Your daily habits and environment can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Take the Sleep Quiz to help inform your sleep improvement journey.

Oral appliances position the jaw or tongue to keep the upper airway open. Although these devices are an alternative to CPAP therapy in people who cannot tolerate continuous airway pressure, some people benefit from using an oral appliance alongside CPAP therapy.

Of all of these, many agree the most difficult to overcome is removing the mask while sleeping. Obviously, if the mask isn’t on, it can’t make a difference in how you feel—and you may even feel worse.

You should feel a mild sensation from the stimulation. Typically, patients feel a tingling sensation or mild contraction in their tongue muscles.

While CPAP machines are very effective, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Some people may find sleeping with a more info CPAP mask uncomfortable. Luckily, there are many CPAP alternative treatments for sleep apnea. Here, our Reviews Team walks you through some of the other effective options.

An Inspire therapy-trained doctor will also evaluate your overall health status and perform a physical examination of your airway to determine if Inspire therapy might be a suitable CPAP alternative for you.

Dr. Karelsky focuses on providing a personalized, targeted treatment approach to patients with OSA who do not benefit from treatment with positive airway pressure devices (CPAP or BiPAP). After initial office consultation, patients undergo a procedure known as a sleep endoscopy in order to evaluate the cause of their OSA and determine the best treatment for them, including the Inspire device.

U.S. customers who order their ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet from The Sleep Doctor qualify for free ground shipping. Returns of unopened devices are accepted within 60 days of the delivery date, and those who keep their device also receive a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Your doctor may choose to adjust your pressure, or try to help you pinpoint exactly your struggle is.

Surgeries to the lower airway resolve blockages or collapse caused by the tongue or epiglottis, which is the piece of tissue that prevents food from entering the lungs when a person swallows.

Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone, but it can be an effective solution. The American Thoracic Society recommends gastric bypass surgery in people with a body mass index (BMI)ⓘ Body mass index (BMI) measures body fat based on height and weight. of 35 or higher to improve OSA. A recent study showed bariatric surgery, which is a procedure removing the portion of your stomach producing the hormone ghrelin—which signals hunger to your brain—improved OSA and caused remission in 65% of patients. [10]Oweidat K, et al. Sleep and Breathing. May 5, 2023.

If you qualify for Inspire therapy, your Inspire therapy-trained doctor will work with you, the hospital and your insurance company for approval.