If you are looking to get treatment for sleep apnea in Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, or Franklin, you may be considering a sleep apnea machine (CPAP machine). So in this guide from Oak Creek Dental Care, we’ll answer a few common FAQs that patients often have when considering sleep apnea treatment with a CPAP machine. Let’s get started.
This primarily depends on the type of sleep apnea machine. As a rule, more costly CPAP machines will run more quietly, while more inexpensive models will tend to make a bit more noise.
However, most CPAP machines run at a fairly quiet volume. The average volume of a CPAP machine, while in operation, is about 30 decibels. By way of comparison, the average “hum” of a refrigerator is about 40 decibels, and the sound of mosquitoes is 20 decibels.
Unless you or your partner are a very light sleeper, you should not have trouble falling asleep due to the sound of a CPAP machine. However, if the sound of the CPAP machine bothers you, it may be a good idea to find a source of “white noise” that will cover it up, such as a white noise machine or a fan.
Most sleep apnea machines will restrict your sleeping position to an extent, because you will need to wear a face mask that covers both your mouth and nose. It’s usually not possible to sleep on your stomach with a CPAP machine because of this, though stomach sleeping is usually not advisable for sleep apnea patients anyway.
Some CPAP masks may be bulky enough to interfere with side sleeping, too, requiring you to sleep on your back. However, some models have thin and comfortable masks that can be worn while you sleep on your side. It depends on the machine you choose.
Proper CPAP maintenance is essential for keeping your machine in good condition, and for ensuring that you are breathing clean, pure air at night.
You’ll need to clean and maintain your CPAP machine properly to eliminate bacteria, prevent mineral buildup, and avoid mold exposure. This guide from VeryWellHealth provides a good overview of the maintenance process for CPAP machines.
Not necessarily! CPAP machines are only required if you have severe apnea. If your apnea is more moderate, it may be possible to treat it without the use of a CPAP machine.
At Oak Creek Dental Care, Dr. Ehsan Saleki specializes in oral appliance therapy (OAT) for sleep apnea. An oral appliance looks similar to a mouth guard or retainer, and is designed to shift your jaws into a healthier position during sleep. This, in turn, helps keep your airway open, and prevents tissue from sagging and obstructing your breathing.
Combined with lifestyle changes like weight loss and avoiding alcohol and sedative medications before bed, OAT can treat sleep apnea without the use of a CPAP machine. To find out if this treatment method is right for you, consult with your sleep doctor.
If your doctor believes that oral appliance therapy may be a good option for treating your case of sleep apnea, Dr. Ehsan Saleki is here to help. While CPAP machines are effective, they are not necessary for many minor-to-moderate cases of apnea, and oral appliance therapy is a more convenient, portable, and comfortable method of sleep apnea treatment.
So don’t wait. Contact us now at (414) 762-9010 to learn more and schedule an appointment with Dr. Saleki, and get the care you need to treat your sleep apnea in South Milwaukee, Franklin, or Oak Creek.
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