Obstructive sleep apnea can make it harder for you to shake off daytime drowsiness and other related symptoms. However, getting professional help from our sleep apnea treatment centers in Illinois, making lifestyle modifications, and using an oral appliance or suggested therapy can offer much-needed relief.
I should also warn you that the multitude of oral appliances, OTC supplements, and related dental or nasal products advertised as DIY sleep apnea treatment in Naperville or online stores can do you more harm than good. I’d never recommended trying strange contraptions that may cause damage.
Professionally tailored sleep apnea treatment in Illinois has shown significant improvements in OSA-related symptoms in less than a couple of weeks. So here I have compiled for you a list of effective sleep apnea treatment options based on their research that will improve your quality of life.
Weight Management
The research suggests that excessive body weight is a crucial driving factor responsible for most sleep apnea symptoms, and proper weight management can help reduce the severe effects of OSA. Weight loss programs can help you eliminate the extra fat deposits on your tongue, in the back of your throat, and around your tummy to offer some relief and a good night’s sleep.
The benefits of maintaining proper weight on your cardiovascular fitness and quality of life are significant. Losing just over ten percent of the bodyweight offers an effective cutback of sleep apnea symptoms by half. Even a balanced diet and exercise or surgical methods can work wonders. However, the most sustainable weight loss plan for you can only be put together by a certified nutritionist at our sleep center in Naperville.
Positional Therapy
Positional therapy for sleep apnea patients advises a non-supine sleeping posture. Sleeping on your back is not suggested for OSA patients as it can worsen your condition. However, sleeping on your sides or stomach can help keep your airway open. Patients undergoing positional therapy at sleep apnea treatment centers generally wear a commercially sold or homemade contraption to prevent sleeping on their backs.
Nasal Expiratory PAP
Nasal expiratory PAP is an FDA-approved device that works on your nasal passage to relieve sleep apnea symptoms. Its working mechanism includes a valve that rests in your nose and works as a one-way gate for uninterrupted inhalation. However, during exhalation, the increase in airflow resistance from the device creates a positive airway pressure that is maintained till the next inhalation begins.
Oral Pressure Therapy
Oral pressure therapy is provided through an appliance that creates a negative airway pressure as it rests in your mouth. The resulting vacuum formed within the oral cavity pulls your soft palate forward and stabilizes your airway for unobstructed breathing during sleep. Even though the therapy offers significant improvement in OSA symptoms, most patients find the contraption pesky and uncomfortable for regular use.
Upper Airway Stimulation
Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) uses a surgically-implanted nerve stimulator to treat moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The Inspire UAS system includes implantable components like the pulse generator, stimulation lead, and sensing lead, along with external facilitators like the physician’s programmer and the patient’s sleep remote.
The implanted pulse generator detects and maintains your regular breathing pattern by using mild nerve stimulation to keep your airway open. Your sleep physician configures the general stimulation settings according to your condition remotely with the physician programmer. On the other hand, your sleep remote allows you to take control of your sleep apnea treatment preferences.
Surgical Treatment Options
Many surgeries can be effective sleep apnea treatment by correcting abnormal anatomical features responsible for persistent airway obstruction. One of the most commonly used surgical procedures to treat OSA, the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), works by removing all extra tissue at the back of your throat that can cause airway obstruction. The tonsils, adenoids, uvula, and part of the throat wall are generally removed to offer an unobstructed airway.
However, surgery is never the first line of defense for adults seeking sleep apnea treatment in Illinois. It is only considered for patients who do not improve with other therapies like CPAP or BiPAP machines. In contrast, adenotonsillectomy, the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids, is often the first treatment plan for children.
AUTHOR BIO
Dominic Robinson has been writing for the healthcare industry for years to become a legacy guest author. His educational background in the medical sciences provides a solid foundation and credibility to approach many health-related issues. Still, he especially enjoys preparing scientifically backed pieces on modern-day medical problems. You can learn more about him at Suburban TMJ and Sleep Center