What are My Options if Breathing Devices Like CPAP Machines Don’t Work

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, more commonly referred to as OSA, is an incredibly under-diagnosed illness. It’s estimated to affect 22 million Americans, but it’s also thought that around 80% of sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed. This means that as many as 110 million people may be suffering from it. While many people use obstructive sleep apnea treatment options like CPAP machines, these aren’t always the most effective choice. There are other, more effective treatment options available.

The team from Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists is here to help you explore sleep apnea treatment without CPAP machines. Learn all of your options below!

Sleep Apnea 101

To understand the full range of obstructive sleep apnea treatment options, we first have to briefly explain sleep apnea itself. Sleep apnea is an umbrella term for disorders that affect your breathing while asleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea – obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.

All of these disorders are characterized by your breathing stopping and starting during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by throat muscles relaxing. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain not sending the proper nerve signals to control your breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. Regardless of the type of sleep apnea you suffer from, there are a number of factors that can worsen it.

Now that you know what sleep apnea is, let’s look at your non-CPAP obstructive sleep apnea treatment options! 

Sleep Apnea Treatment Without CPAP Machines

There are a lot of reasons why people want to switch from CPAP machines to other, more advanced treatment options. Whatever your particular reason for wanting to switch, Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists is proud to offer a couple of cutting-edge obstructive sleep apnea treatment options. 

Minimally Invasive Palatal Stiffening

Also known as MIPS, Minimally Invasive Palatal Stiffening is a unique treatment choice. Using a contact diode laser, Dr. Mandel will make a small abrasion, as well as several passes through your soft palate. The palate stiffens as it heals, preventing the palate from collapsing during sleep, ultimately eliminating the area of obstruction. This minimally invasive procedure is performed under IV sedation in about 3 minutes.

It’s important to stop here and note two things:

• MIPS is exclusive to Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists. You won’t find it at other sleep doctors or specialists
• MIPS is designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea caused by a softened palate or an overextended uvula

Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedures

Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedures are another way to treat your obstructive sleep apnea without the use of a CPAP machine. Depending on what’s causing your obstruction, these procedures are often performed in conjunction with MIPS.

Examples of Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedures include the following:

• Balloon sinuplasty
• Turbinate reduction
• Concha bullosa resection
• Removal of nasal polyps
• Septoplasty
• Ablation of septal swell bodies

The entire procedure typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes and leads to a lifetime of restored sleep and easier breathing.

Call Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists today at (954) 983-1211 to schedule an appointment for sleep apnea treatment without CPAP machines! Our talented team of specialists, led by Dr. Lee Mandel, one of the only Rhinologists in South Florida, is here to help you breathe easier!