Every conventional solution to sleep apnea has pros and cons, with variable success rates or options that are suited only to some people. The latest innovation, as outlined in Dylan Petkus, MD’s book, Sleep Apnea Solution, is to access proven, research-backed breathing exercises and routines that teach you how to activate slower, calmer breathing throughout the night.
Dylan covers his experience with the underlying factors that trigger abnormal breathing patterns at night and frequent sleep disturbances. He shares his top nutritional, sleep environment, and breathing routines that allow people to fall asleep calmer and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Many people are looking for how to cure sleep apnea naturally at home without CPAP machines or other surgical interventions. Whether they don’t tolerate a CPAP or are looking to support sleep and breathing in other ways, too. Natural, noninvasive, and holistic strategies can often be affordable, convenient, and comfortable. That said, it’s always valuable to talk with your medical provider before making changes to your behaviours or health routine.
Conventional Options to Reduce the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition, and some practitioners will suggest that lifestyle changes, like reducing alcohol intake, rebalancing your diet, and trying to lose weight, may help. The reality is that although these health-focused efforts may have positive impacts, they might not deliver the results you want. Many people find opportunities to support their breathing and sleep beyond traditional lifestyle recommendations, which complement their medical treatments.
We’ll start by recapping commonly recommended devices, surgeries, and treatments to ensure you have a full understanding of your options.
CPAP Machines
CPAP machines are worn with a mask that covers your nose and mouth during sleep, pumping air into the mask. Each device comes with:
- Straps that hold the mask in place
- A tube connecting to the machine
- An air filter
The mask and tube should be replaced and cleaned regularly. You should also take the device with you when traveling and use it during any periods of sleep, including naps. One of the downsides of a CPAP is discomfort, alongside the disruption of having a motor functioning throughout the night. CPAPs may not be suited to some people, including those with a deviated septum.
Can a deviated septum cause sleep apnea? No–a deviated septum cannot solely cause obstructive sleep apnea. It may make nasal breathing more challenging and lead to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) or worsen breathing patterns at night.
A deviated septum may also make using a CPAP machine challenging, as certain masks are less appropriate for people who breathe primarily through their mouths. Typically, a full face mask is necessary when the nasal breathing is limited ,and someone relies on mouth breathing.
Inspire Surgery For Sleep Apnea
Inspire Therapy is gaining attention as a new treatment option for sleep apnea. This method involves an electronic device implanted in the chest, with a wire running through the neck to the throat muscles.
After a healing period of one to two months, the device is activated to stimulate the airway muscles at night. However, this process requires working closely with a surgical team to fine-tune the electrostimulation over three to twelve months.
While Inspire Therapy may seem convenient, it involves periodic surgical revisions and the risk of being woken up by the electrostimulation, making the path to better sleep a long and complicated journey after a seemingly simple surgery.
Despite its promotion, Inspire Therapy’s effectiveness is debated. Research and patient feedback highlight that only about half of users respond favorably, with many experiencing complications or needing further adjustments. Perhaps some of these failures in effectiveness are because other aspects to support more restful sleep are ignored with the anatomy-only approach.
Not to mention that, despite “successes,” selective reporting can be misleading, showcasing a 60% improvement by excluding non-responders, whereas the actual improvement rate is around 30%. It’s crucial to look beyond the marketing and understand these nuances to make informed decisions about sleep apnea treatments, prioritizing lower risks and fewer side effects.
In the end, whichever combination of therapies you choose, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and issues specific to your situation.
Gum Shields or Mouthguards
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD), or ‘sleep apnea gum shields,’ are sometimes used to hold the airway open during sleep. Most mouthguards must be custom-made to fit and can either:
- Cover both your upper and lower teeth to stop the jaw from blocking the airway
- Retain your tongue, holding it forward to stop it from falling back
The obvious drawback is that many find mouthguards uncomfortable, and the sensation of having your jaw or tongue held in place can make it harder to relax and sleep. Some people have unwanted shifts in their teeth that may require additional correction later.
In some cases, MAD can serve a purpose for a period of time. In our experience, at some point many people find they need additional strategies to manage their sleep apnea and address their decline in sleep quality.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
Surgeries are sometimes used when there is a notable airway blockage, such as large tonsils, a deviated septum, or enlarged nasal turbinates. A surgical team might also use a procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, where the surgeon widens the airway by removing tissue.
Other surgeries, like hypoglossal nerve stimulation, involve implanting a device that stimulates nerves during each breathing cycle. Surgical interventions often require an overnight hospital stay since they are performed under general anesthetic, with varying recovery times and risk factors to consider. Speak with your doctor if you’re interested in learning more about what might be appropriate for you.
Learn More About the Sleep Apnea Solution to Support Easier Breathing
If you’re looking for the newest sleep apnea approach, have tried other options that haven’t worked, or want to complement any other therapies, it’s worth checking out Dylan Petkus, MD’s Sleep Apnea Solution book.
He shares the exact breathing routines that have allowed him and many others to breathe easier, sleep deeper, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
