A deviated septum is quite a common issue. Although it doesn’t always pose a problem, if you have sleep apnea, a misalignment in your nose could mean that some conventional breathing devices, including a CPAP, might have limited effects.
However, despite a fair amount of misinformation, deviated septums cannot cause sleep apnea directly, nor is this the sole reason you might develop sleep disturbances or issues with breathing. Part of the confusion is that differences in your nasal function can, indeed, mean that a CPAP is less suitable. Researchers have found that a deviated septum might need to be treated before a CPAP would be recommended.
However, if the problem is bad enough, a narrow nasal passageway can cause your body to breathe faster at night. As a result, this will pull the walls of your airway and tongue together to block off the airway.
The peer-reviewed author of Sleep Apnea Solution, Dr. Dylan Petkus, provides further guidance, information, and practical insights into sleep apnea within the book, alongside actionable tips and exercises to promote easier nighttime breathing.
How Does a Deviated Septum Impact Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
Many people want to know how to reduce sleep apnea without reliance on surgical or medical interventions or wish to avoid the long-term usage of a CPAP. Although CPAP masks are widely used, they aren’t effective or comfortable for everybody, and may be unsuitable for some people due to:
- Complications with natural breathing functions
- Unwanted side effects
- Ineffectiveness due to the structure of the person’s airway or nose
Most of the time, a deviated septum is something you are born with, although injuries to your nose, often due to sports, can mean that the bone and cartilage within your nose are uneven on each side.
The important point to make is that a deviated septum does not and cannot prompt sleep apnea. Instead, an obstruction already exists in the passage to your upper airway, and although sleep apnea may be more evident, the deviated septum is not the cause.
What Can I Do to Help Overcome Sleep Apnea if I Have a Deviated Septum?
Our approach is based on intensive studies into the underlying cause of sleep apnea–rather than trying to address the symptoms or find alternative ways to enhance your breathing patterns as you sleep. Having a deviated septum can mean that the speed and pace at which you breathe to compensate for a narrow or obstructed airway are more exaggerated. This can leave you short of breath and physically tired and prompt your airway muscles to close even tighter.
Why Shouldn’t I Use a CPAP for Sleep Apnea With a Deviated Septum?
The primary concern with using CPAP devices is that if you have a deviated septum, you are likely to breathe through your mouth, not your nose. Existing blockages in the nasal passages commonly prompt this type of breathing, which makes it easier to get a full breath, but also means a CPAP may be ineffective.
A good technique, as outlined in the downloadable ebook we’ve mentioned, is to take a big-picture approach to boost natural breathing by:
- Practicing breathing routines
- Activating slower breathing to keep your airways open
- Maintaining a calm, healthy sleep schedule and environment
- Addressing any nutritional deficiencies exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms
The major benefit is the lack of medications, devices, machines, or surgeries while taking action to promote better sleep and feel more energized every morning.
What is the newest treatment for sleep apnea? Some of the latest approaches involve surgical implants, although it is wise to consider anything labeled as ‘new’ with caution and to seek independent guidance from your physician before investing in any service or intervention that may not meet your expectations.
