It’s common knowledge that at some point in our lives we all snore and it’s usually not something to worry about. However, loud, disruptive snoring accompanied by waking up choking or gasping for breath can be a sign that you have a more serious condition like sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects one in ten Australians. Left untreated, it can harm your overall health and quality of life. Thankfully, there are ways to manage sleep apnea. Your healthcare provider can help you find a treatment that works for your type of sleep apnea, severity, and lifestyle.

Breathing Devices

Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices are a tried and proven solution to treat sleep apnea. There are two main types available – CPAP and APAP breathing devices, each one with specific features to cater to different needs.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines provide a constant stream of pressurised air during sleep to assist with breathing. They’re composed of a motorised fan that draws in the room’s temperature air, a mask you wear during sleep and a hose that transfers the air from the motor to the mask.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) machines are similar to CPAP varieties, with the main difference being that they automatically adjust the air pressure to your breathing, offering more comfort and flexibility. They can detect when a person starts to have breathing difficulties or snores. As soon as it notices a change in breathing, this machine raises the air pressure to help keep the airway open.

When looking for effective APAP machines Australia-wide, there are a few things to consider. Think about the machine size, noise levels, ease of cleaning, and connectivity options. For instance, if you’re someone who travels frequently, a lightweight and portable APAP machine may be the answer. If you live in a dry climate or simply want the most comfortable experience possible, choose a model with a heated humidifier. The addition of humidity can help you avoid dry mouth and make your therapy more tolerable.

The noise level produced by APAP machines varies from one model to another. If you’re sensitive to sounds during sleep, opt for a model with a noise level of 30 dB or lower, equivalent to a whisper. This way, you and your bed partner won’t be disrupted during sleep.

Next, make sure you have a mask that fits properly. If the mask is irritating your skin or doesn’t feel comfortable then maybe you should choose another mask type or size. You can choose between a nasal, nasal pillow, or full-face mask. While most APAP machines are sold on their own, manufacturers often offer bundles that include masks.

Finally, when shopping for APAP machines Australia-wide, look for certified suppliers that offer a guarantee for the machines they sell. You want to buy a device with a certain guarantee so that you won’t risk losing your money because of a faulty device that doesn’t deliver what it promises.

Oral Appliances

Although CPAP therapy is an effective treatment option, it may not be for everyone. This is where oral appliances enter the picture. They’re specially designed mouthpieces that help people with mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms. They are usually worn during the night to keep the airway open and ease sleep apnea symptoms.

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs) are the most common types of oral appliances for treating sleep apnea. MADs are custom-made devices secured to the teeth. They work by moving your lower jaw forward, which in turn repositions the tongue forward, pulling it out of the airway. This keeps your airway open, resulting in improved breathing and sleeping. TRDs, on the other hand, are tongue-retaining appliances that reposition the tongue so it doesn’t block your airway during sleep.

Similar to breathing devices, oral appliances are prescribed by your doctor or a sleep specialist. In some instances, these devices are not helpful. Your doctor may recommend other treatment options if the device is not helpful.

Lifestyle Changes

Along with a breathing machine or an oral appliance, your healthcare provider may recommend you to make some lifestyle changes. Some of these may include taking regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight and sleeping patterns, consuming less alcohol and caffeine, and giving up smoking.

Also, you might be advised to elevate your head while sleeping to help keep your airways open. To raise your upper body slightly, you can use an adjustable bed or a wedge pillow. If you’re a back sleeper, sleeping on your side can help you avoid airway obstructions.

Finally, consider buying a humidifier for your bedroom. This is the best approach to increase the amount of moisture in the air, especially as Australia’s autumn weather turns chilly. Dry air can irritate both your respiratory system and body. However, a humidifier can open up your airways and ease the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.