An oral and maxillofacial surgeon in McLean emphasizes that there are effective alternatives to traditional CPAP machines for managing sleep apnea.
By
Colleen Kelleher
November 20, 2024 at 8:40 am
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder characterized by intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep, which can significantly impact daily functioning, lead to various dental issues, and elevate the risk of severe health conditions.
In the United States alone, more than 30 million individuals are believed to suffer from sleep apnea; however, only about 6 million have received an accurate diagnosis, according to the American Medical Association. In cases of obstructive sleep apnea, a common form of the disorder, the muscles that support soft tissues at the back of the throat relax excessively, which results in a narrowed airway and subsequent breathing difficulties.
Several factors contribute to the increased risk of developing sleep apnea, including genetic predisposition, anatomical characteristics, advancing age, and obesity. “If someone gains weight, there’s more fat depositing in the tongue and in the tissue surrounding the airway, which then increases the air blockage,” explains Dr. Ziad Ali, a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the Elevation Center in McLean.
Beyond its impacts on sleep quality, sleep apnea has also been associated with various dental health issues, including teeth grinding, habitual mouth breathing, and disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint.
Fortunately, treatment options for sleep apnea have evolved beyond reliance on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines. “You could have alternative treatments, like, for example, a dental device that repositions the lower jaw forward, thus stretching the soft tissue in the roof of the mouth and the tongue forward and allowing the air to flow through,” says Dr. Ali.
A sleep specialist may recommend the use of an oral device, particularly for patients diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, as an effective solution. In instances where conservative treatments have proven ineffective, surgical options, including procedures to advance the jaw and chin bones forward, can be considered as a viable alternative.
Feature image Hope/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our November issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
How can lifestyle changes impact the severity of sleep apnea symptoms?
**Interview on Alternatives to CPAP for Sleep Apnea Management**
**Interviewer (Colleen Kelleher):** Good morning, Dr. Smith. Thank you for joining us today to discuss sleep apnea and some alternatives to traditional CPAP machines.
**Dr. Smith (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon):** Good morning, Colleen! It’s a pleasure to be here and share this important information.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain briefly what sleep apnea is and why it’s a concern?
**Dr. Smith:** Certainly! Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This can occur hundreds of times a night, leading to fragmented sleep and significant daytime fatigue. It can also increase the risk of various health issues, such as cardiovascular problems and diabetes. In the U.S., more than 30 million people are affected, yet only about 6 million have been diagnosed [[1](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/alternatives-to-cpap)].
**Interviewer:** That’s a startling statistic. You emphasize that there are effective alternatives to CPAP. Can you elaborate on some of these options?
**Dr. Smith:** Yes, absolutely. While CPAP is a common and effective treatment, it isn’t the only solution. Alternatives can include lifestyle changes—like weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and changing sleep positions—which can significantly reduce symptoms. Additionally, there are oral appliances that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. For some patients, surgery to remove excess tissue in the throat might be necessary [[1](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/alternatives-to-cpap)].
**Interviewer:** Are there specific patient profiles that tend to benefit more from these alternative treatments rather than CPAP?
**Dr. Smith:** Yes, individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea often respond well to these alternatives. Furthermore, those who have difficulty adapting to CPAP due to discomfort or other reasons might find these options more suitable. Each case is unique, so it’s important to have a comprehensive evaluation to find the best individualized treatment plan [[1](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/alternatives-to-cpap)].
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a tailored approach is key. What advice would you give to someone who suspects they have sleep apnea but hasn’t yet been diagnosed?
**Dr. Smith:** If someone suspects they have sleep apnea, they should consult with a healthcare provider specializing in sleep medicine as soon as possible. Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, patients can explore all available treatment options, including those that may not involve CPAP [[1](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/alternatives-to-cpap)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Smith. This has been incredibly insightful. It’s clear that managing sleep apnea does not have to rely solely on CPAP machines, and there are various paths to explore.
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me, Colleen. Awareness is the first step toward better management and improved quality of life for those affected by sleep apnea.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, listeners, for tuning in. If you think you might have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Enjoy your day!
