Believe it or not, it’s been about a staggering two years since many CPAP machines were recalled for containing a dangerous foam product which could cause medical problems if inhaled, and many patients who relied upon those machines are still without a replacement device.
A CPAP device, for those who don’t know, is a device which is used by those with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA to assist with breathing during sleep. You see, those with sleep apnea struggle to breath when in the reclined position, as their airway becomes blocked for a variety of reasons. A CPAP machine is designed to force air into the airway, forcing the airway open and allowing the lungs to take in air.
Unfortunately, in 2020 a massive recall of CPAP machines left many without a machine, leaving them to return to struggling to breathe as they try to sleep each night, increasing their risk for a whole host of medical problems, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, some cancers, heart conditions, and anxiety and depression. Even the body weight can be affected by obstructive sleep apnea.
For those who are still without their CPAP machine, however, there is good news! A custom-made sleep orthotic from Dr. Abelar may be an even better solution to traditional CPAP therapy.
There are myriad benefits to sleep orthotics, including: no dangerous chemicals, no electricity required, no complicated tubing, no awkward and uncomfortable face masks, no uncomfortable forced air, and a much easier cleaning process.
So, how do sleep orthotics work? Well, surprisingly, much in the way CPAP works. By forcing the closed airway open. Except in the case of the sleep orthotic this is done by positioning the jaw in such a way that the airway is naturally propped open, without the use of forced air.
This makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep, and has been shown to be as, if not more effective than traditional CPAP therapy!
If you are ready to ditch your CPAP machine, or if yours was recalled and you’re still waiting on your new unit to arrive nearly two years after the recall, please reach out to Dr. Abelar today and schedule a consultation. Even if you’ve never treated your sleep apnea or suspected sleep apnea before, Dr. Abelar is here to help!
