Electronic Health Reporter

While an estimated 45% of adults snore occasionally, snoring cannot be described as normal. It is a problem that can affect you in many ways. The severity and health implications of snoring vary significantly. Loud snoring that is accompanied by daytime fatigue is referred to as sleep apnea. This is a medical condition that can be treated.

There are several remedies for snoring and sleep apnea. Effectiveness also varies greatly. However, some of the most effective solutions are achieved with technology. Here, we will briefly discuss five ways to treat snoring and sleep apnea with technology.

The Pillar Procedure

This is one of the newest and most effective ways of treating snoring and sleep apnea. It is an FDA-approved procedure that involves placing small woven implants in the soft palate, stiffening the palate and reducing vibrations that can cause snoring. It is a very safe procedure and has been found to be particularly very effective in treating snoring and mild sleep apnea. You can turn to Dr. Krueger Sleep & Sinus Clinic for your pillar procedure.

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure

This has been the most common treatment for sleep apnea for many years. It is very effective, even in treating severe obstructive sleep apnea. It involves the use of a mask-like machine (CPAP device), which will cover the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that will keep the individual’s breathing passage open, even as they sleep.

Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure

Simply called EPAP, this is a single-use device that fits over the nostril and can alleviate snoring. It is relatively smaller than a CPAP machine and also less intrusive. It is efficient at keeping the airway open as an individual sleeps. It is also effective in managing mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

ASV is another breathing device that will make sleeping better and more enjoyable for an individual who snores deeply or suffers obstructive sleep apnea. It can store information about the individual’s normal breathing pattern and automatically use airflow pressure to prevent pauses in breathing as the individual sleeps.

Sleep Apnea Implants

This is another recent development that can treat sleep apnea effectively. It involves the insertion of a pacemaker system that stimulates muscles to keep the airways open so that the sleeping individual will keep breathing adequately. It has been approved by the FDA in the United States for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The only issue with this technology is that it is expensive, which is normal with new technologies. With time, it will become more popular and affordable.

Endnote

Sleep apnea and snoring can prevent you from getting sound sleep. Thankfully, there are a couple of remedies for these issues. Surgical procedures as well as advanced technology, including the pillar procedure, Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP), Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV), and sleep apnea implants can help treat your snoring issues. With the right procedure, sleep apnea problems will be a thing of the past.