Sleep Apnea Treatments
At Cochise Oncology, we see many patients who struggle with sleep apnea. Fortunately, there are many treatments available.
CPAP – also called continuous positive airway pressure – is a sleeping aid for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Here, you wear a mask over your face connected to a machine that provides air pressure throughout the night, keeping your airways open.
CPAP can sometimes be uncomfortable for patients because of the nature of the mask and airtube connecting it. However, you can try adjusting the strap tension and using different masks.
Another option is to use an oral appliance. While not as effective as CPAP, they are easier to use. They work by bringing your jaw forward while you sleep, opening up your throat, reducing the snoring obstructive sleep apnea causes.
Your sleep apnea might also be the result of an underlying medical problem. If so, Cochise Oncology can provide you with medications that target neuromuscular disorders.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Knowing whether you have sleep apnea can be a challenge. At Cochise Oncology, we will evaluate your case based on the signs, symptoms and sleep history. Sometimes, we may conduct overnight monitoring of your breathing and bodily functions. You may also receive a home sleep test. This measures critical biomarkers, such as your blood oxygen level, airflow, breathing patterns and heart rate to identify possible sleep apnea episodes.