Seeking Out CPAP Alternatives
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are the most common treatment used to relieve patients of their sleep apnea symptoms. By delivering a steady flow of oxygen to your nasal passages through a mask and tube while you sleep, CPAP allows your body to rest without experiencing any interruptions. However, most patients struggle using CPAP since the machine itself is noisy and the mask is uncomfortable.
As a result, patients may stop using their CPAP machine within a year and continue to struggle with sleep apnea symptoms. Thankfully, Dr. Grivas offers alternative methods for treating symptoms of sleep apnea that are more convenient and less intrusive than CPAP.
Learn more about our alternative treatment options to discover if any may be right for you.
Enhance Your Sleep With Vivos
At Sac Sleep and Breathing, Dr. Grivas offers the Vivos System as an effective solution for treating sleep apnea symptoms. This multidisciplinary treatment uses custom oral appliances to reduce and even eliminate sleep apnea symptoms. With two oral appliance options, the mRNA and DNA devices, Vivos is a silent, comfortable, and discreet way to treat sleep apnea.
Instead of merely treating the symptoms, Vivos oral appliances get right to the source of your sleep apnea. If used correctly, you’ll be free to sleep soundly without any help or assistance. Vivios provides all of the benefits of sleep apnea treatment without the need for intrusive devices or surgery procedures.
Patients will undergo a thorough medical consultation with Dr. Grivas to get a better understanding of their sleep apnea disorder, as well as determine their eligibility for the Vivos treatment. The process itself can take as little as 12 months to complete and doesn’t require a surgical procedure.
Daytime-Nighttime Appliance (DNA)
This oral appliance system works to correct the underlying issue that causes airway obstruction by gradually expanding the patient’s palate. This creates the necessary room in the mouth and airway for patients to breathe comfortably throughout the night.
The DNA appliance is used to gradually increase the size of your upper jaw and remodel the structure of your airway without the need for invasive surgery.
Mandibular Repositioning-Nighttime Appliances (mRNA)
Unlike the DNA system, which works to correct the upper jaw, mRNA appliances target the lower jaw. By repositioning the lower jaw, patients find that it’s easier to breathe during the night. Since the redeveloping of the structure is gradual, you’ll be able to intake oxygen through the upper airway for long-term sleep apnea relief.
Lifestyle Changes for Sleep Apnea
By making simple changes to your lifestyle along with using our Vivos symptoms, Dr. Grivas is able to alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms and optimize your results. He recommends the following natural approaches to help you achieve a more restful sleep:
- Regular Exercise & Diet: By changing your eating habits and incorporating simple exercise alternatives, you can optimize your weight loss and reduce any excess tissue blocking your airway.
- Positional Therapy: You can adjust your sleep position to improve your breathing patterns and alleviate snoring. Dr. Grivas discourages patients from sleeping on their backs, as it makes sleep apnea more likely to occur
- Mouth & Throat Exercises: Strengthening the muscles surrounding your mouth and throat can help alleviate the effects of sleep apnea symptoms.
- No Alcohol & Tobacco: You should limit your alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco use to reduce the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oral appliances better than CPAP machines?
Most patients prefer using oral appliances to relieve their sleep apnea symptoms because they’re comfortable, minimally intrusive, and overall easy to use. CPAP machines are often noisy, and can potentially disrupt either your or your partner’s sleep. During your consultation with Dr. Grivas, he’ll be able to determine whether you’re a good candidate for oral appliances.
How long is the Vivos System treatment?
The process of alleviating and correcting your sleep apnea symptoms through our Vivos System typically takes 12 months to complete. This time frame depends on your personalized treatment plan, which takes into account your individual needs and symptoms. Dr. Grivas will be able to provide an accurate estimate of how long you may need to use our practice’s oral appliances.
Will insurance cover the cost of my oral appliance(s)?
Our office recommends contacting your dental insurance provider ahead of time to learn whether you’re entitled to any coverage or compensation. We also offer various financing options to make your sleep apnea treatment easily affordable and accessible. For your convenience, Dr. Grivas also offers patients third-party financing through CareCredit and LendingClub.
Sleep Apnea Treatment With Dr. Grivas
You deserve to have an effective treatment for your sleep apnea without intrusive CPAP machines. At Sac Sleep and Breathing, your whole-body health is our top priority. Dr. Grivas will go the extra mile to find a solution that works for you. Contact our Sacramanto office by calling (916) 735-4060 or by filling out an online contact form. We look forward to helping you get the restful sleep you deserve!