Are you struggling with snoring that disrupts your sleep and your partner's? Millions and millions of people battle snoring due to sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The thing is, snoring is more than just noisy… It’s often a sign of disrupted breathing during sleep, which can lead to poor energy, brain fog, reduced focus, and long-term health issues.
The good news? CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is a highly-proven solution that can help some people with sleep apnea stop snoring and get better quality sleep.
In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits and downsides of CPAP therapy and explore other effective alternatives.
Key Takeaways
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CPAP therapy can be an effective solution for snoring in those with obstructive sleep apnea.
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It improves breathing, boosts energy, and reduces the serious health risks that can accompany obstructive sleep apnea.
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Downsides of sleep apnea treatment with a CPAP machine might include initial discomfort when wearing the mask, possible side effects like dry mouth, and ongoing maintenance of the device.
- Alternatives such as mouth taping, oral appliances like mouthguards, and certain lifestyle changes may also provide relief from snoring.
Benefits of Using a CPAP Machine to Stop Snoring
According to sleep studies, CPAP therapy is considered the gold-standard treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. Here’s why it’s so effective:
It enhances breathing during sleep
CPAP machines use continuous air pressure through a mask placed over your mouth and/or nose, to keep your airway open during sleep. This helps to prevent collapsing of the soft tissues in your throat which can often result in snoring and pauses in your breathing.
With fewer disruptions to your breathing, you can get more consistent oxygen supply to your body and brain throughout the night. This can mean fewer awakenings and a deeper, more restorative sleep.
Using a CPAP machine may also reduce some of the other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea aside from snoring, such as headaches and daytime fatigue.
It can help improve energy and focus
Snoring and sleep apnea often cause what’s known as “fragmented sleep”. This can prevent you from reaching the deeper stages of rest like REM sleep, that your body desperately needs to recharge itself.
The result? You get left feeling tired, foggy, and unfocused during the day.
So, by keeping your airway open, CPAP therapy allows for more uninterrupted sleep to help you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. With time, this deeper rest can significantly boost your mood, memory, and cognitive performance.
Many people with sleep apnea report feeling more focused at work and present in their personal lives after starting CPAP therapy.
It reduces the health risks associated with sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that should always be taken seriously, since when left untreated it can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
This is because repeated oxygen deprivation during sleep can put a strain on your heart and other organs, while also altering how your body processes glucose.
CPAP therapy addresses this by delivering a steady flow of oxygen. Studies show that regular CPAP use can lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health in some patients with sleep apnea. (1) (2)
Downsides of Using a CPAP Machine to Stop Snoring
While CPAP therapy is effective, it’s not without its challenges! Let’s take a look:
Initial discomfort and reduced sleep quality
It’s no surprise that adjusting to a CPAP mask can be challenging for new users of the machine. Some people feel a sense of claustrophobia or find the mask’s fit too uncomfortable around their face or head, especially when sleeping in certain positions.
The sensation of pressurized air traveling through the mask and into your mouth or nose can also be unfamiliar and take some time to get used to.
The good news is that there have been recent advancements in CPAP technology which have made masks more lightweight and customizable.
If you’ve tried CPAP therapy and the discomfort persists long-term, it’s best to consult with a sleep specialist or to try different mask styles.
The adjustment period usually varies from person to person, but many people with severe sleep apnea find that the long-term benefits of CPAP machines for better sleep and health outweigh the initial challenges.
Side effects of CPAP devices
The most common side effects of CPAP use include dry mouth, nasal congestion, and skin irritation from the mask. These issues often arise either due to improper mask fit or if the air from the machine doesn’t have the right humidity.
To try and solve some of these side effects, many CPAP machines now come with built-in humidifiers to combat dryness.
For those who struggle with nasal congestion during CPAP therapy, using a saline spray or applying a nasal strip before bed can help. Learn more here at: Why can’t I breathe through my nose?
Skin irritation can sometimes be resolved by adjusting the mask’s straps or trying a mask made from a different material.
Cost and ongoing maintenance of the machine
Owning a CPAP machine is not cheap and always needs ongoing maintenance to ensure both effectiveness and hygiene.
Regular cleaning of the mask, hose, and filters is absolutely essential to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, both of which can lead to respiratory issues that worsen your breathing. No, thanks!
It’s also important to note that parts of the machine like the mask and filters will need to be replaced every few months which will add to the overall cost.
For those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, the expense is often justified due to the significant improvements in your health long-term.
Alternatives to CPAP Machines
For those seeking options beyond a CPAP machine, there are some effective alternatives to manage snoring and help reduce the symptoms of mild sleep apnea.
Mouth Taping
Mouth taping is a very simple and affordable way to encourage nasal breathing during sleep, reducing snoring and promoting better oxygen intake and deeper sleep.
To get the benefits of mouth taping for sleep, all you need to do is apply a specially designed medical-grade tape over your lips before bed to gently keep your mouth closed.
If you’re looking for the best mouth tape for sleep apnea, Dream Recovery is the way to go.
Made with organic bamboo silk and an advanced hypoallergenic adhesive, Dream Recovery Mouth Tape is designed to stay on all night for uninterrupted efficacy, without leaving irritation or residue, and can also be used with a CPAP machine (nasal masks only).
Eliminate snoring with Dream Recovery Mouth Tape now.
Positional Therapy
Sleeping on your back is the worst position for snoring, since gravity can cause the soft tissues in your throat to collapse inwards, partially obstructing airflow.
That means sleeping on your side instead of your back can significantly reduce snoring and apnea episodes.
If you struggle to stay in a side sleeping position, you may want to try a special body pillow. Some people even get creative and sew a tennis ball into their shirt, which prevents them from being comfortable lying on their back!
Mouth Guard Oral Appliances
Oral appliances such as mouth guards can help to reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent them from collapsing into your airway.
They are quite easy to use, but some people find them invasive since they have to be placed inside your mouth. It’s no surprise that this can take some time to get used to and may even disrupt your sleep at first.
These types of devices are more effective when they are custom-made by a sleep specialist or dentist since over-the-counter “boil and bite” mouth guards don’t always fit properly which can result in jaw pain and reduced efficacy.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep
Lifestyle adjustments can make a world of difference when it comes to reducing snoring and improving sleep apnea symptoms.
Strategies such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol consumption at night, and practicing nasal breathing exercises might lead to less snoring and an improvement in sleep apnea symptoms.
It’s particularly important to try and manage your weight since excess weight around your neck and chest can apply pressure to your airway.
Last but not least, small changes like sleeping in a quiet, dark, and cool environment can also enhance your sleep quality.
Keep learning here about CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea.
FAQ
Can you still snore while wearing a CPAP?
Yes, you can still snore while wearing a CPAP device. While a CPAP machine is usually quite effective at reducing or eliminating snoring, it doesn’t always work for everyone. If you’re still snoring while wearing a CPAP, you should consult with a sleep specialist.
Does sleep apnea go away after using CPAP?
Sleep apnea doesn’t go away after using a CPAP, as the device doesn’t cure the disorder but rather treats it. This means that while using a CPAP machine you will experience fewer apneas (episodes of interrupted breathing).
How does a CPAP work to stop snoring?
A CPAP works to stop snoring by keeping your airway open by using pressurized air through a mask. This can help to prevent the soft tissues in your throat from collapsing inwards and partially blocking your airway, which often leads to snoring.
What are the side effects of CPAP treatment?
The side effects of CPAP treatment in people with sleep apnea can include dry mouth, chapped lips, disrupted sleep, irritation from the mask, dry eyes, bloating from swallowing air, and claustrophobia.
What's the difference between central sleep apnea vs obstructive sleep apnea?
The difference between central sleep apnea vs obstructive sleep apnea is that central sleep apnea occurs when there are disruptions in the signals that control your breathing muscles. On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea occurs due to partial blockages (obstructions) in your airway that temporarily halt your breathing.
Final Thoughts
CPAP therapy can be an effective solution for snoring and sleep apnea, however, it’s not without downsides like cost, discomfort, and certain side effects.
CPAP alternatives like mouth taping, positional therapy, and lifestyle changes may be better suited for some people to reduce snoring, however, it’s important to discuss the best path forward with your healthcare practitioner.
Try Dream Recovery Mouth Tape now.
References:
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Sánchez-de-la-Torre, M., Gracia-Lavedan, E., Benitez, I. D., Sánchez-de-la-Torre, A., Moncusí-Moix, A., Torres, G., Loffler, K., Woodman, R., Adams, R., Labarca, G., Dreyse, J., Eulenburg, C., Thunström, E., Glantz, H., Peker, Y., Anderson, C., McEvoy, D., & Barbé, F. (2023). Adherence to CPAP Treatment and the Risk of Recurrent Cardiovascular Events: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA, 330(13), 1255–1265. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.17465
- Shang, W., Zhang, Y., Liu, L., Chen, F., Wang, G., & Han, D. (2022). Benefits of continuous positive airway pressure on blood pressure in patients with hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis. Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension, 45(11), 1802–1813. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41440-022-00954-9