If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you’re not alone. In fact, at least 22 million Americans live with the disorder. A CPAP is commonly prescribed to treat the condition. The machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that’s worn over the mouth or nose. Although it’s helpful for keeping your airways open, you’ve noticed you’re getting sick more often. If you don’t care for your CPAP correctly, it might be the source of your reoccurring illness.
Sleep Apnea & Your Immune System
While you’re sleeping, your body produces a special protein called a cytokine, which helps fight off inflammation and infection. If you’re not getting enough rest, your body won’t produce adequate levels of the protein and other antibodies to keep illness at bay.
Sleep apnea can impact your quality of life and health because it causes you to lose sleep at night. The frequent interruptions in breathing prevent you from reaching REM sleep. As a result, you won’t produce enough antibodies to fight off illness.
Keeping Your CPAP Clean
A CPAP is effective for treating sleep apnea, but if you aren’t careful, it might make you sick. The machine accumulates dead skin cells, oils, grease, germs, and even mold and bacteria. If you don’t clean your CPAP regularly, you have a heightened risk of several illnesses, such as sinus infections, sore throat, eye irritation, and even pneumonia. Your compromised immune system from having sleep apnea makes you more prone to these complications; therefore, it’s important to clean your CPAP regularly, rinsing each part and drying them well.
Enjoy an Alternative to a CPAP
If you’re tired of dealing with your machine, there is a CPAP alternative in Reno. Mild-to-moderate sleep apnea can be treated using an oral appliance. The custom-fit device looks like a mouthguard, but it serves a different purpose than protecting your teeth.
It protrudes your lower jaw forward to prevent your tongue and soft tissues from falling back to block the airways. This significantly reduces pauses in breathing to help you sleep soundly throughout the night. Not only will you get the rest you need, but you’ll also give your immune system the boost to stay healthy. As with a CPAP, you’ll need to take the time to properly clean your oral appliance to reduce your risk of illness, but it’s much simpler. You’ll save time because you’ll only need to brush and rinse it.
Invest in a Better Night’s Sleep
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, the right treatment is an investment in your health and your quality of life. Your dentist has the solutions you need to breathe easier without a CPAP. Discover the difference with an oral appliance. You’ll breathe better and stay healthier.
About Dr. Robert J. Houchin
With over 44 years of experience, Dr. Houchin is committed to helping his patients achieve optimal well-being. Besides creating healthier, beautiful smiles, he also treats sleep apnea using a custom-made oral appliance. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or you’re ready to try an alternative to a CPAP, contact Summit Boulevard Dental to schedule your consultation.