CPAP | BPAP | ASV | Oral Devices | Self Care

Self Care:

Here are some things you can do for yourself to help treat your apnea:

• Lose excess weight. Even a slight loss in excess weight can keep your throat from constricting. Talk to your doctor about developing a weight-loss plan you can follow.
  
  
• Avoid alcohol and certain medications such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These relax the muscles in the back of your throat and can disrupt your breathing.
  
  
• Sleep on your side or stomach rather than on your back. Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway.
  
  
• Elevate the head of your bed 4 -6 inches. This can alleviate snoring and make breathing easier.
  
  
• Maintain regular sleep hours.
   
  
• Use a nasal dilator, breathing strips or a saline nasal spray before going to bed to help keep your nasal passages open.
  
  
• Talk to your doctor first about using any nasal decongestants or antihistamines because they are generally recommended only for short-term use.