CPAP therapy can help you feel more awake, improve your health, and may even save your life– but at the end of the day it only treats the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). And while it may be the most widely prescribed treatment for OSA, CPAP may not be right for everyone.
But what if it was possible to treat the root cause of OSA, and do it without having to wear anything at night or undergo invasive surgery? A new daytime therapy device claims to offer exactly that. Today we’ll take a look at the eXciteOSA, whether it really lives up to its promises, and if this CPAP alternative is right for you. Then read on to find answers to the most common questions about the eXciteOSA device!
What is eXciteOSA?
The eXciteOSA is a new kind of therapy for treating mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or snoring, and it promises to be the opposite of CPAP or oral appliances in every way. You use it while awake for only 20 minutes a day, and there’s nothing to do or wear while sleeping.
It’s a prescription-strength tongue muscle stimulation device that uses mild electrical currents to exercise and strengthen your tongue.
Why the tongue? For many people snoring and sleep apnea are caused when the tongue and/or soft palette relax too much and collapse into your airway, preventing you from breathing properly during sleep. By strengthening the muscle function of the tongue, the eXciteOSA device helps prevent that blockage of the upper airway.
How Does eXciteOSA Work?
Unlike most forms of sleep therapy, eXciteOSA is a daytime treatment– which means there’s no need to wear a CPAP mask or oral appliance while sleeping. Simply place the silicone mouthpiece in your mouth, and activate it with your smartphone. The app can adjust your settings, keep track of your progress, and even offer helpful reminders.
It only takes 20 minutes a day for the first six weeks for most users to see noticeable night-time results. After that, you only use the device once a week or as recommended by your doctor.
The secret is a series of small, targeted electrodes and a process called “neuromuscular electrical stimulation” or NMES. NMES is well known to healthcare professionals, and has been used to rehabilitate skeletal muscles for decades. But will it really work for mild OSA or fix snoring?
How Effective Is eXciteOSA?
During FDA trials of eXciteOSA sleep apnea patients saw their average apnea-hypopnea index, or AHI (the measure of sleep apnea severity), fall by 48%– from an AHI of 10.21 down to only 5.27. That is truly remarkable when you consider that a diagnosis of mild sleep apnea begins at an AHI of 5.
Another study found that 90% of participants experienced less snoring time, while 79% showed a clinically-significant drop in the severity of their sleep apnea! And even more importantly: both the snorers and their bed partners reported an improvement in sleep quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About eXciteOSA
Who Is eXciteOSA Right For?
The eXciteOSA device is designed for people who are 18 years or older who suffer from primary snoring or mild sleep apnea. It is not intended for moderate to severe sleep apnea (an AHI higher than 15), and is not recommended for people who are pregnant, or who have pacemakers, dental hardware, or mouth jewelry.
Is eXciteOSA FDA Approved?
Yes! The eXciteOSA device has been assessed for safety and effectiveness by the FDA, and has been approved for people 18 years of age or older.
Do You Need a Prescription For eXciteOSA?
Since the eXciteOSA is considered a medical device, you will need a prescription from your doctor, sleep specialist, or other healthcare provider.
A prescription for CPAP or BiPAP therapy won’t work for the eXciteOSA, so talk to your doctor about your specific treatment preferences.
Need help? Your personal CPAPsupplies.com Sleep Specialist can reach out to your doctor to help you obtain, update, or even renew your prescription!
Does Insurance Cover eXciteOSA?
Most insurance providers currently won’t cover the eXciteOSA, but it is FSA/HSA eligible.
And with our 30-Day Low Price Guarantee you can be confident you’re getting the very best price possible!
Looking For an Alternative to CPAP?
Experience better sleep in only 20 minutes a day– with nothing to wear or do at night! The eXciteOSA device offers a quick and easy daytime therapy for the treatment of snoring and mild sleep apnea.
