Exploring CPAP Alternatives: Innovative Approaches to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management
One of our goals is to provide patients with various severities of sleep apnea an alternative to traditional positive airway pressure machines. Fortunately, some relief can be found without needing obstructive machines and hoses, or uncomfortable masks and headgear. We offer the Bongo RX, iNAP, and eXciteOSA as alternative therapy systems to provide patients with multiple support options for nontraditional treatment.
What Are the Different Types of Non-CPAP Sleep Apnea Treatments?
• Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure
Rather than delivering constant air pressure, Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) therapy devices only create pressure when you’re breathing out to prevent airway collapse, which can be effective for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. We offer the FDA-cleared Bongo RX, a nasal EPAP device that uses nostril inserts embedded with small valves that open as you inhale and create resistance when you exhale, which generates the pressure required to maintain an open airway.
Please note: The Bongo RX EPAP Therapy Device does NOT effectively work for users with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) over 30 (which is considered severe sleep apnea). The AHI number is the amount of pauses between breathing per hour, plus the number of periods of shallow breathing per hour.• Intermittent Negative Airway Pressure
The iNAP uses a mouthpiece that is engineered to eliminate mild, moderate, and severe apnea episodes by keeping your airway open by delivering a gentle suction inside your oral cavity and moving your tongue to a forward position away from your airway.
Please note: The iNAP device is FDA cleared for its pressure titration capability that can adjust negative pressure setting between -27 cmH²O and -122 cmH²O to treat mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea.• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
The eXciteOSA is a revolutionary daytime mouthpiece device that utilizes Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) therapy to deliver mild, targeted electrical impulses to your tongue muscles, which causes them to contract, improving muscle function, strength, and endurance. This daytime-use device is designed to effectively retrain your upper airway and tongue's ability to maintain its natural position while you sleep, preventing airway collapse during sleep.
Please note: The eXciteOSA is FDA authorized for snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea (for patients with an AHI between 5-15). Individuals with pacemakers or implanted pacing leads, temporary or permanent implants, dental braces, intraoral metal appliances or dental jewelry, and those who are pregnant or may be pregnant; or patients suffering from ulcerations in or around the mouth should not use the device.