Having sleep apnea can often mean that you are required to use CPAP machines when you sleep. Considering over 18 million have a specific form of sleep apnea that blocks your airways, that’s a lot of people who have been subject to bulky, uncomfortable machines in hopes of controlling their ailment.
Current CPAP machines must be used nightly to be effective and can have negative side effects that affect your sleep. The machines are known to cause discomfort on the face, irritate skin and prevent sleeping on your stomach. They are also very difficult to clean and must be cleaned frequently. Some people don’t like the feeling of having something so large on their face as they sleep and feel claustrophobic or embarrassed. It’s also something that is very difficult to travel with. Over half of the users of CPAP machines tend to get discouraged and stop using their machines within the first year.
Now there’s a campaign that has raised almost $1.5 million for a new product called Airing – a hoseless, maskless, “micro-CPAP.” Although it’s only in the prototype stages and not currently in mass production yet, it will soon be available to the public. This device looks a baby’s pacifier that plugs into your nose. It fits in the palm of your hand and never needs to be cleaned because it is for one-time use only. Each device uses micro-blowers (same device used to cool the chips in computers) to help you breathe. It functions exactly like a regular CPAP machine but is completely cordless and does not need to be attached to anything. It also eliminates snoring.
It’s an exciting invention that can truly change the way sleep apnea is treated. If your sleep apnea is too severe to be treated with an oral appliance, you may be able to try this new device instead. Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating patients with sleep apnea and other dental ailments for over twenty-five years. If you have any questions, call our office at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.