CPAP Alternatives in Foley, AL
Pediatric & AdultCPAP Alternatives – ENT Centers of Excellence
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks are typically the first treatment option recommended when a patient is dealing with chronic snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. While CPAP can be an effective sleep disorder treatment for some patients when used as directed, some patients find it difficult to tolerate because the mask can be uncomfortable and hard to use on a nightly basis.
Fortunately, there are a number of CPAP alternatives offered at ENT Centers of Excellence in Foley, including minimally invasive in-office procedures as well as surgical procedures. The goal of our CPAP alternatives is to provide patients with permanent relief from snoring and airway obstruction by correcting the underlying anatomical issue.
What are some common complaints about CPAP?
Some of the most common complaints about CPAP therapy that contribute to difficulty with consistent use include:
Uncomfortable to wear the mask
Causes feelings of claustrophobia
Causes dry mouth
Causes nasal congestion
Makes noisy operating sounds
Hard to travel with
Causes facial irritation
What are the alternatives to CPAP?
At ENT Centers of Excellence, Dr. Keith Kowal is pleased to offer a number of different CPAP alternatives for snoring and sleep apnea treatment. Depending on the underlying cause of a patient’s sleep disorder – which will be determined through a physical exam and, if necessary, a sleep study – Dr. Kowal will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment option.
More PROCEDURES
OUR PROCEDURES
Inspire - a cpap alternative
The Inspire upper airway stimulation system consists of a small impulse generator implanted beneath the clavicle, a tunneled breathing sensing lead placed between the external and intercostal muscles, and a tunneled stimulation lead attached to the branch of the hypoglossal nerve that produces tongue protrusion.
When the sensing lead detects inspiration is occurring, the impulse generator sends a signal via the stimulation lead to the hypoglossal nerve, which results in slight forward displacement of the stiffened tongue. The impulse generator is similar in size and appearance to a cardiac pacemaker, and the latest version is magnetic resonance imaging compatible.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic or recurrent sinusitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the sinuses. This advanced treatment opens up blocked or narrow sinus passages to relieve sinus pain and pressure without the need for cutting. During the procedure, natural sinus openings and surrounding tissue are preserved.
Dr. Keith Kowal at ENT Centers of Excellence is one of the only ENT physicians in the region who offers Balloon Sinuplasty in-office. They both can perform Balloon Sinuplasty as an outpatient procedure as well.
Transoral Robotic Surgery
ENT Centers of Excellence is pleased to offer a breakthrough, state-of-the-art surgery called transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive procedure that offers numerous benefits to patients. TORS can be used for multiple purposes, for treatment of both sleep disorders and head and neck cancers. Dr. Keith Kowal is the only board-certified provider of TORS in the region.
Lateral Pharyngoplasty
Lateral pharyngoplasty is surgery that is designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring. The procedure involves a combination of tissue removal and tissue repositioning of the roof of the mouth (soft palate) as well as the tissues on the sides of the throat (the lateral pharyngeal tissues).
Radiofrequency Ablation (of the tongue)
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the base of tongue is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring that may be performed if the tongue is the primary cause of OSA and snoring symptoms. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce the size of the tongue base so that the airway is clearer and less likely to cause a blockage.
Hyoid Suspension
Hyoid suspension is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring. The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone in the neck that has attachments to muscles of the tongue as well as other muscles and soft tissues around the throat. The hyoid bone is free to move around rather than firmly anchored in position, and this mobility may cause this area to collapse and cause airway blockage during sleep. With a hyoid suspension procedure, this mobility is eliminated.