If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the first line of treatment is the nightly use of a CPAP machine. This treatment works well for those who consistently comply with its use and have no other physical obstructions that prevent effective breathing.
Unfortunately, most cases of sleep apnea and snoring aren’t very simple. Also, many people find the CPAP mask too uncomfortable to use. Many alternatives to the CPAP treatment exist. One option to consider is the septoplasty procedure, which is an effective treatment for those suffering from sinus-related snoring and sleep apnea.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty corrects a bent or crooked septum. The septum is the flexible, bone-like divider within your nose. Very often, it becomes dislodged through sports-related injuries or childhood injuries, causing an obstruction in your airway. The deviated septum prevents oxygen from being inhaled through one nostril, making it more difficult to inhale oxygen.
Septoplasty is performed by Board Certified otolaryngologists (ENT doctors); using either a local or general anesthetic, your physician will reposition the septum to allow free flow of oxygen in both nostrils. After the operation, most patient’s snoring disappears and they experience uninterrupted sleep at night.
Before you and your doctor decide on this procedure, however, you may want to compare the overall effectiveness of both treatments.
CPAP vs. Septoplasty
When it comes to snoring, both treatments have advantages and disadvantages. The outcome has a great deal to do with the root cause of your snoring.
- CPAP needs to be used every night, for the rest of your life. Septoplasty is a one-time procedure.
- CPAP eliminates snoring and sleep apnea episodes if the cause is not enough oxygen getting into your system. Septoplasty will eliminate the snoring if the cause is a deviated septum.
- The effectiveness of CPAP treatment depends on regular compliance. With the septoplasty procedure, the effect is consistent and long-lasting after the initial procedure.
- CPAP may cause discomfort every time you use it. Septoplasty creates discomfort for a short time after the procedure but the discomfort doesn’t last.
- CPAP equipment needs regular maintenance and is often noisy and unwieldy. Septoplasty requires no equipment to maintain.
- CPAP can cause physical side effects such as rashes on the face or psychological side effects such as the feeling of suffocating. Recovery from septoplasty normally takes less than 48 hours and you are able to resume normal activities.
The CPAP mask isn’t for everyone. It requires a lifetime commitment and it can be uncomfortable to use. As a CPAP alternative for those suffering specifically from sinus-related snoring and sleep apnea, septoplasty is a one-time procedure that heals quickly with minimal discomfort.
Next Steps
To determine if septoplasty is one of the CPAP alternatives that is right for you, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to have an evaluation. Our Board Certified physicians give you a thorough evaluation and determine a treatment option that best meets your individual needs. Take the first step now toward quiet nights for both you and your loved ones!