Here are several reasons :

*feeling of suffocation

*dry mouth, which is the most common side effect

*dryness of nose or nasal congestion

*mask discomfort

*the noise of the breathing machine

*the feeling of claustrophobia

Fortunately, there are solutions for these problems, and some of them are really effective. There is no issue that cannot be worked out, especially with the advanced technology of today.

The most common alternative for CPAP treatment is a <b>dental device</b> or an oral appliance. This device is used to relieve the upper airway obstruction and snoring by modifying the position of the mandible, tongue, and other oral structures.

An oral appliance also prevents the tongue from blocking the airway passages.

Before choosing this type of therapy is very important to consult your doctor. He knows that not all the appliances can help your breathing disorder.

However, there are some disadvantages here, and the most common complaint is discomfort and salivation.  The statistics show that this alternative therapy is more successful in patients with non-severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Bilevel positive airway pressure or BPAP is another alternative to CPAP machine, and they are more efficient. BPAP machines provides two pressure levels, one during inhalation and a lower one during exhalation. The pressure drop during exhalation is designed to increase comfort for patients who have trouble exhaling against an continuous incoming pressure, such as CPAP.

Behavioral therapy is an important part of your life when you are dealing with sleep apnea, and in mild cases this type of therapy may be all that is needed.

*you should avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills, which make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep.

*if you have problems with obesity, you can benefit from losing  weight. Even a 10 percent weight loss can reduce the number of apneic events for most patients.

*sleeping in a side position is often helpful. Try using a pillow or other device that may help you with this.

*Playing at didgeridoo –  this is the newest alternative to cpap treatment on the market, and is very well accepted by patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This might be due to training of the muscles of the upper airways, which control airway dilation and wall stiffening.

Regular playing of a didgeridoo reduces daytime sleepiness and snoring in people with moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and also improves the sleep quality of partners.

One final piece of advice:  A new field of medicine offers fertile ground for scams. Shameless people are quick to exploit people’s hopes and fears. Claims of miracle cures for sleep apnea are already germinating on internet. So, before trying an alternative treatment for CPAP, speak with your doctor about this option and listen to his opinion.

When sleep apnea is diagnosed by a doctor, they normally use the CPAP machine to treat those who have moderate as well as severe sleep apnea. There are three types of sleep apnea.

Central Sleep Apnea – This is the type that is caused by a problem with the brain. The way it signals the muscles responsible for keeping us breathing is compromised. This type is usually associated with heart failure, strokes, brain infections and brain tumors.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea – This type is caused by the airflow to the throat becoming blocked while you are sleeping. It can also be caused by narrowed airways or being severely overweight can be another reason for this type of sleep apnea.

Mixed Sleep Apnea – This occurs as a combination of the two mentioned above. It is normally recognized by very loud snoring. A restless sleep as well as having difficulty breathing is another clue. The sufferer may wake feeling exhausted and may have a headache. This type may be improved by the way you sleep and the CPAP machine has had great results with this as well.

A CPAP machine usually is made with either a mask that goes over the mouth and the nose or a mask that only covers the nose. The NCPAP or nose only type is the most common. The machines may also have prongs that fit over the nose. The CPAP machine has had very good results decreasing the sleepiness sufferers of sleep apnea were experiencing. Those with severe as well as moderate sleep apnea have lowered their blood pressure by using the NCPAP machine.

People who use the CPAP that suffer from coronary artery disease have fewer heart problems – the main one being heart failure. One of the main things you must remember when using a CPAP is to have regular appointment with your doctor. Often they may need to do additional sleep studies to make sure this is the correct treatment and that it is working satisfactorily. Often the CPAP machine will have to be adjusted.

Those who have experienced any side effects from using the CPAP have mostly been moderate. Sometimes air will leak around the mask. This is only because it does not fit properly and once it is adjusted, this will stop. Some people have reported nightmares and more dreams than normal during the beginning of using the machine. This typically goes away. A dry nose, sore throat or a nose bleed can often be relieved by running a humidifier when you are sleeping and using the CPAP. There are other side effects such as headaches but seeing your doctor and advising him of these problems is the best way to take care of them.