The verdict is in, most patients prescribed CPAP treatment cannot or will not use their CPAP machines. Dr Ira L Shapira nationally known for his I HATE CPAP website (http://www.ihatecpap.com)
Sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder that can effect every aspect of a patients health and quality of life. There is dramatic increases in heart attacks and stokes in patients with untreated sleep apnea. Patients with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to die in thir sleep than when exercising and have loss of cognitive function and short term memory loss. These problems exacerbate and become non-reversible over time.
The question that must be answered is why so many patients with serious life threatening problems and a great solution abandon their CPAP. Dr Shapira has been treating sleep apnea patients with oral appliances for over 25 years. Oral appliances are now considered a first line treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea, high upper airway resistance and snoring. CPAP failure, CPAP non-compliance and CPAP problems are the rule not the exception and that must be addressed.
The reasons for abandoning CPAP are wide ranging but also very personal. Common complaints like dry noses, dry eyes, mask leaks, sinus pain, sinus pressure, dizziness, ear problems including pain, stuffiness and tinnitus, headaches, acne and other skin irritations, and dry mouth are frequently expressed by patients. More serious problems like bronchitis, pneumonia and gastric bloating must also be addressed. Lifestyle issues such as claustrophobia, embarrasment, interference in sexual spontanaity, or patients who just HATE CPAP are also frequently cited. Patients with major lifestyle issues are probably not candidates for TAP-PAP custom masks and should consider utilizing a comfortable oral appliance alternative (http://www.ihatecpap.com/
Many of these problems can be addressed by DME providers, well trained sleep techs and finding the best fitting masks available. It is vitally important that scrupulous daily cleaning of masks and hoses be followed. Having multiple masks and hoses allows patients always have a clean mask available and because the masks last longer when they are rotated the net cost is not increased though there is more cost up front fr the patient. Insurance companies should make allowances for multiple mask and hose set to increase patient convenience.
Chicagoland patients wishing to learn more about custom TAP-PAP masks should contact Dr Shapira at his Gurnee Dental office (www.delanydentalcare.com)
