CPAP Therapy in Silver Spring, MD!

Please note we may not offer this treatment at our office. Contact (240) 234-0948 for more information.

Your Path to Treating Sleep Apnea With Silver Spring Sleep Solutions!

Having trouble sleeping? If you or a loved one in Silver Spring, MD, has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s essential to explore effective sleep apnea treatment options to improve sleep quality and overall health.

At Silver Spring Sleep Solutions, Dr. Alice Charland Bassford offers CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to aid in easing your sleep apnea and restoring your quality of life. Contact our Silver Spring, MD, dental office today by calling (240) 234-0948 to schedule an appointment. We also proudly welcome patients coming from Bethesda, Takoma Park, Wheaton, and the surrounding areas.

a couple sleeps together after seeing a sleep specialist

What Is Sleep Apnea? Dr. Bassford Explains

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, which can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and other health problems. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and mixed sleep apnea (MSA). 

Types of Sleep Apnea Near Bethesda, MD

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA or obstructive sleep apnea, is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a partial or complete blockage of the upper airway. These blockages result in episodes of interrupted breathing, often accompanied by loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds.

Treating obstructive sleep apnea involves various methods, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, weight management, and electrical stimulation devices, with personalized treatment plans recommended by healthcare professionals.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA or central sleep apnea is less common and differs from OSA in its underlying cause. It occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. As a result, people with CSA may experience periods of apnea without any obvious airway obstruction.

Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA)

Mixed sleep apnea (MSA) is a combination of OSA and CSA. In MSA, the airway becomes blocked during sleep (as in OSA), while the brain also fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing (as in CSA). This results in frequent pauses in breathing, reduced oxygen levels, and disrupted sleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other health complications.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The symptoms of sleep apnea can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Fatigue and daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems

These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life and overall health, making it crucial to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have any questions about your symptoms, be sure to reach out to a sleep apnea specialist near you by calling (240) 234-0948. 

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and a sleep study. A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram (PSG), is a test that records a person’s brain waves, muscle activity, and breathing patterns during sleep. The test can be done at home or in a sleep lab. This comprehensive evaluation helps healthcare providers determine the severity of sleep apnea and the most appropriate treatment options.

What Is CPAP?

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is considered the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP therapy involves using a specially designed machine to deliver a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask, keeping the airway open and allowing for uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.

Our sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Bassford, may recommend CPAP therapy for patients with sleep apnea because it reduces symptoms and improves sleep quality. By maintaining the airway pressure, CPAP helps prevent episodes of breathing cessation and oxygen desaturation, allowing individuals to achieve restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. This method is highly effective to treat sleep apnea and ensures ongoing management for better health outcomes.

How Does CPAP Work?

CPAP therapy involves three primary components: 

  1. CPAP Machine: Compact and portable, it generates the pressurized air necessary to keep the airways open
  2. Mask: Available in various styles and sizes, it’s securely placed over the nose, mouth, or both. This creates a seal that delivers the pressurized oxygen directly to the airway.
  3. Tubing: The tubing connects the mask to the machine, allowing the air to flow continuously throughout the night.

When a person with sleep apnea wears a CPAP mask and turns on the machine, the pressurized air creates a pneumatic splint in the airway, preventing it from collapsing or becoming obstructed. This continuous flow of air acts as a “splint” to maintain an open airway, enabling uninterrupted breathing during sleep.

We emphasize the importance of a properly fitting mask to ensure optimal CPAP therapy. Depending on individual needs, there are different mask options available, including nasal masks, nasal pillows, and full-face masks. A comfortable and secure mask fit is crucial for effective treatment and maximum compliance.

Benefits of CPAP Therapy in Silver Spring, MD

CPAP therapy can provide patients with various benefits, including:

  • Improved Sleep Quality: By ensuring a steady flow of oxygen and preventing apneas (breathing interruptions), CPAP users can enjoy more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
  • Reduced Daytime Fatigue: Effective CPAP therapy can alleviate daytime fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness, which are common symptoms of sleep apnea. With better sleep, individuals can feel more alert and focused during the day.
  • Lower Risk of Health Complications: Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. CPAP therapy helps reduce the risk of these complications by maintaining proper oxygen levels during sleep.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing sleep apnea symptoms and improving overall health, CPAP therapy can enhance an individual’s quality of life. Patients often report feeling more energetic, productive, and emotionally stable.

Types of CPAP Machines and Masks

CPAP Machines

The different types of CPAP machines include:

  1. Standard CPAP: Provides a fixed pressure level.
  2. Auto CPAP (APAP): Adjusts pressure based on the user’s needs during the night.
  3. BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure): Offers different pressures for inhalation and exhalation, making it a preferable option for patients who struggle with fixed CPAP systems and suitable for certain respiratory conditions.

CPAP Masks

CPAP masks come in various styles:

  1. Nasal masks: Covers the nose
  2. Full-face masks: Covers both the nose and mouth
  3. Nasal pillow masks: Rests under the nostrils
  4. Hybrid masks: Combines features of nasal and full-face masks

Choosing the right mask is crucial for comfort and treatment effectiveness, and it often depends on individual preferences and needs.

Preparing for CPAP Therapy Near Takoma Park, MD

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your doctor may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy as a treatment option. Here’s what you can expect:

  • A CPAP machine will be prescribed to deliver a constant flow of air pressure into your airways during sleep.
  • You will need to wear a nasal mask or full-face mask that fits over your nose and/or mouth.
  • The mask will be connected to a hose that is attached to the CPAP machine.
  • The machine will deliver a set pressure of air that is determined by your doctor based on the results of your sleep study.
  • You may need to adjust to wearing the mask and using the machine, but most people find it comfortable and easy to use.
  • Regular cleaning and maintenance of the machine and mask are essential to ensure effectiveness and prevent infection.

Starting CPAP therapy can be a significant step towards improving your sleep quality and overall health. With the right guidance and support, you can adapt to this treatment and experience the benefits of uninterrupted, restful sleep.

CPAP Tips From Silver Spring Sleep Solutions

CPAP Proper Maintenance

To keep your CPAP machine in good condition, follow these instructions:

  • Clean the CPAP components regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Replace mask cushions, filters, and tubing as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Keep the CPAP machine in a clean and dust-free environment.

Consistent Usage

To get the best results from CPAP therapy, you’ll want to do the following:

  • Use the CPAP machine every time you sleep, including naps.
  • Stay consistent with your prescribed pressure settings.
  • Traveling with CPAP is manageable and portable machines are available. Don’t leave the CPAP behind.

Adjusting to CPAP

Some patients may experience initial discomfort when getting started with using a CPAP machine. We recommend gradually increasing usage time to adapt. Make sure to discuss any issues or discomfort with your healthcare provider for adjustments.

CPAP Alternatives 

Many may find that CPAP isn’t the best option. Luckily, there are many CPAP alternatives available that our sleep specialist near Bethesda, MD, may recommend:

  • Oral Appliance Therapy: Oral appliances can be particularly effective for those with mild sleep apnea, helping to reduce sleepiness and improve quality of life.
  • BiPAP Machine
  • Surgery
  • Lifestyle Changes
  • Mouth and Throat Exercises
  • Positional Therapy

Dr. Bassford Is Here to Help With Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you’re looking for a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with a strong commitment to patient care, Dr. Alice Bassford is the provider for you. A graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and a dedicated military professional with 10 years of service in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, Dr. Bassford brings a wealth of experience to her practice. 

She is passionate about advancing her expertise, having earned both Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, as well as the “Qualified Dentist” designation from the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. 

Her dedication to staying at the forefront of dental technology includes using digital scanning to create custom oral sleep appliances and plans to incorporate 3D printing into her practice in the near future. Our Silver Spring sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Bassford, and her team are always exploring the latest techniques to ensure you receive the best care possible.

A man sleeping and wearing a CPAP machine mask

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CPAP therapy cure sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea treatment, including CPAP therapy, doesn’t cure sleep apnea, but it effectively manages the condition. Consistently using CPAP treatment as prescribed can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms and improved sleep quality for individuals with sleep apnea.

Is therapy uncomfortable?

Initially, some individuals may find CPAP therapy uncomfortable, especially when adjusting to the airflow and wearing the mask. However, with time and proper mask fitting, most people adapt well to the therapy and find it increasingly comfortable. It’s important to consult a doctor about sleep issues and potential remedies, as certain medications, including sleeping pills, may exacerbate conditions like sleep apnea.

Can I travel with my machine?

Yes, most CPAP machines are designed to be portable and travel-friendly. Ensure you pack your CPAP machine and accessories securely, and consider bringing extra supplies for uninterrupted therapy while traveling.

How can I maintain and clean my CPAP equipment?

Regular cleaning of CPAP equipment is crucial to prevent bacteria buildup. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the mask, tubing, and humidifier. Cleaning with mild, fragrance-free soap and water is recommended. Maintain proper cleaning practices and replace components as needed to ensure optimal therapy effectiveness and hygiene.

Sleep Soundly and Breathe Freely With Silver Spring Sleep Solutions!

If you or a loved one is struggling with sleep apnea, don’t wait any longer to seek help. Take control of your sleep and overall well-being by exploring the benefits of CPAP therapy.

Contact our sleep apnea specialist in Silver Spring, MD, Dr. Bassford, at (240) 234-0948 to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards better sleep and a healthier life. 

Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back any longer – make that call today! We also proudly welcome patients coming from Bethesda, Takoma Park, Wheaton, and the surrounding areas.