3 Gift Ideas for Loved Ones with Sleep Apnea

When your partner has sleep apnea, their chronic snoring is more than just unpleasant noise that keeps you up at night; it’s also a warning of breathing issues that could put them in serious danger. Obviously, the best thing you can do is make sure that your partner sees a sleep expert to have their sleep disorder diagnosed and properly treated. However, there are a few ways that a patient can address sleep apnea symptoms on their own, and you can help them! If your partner’s birthday or another gift-giving occasion is coming up soon, you might want to consider these 3 ideas that can help reduce snoring and sleep apnea risk factors.

1. Sleep Noodle

A sleep noodle can help with positional therapy, which involves training the body to sleep on its side instead of on its back. People who sleep on their backs tend to be at a higher risk of sleep apnea symptoms, so switching to side-sleeping can make a big difference. The sleep noodle is comfortably strapped around the body, and a piece of foam will help keep your loved one from rolling onto their back so that they can stay on their side and hopefully enjoy a better night’s sleep.

2. CPAP Pillow

If your partner uses a CPAP machine, a CPAP pillow can help keep them in a comfortable natural sleeping position. The shape of the pillow is designed to take the mask and tubing attached to the CPAP machine into account, meaning your partner is less likely to have to worry about embarrassing situations like getting tangled in the hose.

3. An Oral Appliance

If CPAP therapy doesn’t seem to be working for your partner, one of the best gifts you can give them is a trip to a sleep dentist who can determine whether or not they’re eligible for an oral appliance. Like CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy is proven to be highly effective for keeping the airways open at night to prevent sleep apnea episodes and reduce snoring. However, oral appliances don’t require any noisy equipment, and many people find them far more comfortable to wear than a CPAP mask; they’re also more convenient to take when traveling. That said, oral appliances are only really effective for certain types of sleep apnea, which is why your loved one will need to have a proper diagnosis done by a sleep doctor first.

Before getting your partner any sort of gift to help them with their sleep apnea, it’s a good idea to talk to their sleep dentist or physician; they can point you towards store-bought remedies that are safe and effective for their particular situation. With their help, you’ll be able to find a gift that makes nights quieter and more comfortable for everyone.

About the Author

Dr. David G. Banda earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Michigan in 1986. Today, he is an often sought-after speaker who speaks to other oral health experts on topics like integrating digital equipment into the dental office. He offers oral appliances as a non-surgical solution for sleep apnea for those who are CPAP intolerant. If you or a loved one are struggling with sleep apnea, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Banda at Cranbrook Dental Care in Bloomfield Hills by visiting his website or call (287) 647-5434.

by: Dr. David Banda at March 25, 2022.