CPAP Therapy for Sleep Apnea History

CPAP Therapy is the most common option when it comes to Sleep Apnea, however, there are other alternatives that may not be as cumbersome.

Sleep Apnea affects millions of people all over the United States and most probably billions all over the globe, and if you or someone you know is dealing with Sleep Apnea, there are alternatives when it comes to Sleep Apnea therapy.

CPAP therapy, otherwise known as continuous positive airway pressure therapy has been around since the 1950’s. When Collin Sullivan first began testing his theories back in the 1950’s there were no computers. All data was recorded via pen and paper. The person recording the study often fell asleep during the sleep study making the data less than accurate. Fast forward to the 1980’s and Dr. Collin Sullivan finally had the chance to revisit his original findings with the use of the CPAP machine.

A patient who refused a tracheotomy surgery offered by Dr. Sullivan did agree to volunteer for the CPAP pressure experiment that the doctor had been working on for the majority of his career. Before this event occurred, Dr. Sullivan had only used his Sleep Apnea pressure equipment on dogs.

Dr. Sullivan would tell his patients that a CPAP was like reading glasses. “They can be a nuisance, but you can’t do without them. Unlike other therapies, you don’t have to worry about drug side effects.” Colin Sullivan, M.B.B.S., PhD FRAC.

After testing the patient using positive pressure, the patient woke completely alert, something this Sleep Apnea patient hadn’t been able to do for several years. After the test, Dr. Sullivan knew that he was on to something.

The first suitable CPAP system for public use in the United States occurred in 1985 with the self-sealing interface CPAP system, with its copyrighted bubble mask, making its debut in 1990.

These days there are other therapies to consider when it comes to Sleep Apnea. Although CPAP therapy for Sleep Apnea has worked for more than fifty years, there are other alternatives that are much more comfortable. A CPAP machine does work but the majority of Sleep Apnea suffers grow tired of the discomfort. A qualified Sleep Apnea appliance therapy dentist, such as Dr. Jack Ringer can meet with you to discuss CPAP therapy alternatives that can help you get a better night’s sleep.

If you would like more information regarding Sleep Apnea therapy using a custom made oral appliance, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jack Ringer today.