If you’re a firefighter, at some point you may find yourself feeling constantly exhausted and burned out during the day. There’s a good chance you’re simply not getting enough rest; nearly a third of firefighters are currently suffering from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. People with such a condition often receive a CPAP machine to help them breathe more easily at night. Unfortunately, with the current COVID-19 crisis, this device might end up posing a significant health risk to your friends and colleagues at the station. Read on to learn why firefighters are being told to stop using CPAP – as well as why many have switched to an oral sleep appliance in Lawton instead.
How Does CPAP Normally Work?
Obstructive sleep apnea causes breathing to repeatedly halt because the airway has become blocked somehow. Thus, to make sure your lungs have a steady supply of oxygen throughout the night, a CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of air into your airway. You can set the CPAP machine to different levels depending on how severe your condition is.
How is CPAP Linked to COVID-19?
When you exhale while wearing a CPAP mask, viruses such as COVID-19 can become aerosolized. As a result, anyone who walks into the room while you’re sleeping will be at risk for contracting the disease (as well as any other similarly infectious conditions you might have). To limit the spread of COVID-19, organizations such as the Windsor Professional Firefighters Association are recommending that firefighters leave their CPAP machines at home whenever they sleep at the fire station.
How Can You Treat Sleep Apnea Without CPAP?
Of course, even if you’re not able to use your CPAP machine, you still need to find a solution for your sleep apnea; after all, if the disorder goes untreated for too long, the constant drowsiness can lead to accidents at work or at home, and your risk for heart attacks and other dangerous health problems will rise. To that end, you should talk to a sleep dentist about sleep apnea treatment in Lawton. Depending on the severity of your condition, they may be able to switch you to oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliances can also keep the airway open by gently pushing the jaw forward. In this position, the pressure on your throat muscles will stop them from collapsing. This treatment is often recommended as an alternative to CPAP therapy since it’s more comfortable, easier to transport, and causes no additional noises that could keep you or any other nearby sleepers up.
When you’re on duty as a firefighter, you can’t afford to lose sleep, but you also need to consider the health and safety of your colleagues. Schedule an appointment with your sleep dentist today about oral appliance therapy and other treatments that can improve the quality of your rest without the use of a CPAP machine.
About the Author
Dr. David Drummond was inspired to become a dentist by two long time family friends. He has served in the United States Army Dental Corps, where he received advanced training in various fields including oral surgery and prosthodontics. He is also a Diplomate in the American Sleep and Breathing Academy and has such he has years of experience treating sleep apnea in Lawton. To schedule an appointment at his sleep practice, visit his website or call (580) 355-0344.