title: Multidisciplinary Alternatives to CPAP Program for CPAP-Intolerant Patients.
abstract: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) intolerance remains a persistent problem for many obstructive sleep apnea patients. Clinicians and researchers continue to search for other effective treatment modalities given the well-documented sequelae associated with untreated obstructive sleep apnea. A multidisciplinary "Alternatives to CPAP program" (ALT) can facilitate systematic evaluation of non-CPAP therapies appropriate for an individual patient. We review successful strategies and barriers encountered during implementation of an ALT at our institution. Creation of similar programs in private practice and academic settings can help medical, dental, and surgical sleep medicine specialists coordinate evaluation and treatment of CPAP-intolerant patients.
authors.affiliation: Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Anita Valanju
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Shelgikar
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aronovich
authors.affiliation: Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.|Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Jeffrey J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Stanley
mesh_terms: D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D006801:Humans; D000075762:Interdisciplinary Research; D019186:Mandibular Advancement / Q000379:methods*; D017286:Polysomnography; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: CPAP intolerance surgery; alternative treatments; multidisciplinary; obstructive sleep apnea; oral appliance