A recent recall of millions of Philips' CPAP machines has many sleep apnea patients scrambling to come up with alternatives. Replacements are hard to come by because of shortages caused by the pandemic. But there are alternatives.Patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea often turn to CPAP machines when they sleep. It works by pushing air into the nose and mouth, opening airways so the lungs get plenty of oxygen. Millions of the machines were recalled because of a tiny foam piece that could dislodge and be inhaled.Dr. Nancy Addy specializes in dental sleep medicine. She said sleep doctors are being inundated with calls from patients desperate to know what to do."If a patient's on a CPAP machine, they really need it. And they become literally addicted to it. That's their life source at night and they panic if they don't have something," Addy said.One alternative recommended by the FDA is a custom oral appliance that mechanically keeps the patient's airway open."And it keeps the lower jaw, in this case, these little wings on the side hit the side and don't let that lower jaw fall back," Addy said.If you have a recalled machine, first talk to the doctor who prescribed it for advice. In some cases, they'll refer you to someone who specializes in dental sleep medicine.You can be fitted for one of these or a more temporary device."If it's something that you may be using for a long term, you want to make sure that it's comfortable, that it is well fit, and that it's working because it's not comfortable, you're not going to wear it," Addy said.As far as a timetable for replacing CPAP machines, there are no answers."If the companies can't get the parts, it could be a year, a year and a half, you just don't know," Addy said.Check the Food and Drug Administration website to see if your CPAP machine is one of those being recalled, then talk to your doctor. If an oral device is recommended, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine has a list of qualified dentists in your area.