For many people, the idea of traditional CPAP therapy for chronic obstructive sleep apnea is simply too much. This approach can be loud and uncomfortable, making it difficult to follow through on treatment, and it can be a hassle trying to transport your machine whenever you need to travel. There are many reasons why people dislike CPAP machines, and when patients cannot stand their treatment, they are unlikely to continue using it.
At Sleep Well Dental Center in Fenton, we understand the importance of effective OSA treatment. We also know that even the best form of care is ineffective if the patient chooses to ignore it. That’s why we offer a convenient sleep apnea solution that is both effective and more comfortable than a traditional CPAP approach. To find out more about oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, talk to our team today!
If you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive sleep apnea, the solution presented to you may have been treatment using a CPAP machine. This is a common approach to managing OSA, but it has some drawbacks that cause many people to discontinue its use. Approximately 83% of CPAP users wind up quitting or are inconsistent with the use of their device, so if you dislike your machine, you are certainly far from alone.
CPAP failure can come as a result of:
These are not all of the concerns that people have with CPAP treatment, either; we don’t blame people for looking to alternatives!
When looking at alternatives to CPAP techniques for treatment of sleep apnea, one of your possibilities is oral appliance therapy. But how does it work, and what advantages does it provide over other methods?
Since sleep apnea occurs when the tongue or throat tissue blocks the airway, an oral appliance aims to reposition the jaw in order to prevent contact. This does not need an outlet or a lot of space, your oral appliance can fit neatly inside a case and travel with you. It is also quieter than other options, helping you to experience a deeper and more relaxed sleep.
There are key differences between oral appliance therapy and CPAP, and it is important to understand them before you make a decision on your OSA treatment.
With a CPAP, a mask pushes air into the airway to keep it open consistently during sleep. The mask can cover a significant portion of the face of the patient, which can be intrusive and uncomfortable. An oral appliance approaches care in a different way, requiring only a slim device that’s similar to a mouthguard.
Oral appliances need no electricity to be effective, and they are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. Contrast that with a CPAP machine, which can be a hassle to try and move. If you travel for work, imagine the amount of time you could save!
We want to make the process of improving your sleep easy on you. That’s why we keep our process simple, starting with a complimentary consultation. At your appointment, we can determine whether oral appliance therapy is a right fit for you, coordinating with your insurance on coverage. After your custom fitting for a new oral appliance, you can start to improve your overnight experience.