Is a CPAP Machine the Only Way to Conquer Sleep Apnea?
October 20, 2019CPAP machines are the most commonly prescribed way to fight sleep apnea. They use gently pressurized air to help a person breathe uninterrupted throughout the night. Thus, they can virtually eliminate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, many people dislike CPAP therapy. They find it to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. If that is true of you, you may wonder if there are any effective CPAP alternatives that may benefit you. The answer is yes! Let’s discuss how oral appliance therapy may be exactly what you need.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
An oral sleep appliance is a small device that resembles a sports mouthguard. However, its purpose is not to protect the teeth; its job is to reposition the jaw. By gently moving the jaw forward, the device also repositions the soft tissues that cause airway obstructions. Hence, it enables a person to enjoy easy breathing throughout the night.
There are a number of different oral sleep appliances on the market, but they all work in basically the same manner. A dentist who has undergone training in sleep apnea therapy is the best person to help you pick out a sleep appliance. They will also custom-order the appliance so it works with your unique oral structures.
What Are the Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy offers some remarkable advantages:
- No tubes or masks. The oral appliance fits entirely in your mouth — there is no need to fuss with tubes, wires, or masks.
- Silence. Unlike a CPAP machine, an oral sleep appliance is entirely silent.
- Portability. Packing your oral appliance for your vacation or weekend away is easy. Simply slip it into your suitcase and go!
- Easy maintenance. It can be time-consuming to keep a CPAP machine clean and sanitary. Cleaning an oral sleep appliance is very simple.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy as Effective as a CPAP Machine?
At this point, you may be thinking, “An oral appliance sounds too good to be true! Can it really work as well as a CPAP machine?” In fact, it can. Research has shown that an oral appliance is able to provide relief from mild, moderate, and even severe sleep apnea. When you speak to a qualified doctor about your treatment options for OSA, they can answer all of your questions about both treatments and help you decide which one is best for you. It is very likely that you are a candidate for a sleep appliance!
It is a common misconception that CPAP therapy is the only way to fight OSA, but now you know better. Oral appliance therapy might be the simple, easy, and comfortable solution that you have been searching for.
Meet Dr. Mogell
Dr. Kenneth Mogell, a board-certified specialist in sleep medicine with over 10 years of experience treating sleep breathing disorders is the practice’s founder and primary practitioner. The practice has three South Florida locations: Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Boca Raton. To learn more about Florida Dental Sleep Disorders and Dr. Kenneth Mogell, contact our team at 844-294-7559. We accept Medicare, Tricare and most medical insurance!