CPAP Issues
One common drawback to CPAP therapy is the fact that a CPAP’s mask and hoses make sleeping uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are alternatives to CPAP that eliminate all these pitfalls. One alternative, oral appliance therapy, is a non-surgical treatment option for managing obstructive sleep apnea. Our practice provides comfortable, custom made appliances that control episodes of apnea without the need for noisy and bulky machinery.
Help! My CPAP Keeps Me Awake at Night
Wearing CPAP can be uncomfortable; the mask can feel obstructive and the machine’s hoses can get in the way of changing sleep positions. Some people even remove their CPAP equipment in the middle of the night while they’re half-asleep because the equipment is obstructive or uncomfortable.
Following are some common pitfalls associated with CPAP sleep apnea treatment:
- Feelings of claustrophobia from CPAP masks and equipment
- Dry nasal passages
- Increased sensitivity where the mask makes contact with skin
- Keeping a CPAP’s equipment clean
Some people dislike the sound a CPAP makes and others dislike how dry their mouths can feel after sleeping. Even if CPAP doesn’t disrupt a person’s sleep, many people aren’t fond of the fact that CPAP hoses and masks are supposed to be cleaned on a daily basis. This cumbersome task can be difficult to stay on top of when patients have hectic schedules and busy lives.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to CPAP Therapy
If you’re unhappy with your CPAP, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this form of treatment and seek out alternatives to manage their sleep apnea. Our sleep dentist offers a non-surgical, machinery-free treatment option called “oral appliance therapy”. This treatment method prevents episodes of apnea by expanding the airway. Oral appliance therapy consists of sleeping with a mouthguard-like appliance that moves the lower jaw slightly forward. Increasing the airway in this manner prevents soft oral tissue from obstructing proper breathing during sleep.
Oral appliance therapy offers a number of unique advantages including:
- Appliances that are quick and easy to clean.
- Oral appliance therapy is portable. It fits in a small travel case for convenience when you’re away from home.
- There are no hoses, masks, or loud machinery used in oral appliance therapy. This means your sleep apnea treatment will not obstruct movement during sleep or disturb your sleeping partner.
- Oral appliances will not dry out the mouth or irritate delicate skin on your face.
- Appliances are custom made to ensure they fit each patient comfortably.
