6 Reasons why Oral Appliance Therapy is a Great CPAP Alternative

Oral appliance therapy and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy are both effective treatment options for sleep apnea, but they have different advantages and considerations. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including the severity of sleep apnea, patient preferences, and individual circumstances. Here are 6 reasons why oral appliance therapy is a great CPAP alternative.

Advantages of Oral Appliance vs CPAP

Comfortable and Easy to use:

Most people find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to adapt to than CPAP machines. Oral appliances are custom-made devices that fit in the mouth and resemble a mouth guard or retainer. They work by repositioning the jaw and tongue in a forward position to help keep the airway open during sleep. Patients find them less intrusive and disruptive to their sleep.

Portable:

Oral appliances are compact and portable, making them convenient for travel. They do not require electricity.

Reduced Side Effects:

CPAP therapy can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nasal congestion, skin irritation, or feelings of claustrophobia from wearing a mask.

Compliance:

Some individuals struggle with using their CPAP all night and tend to remove it after a few hours. Oral appliance therapy is be a better fit for individuals who are non-compliant with CPAP or unable to tolerate it consistently.

Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea:

Oral appliances are recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. They can effectively treat these cases without the need for more invasive interventions.

Co-Treatment Option:

As an adjunct treatment along with CPAP for those individuals with severe OSA and high-pressure machines. This co-treatment can allow pressures to be reduced making CPAP more comfortable and the patient more compliant with treatment.

Insurance Coverage:

Oral appliance therapy is considered durable medical equipment (DME). Comprehensive Sleep Care Center offers in-house sleep dentists that will digitally scan and fit patients with their devices. This process is billed under a patient’s medical insurance and is usually covered (minus deductible and co-pays) versus a dental office where patients may be billed thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Oral appliance therapy is a good CPAP alternative treatment option for those patients that are resistant to CPAP therapy allowing them to get the needed treatment for their obstructive sleep apnea.

If you are experiencing sleep problems visit one of our sleep medicine providers at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center. Our doctors treat over 80 types of sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Narcolepsy. Give us a call and Say Hello to Sleep Again…