Why Patients Don’t Like CPAP
If you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, seeking treatment not only helps you reclaim your sleep but can also protect your physical and mental wellbeing. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is the most common treatment for patients who are diagnosed with sleep apnea. The CPAP machine consists of a facemask attached to a machine that continuously delivers air pressure directly into the patient’s airway. While it is an effective treatment for all degrees of obstructive sleep apnea, many patients dislike the use of the CPAP machine for the following reasons:
- The machine is loud and bulky
- You have to sleep on your back during use of the machine
- It can dry out your mouth due to the continuous airflow
- You have to unhook and reattach the apparatus if you need to leave bed
- It’s inconvenient to travel with the machine
At Southern Utah Sleep & TMJ Center, we believe that the sleep apnea treatment should be comfortable and convenient for you to use. Fortunately, Dr. White provides oral appliance therapy as an alternative treatment for sleep apnea.
What Are Oral Appliances?
Due to the many inconveniences of CPAP, patients are now seeking alternative methods of treatment. An oral appliance is a popular new treatment option that many of our patients find preferable to CPAP. This small device treats sleep apnea and snoring without all the hassles related to CPAP.
An oral appliance, also called a Mandibular Advancement Device, resembles a mouthguard. It works by shifting the patient’s jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open. Dr. White has found that patients who use an oral appliance while they sleep quickly notice a dramatic reduction in their sleep apnea symptoms. As a result, you’ll feel more energetic throughout the day.
The Benefits of an Oral Appliance
Unlike CPAP, oral appliances are quiet, portable, and easy to use. They also allow you to sleep in any position that feels comfortable. And because your oral appliance relieves snoring and sleep apnea without making any noise, it enables both you and your bed partner to sleep peacefully throughout the night.
Dr. White will help you find the treatment option that’s right for you. For many of our sleep apnea patients, an oral appliance is an effective option.
Additional Treatment Alternatives
As part of your treatment plan, Dr. White may also recommend certain lifestyle changes. One of the factors that contribute to sleep apnea is being overweight. That’s why getting regular exercise and adjusting your diet can help relieve sleep apnea symptoms.
Your mouth and throat muscles directly affect your sleep apnea, and there are a variety of mouth and throat exercises that can be used to help treat your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose an oral appliance instead of CPAP treatment?
Though CPAP machines are effective, they’re loud, bulky, uncomfortable, and force you to sleep on your back. This leads many patients to stop using them and allow their symptoms to progress. Oral appliances are a comfortable, minimally-invasive alternative that’s easily portable and allows you to sleep in any position you like.
Which type of oral appliance is best?
We feature a variety of oral appliances from leading providers in the field. The right appliance for you can vary depending on your specific sleep apnea symptoms. During your free consultation with Dr. White, he’ll evaluate your health and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Will an oral appliance help my snoring if I don’t have sleep apnea?
In many instances, yes! Snoring can be caused by a wide range of factors, some of which have nothing to do with sleep apnea. Depending on your case, an oral appliance may relieve your snoring even if you don’t suffer from sleep apnea.
Your Free Consultation With Dr. White
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to call us at (435) 267-0486. You can also leave us your information at the bottom of the page and we’ll get right back to you.
Dr. White will be happy to provide a free consultation. It’s the first step on the road to healthy, refreshing sleep.