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Can I Use an Oral Appliance Instead of CPAP?

August 15, 2017

woman sleeping soundly If you’ve recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you may be worried that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the only treatment option you have. These systems are effective, but many patients struggle to adjust to the sounds or sensations caused by their CPAP systems. A dentist can provide a viable alternative treatment option. Oral appliance therapy keeps the airway clear using just a small, portable, comfortable mouthguard rather than large facial masks and noisy air pumps. They’re not effective in treating all cases of sleep apnea. Sufferers of central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain fails to trigger the body to inhale during sleep, will not receive adequate relief from sleep apnea therapy using oral appliances. Additionally, those who have severe obstructive sleep apnea may be better served by using a CPAP system or combined oral appliance and CPAP therapy. For patients with mild to moderate apnea, oral appliances may be a great option.

How do Oral Appliances Work?

If you’ve ever taken a training course in CPR, you likely remember that one of the first instructions is to tilt the head back and move the jaw forward to open the airway. Similarly, oral appliances are custom crafted to shift the lower jawbone forward, which places pressure on the throat muscles and keeps the airway open during sleep.

Are Oral Appliances Better than CPAP?

Oral appliance therapy isn’t necessarily better than CPAP for every patient, but there are several situations where this is the better option. Oral appliances are custom made, portable, and provide effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea sufferers. Some of the reasons oral appliances are recommended for patients with sleep apnea include:

  • Patients try treatment with CPAP but are unable to adjust within one to two weeks
  • Patients travel frequently and struggle to transport their CPAP systems while they’re away
  • Patients are not achieving adequate relief from sleep apnea symptoms with CPAP alone

Meet Dr. West

Dr. Pamela West is a dedicated dental practitioner who has worked with some of the leading doctors to learn more about dental sleep medicine, oral appliance therapy, and how to improve sleep and breathing for patients. At iSleep Solutions in Las Vegas, Dr. West and her team provide sleep apnea consultation, diagnosis, and treatment using oral appliance and combined therapy. Dr. West works with a number of local medical professionals to ensure she offers patients quality, comprehensive sleep apnea therapy. If you would like to find out more or schedule a sleep apnea consultation, contact our Las Vegas team today.

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