Can I Benefit From an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

If you have obstructive sleep apnea but have yet to seek treatment — or if you have seen the doctor but have yet to find relief with CPAP therapy — we’ve got a better solution. An oral appliance for sleep apnea could provide the help you need! It’s a small, comfortable, and best of all silent way to prevent the blockage that causes you to snore and wake up throughout the night.

Dr. Deborah A. Romack provides oral appliance therapy for patients at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine. For some patients, it’s the first and last treatment they try — but for others, it’s a solution at long last after years of unsuccessful CPAP therapy.

Why CPAP Doesn’t Always Work

The CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure mask/machine, is often the first method of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Using a small mask that covers your nose and mouth, CPAP works by forcing air through the throat and into to lungs to keep the airway clear throughout the night.

The truth is, CPAP usually does provide effective treatment, but patients are often unwilling to comply with nightly use. Why? Many people find wearing the mask to be too uncomfortable or otherwise bothersome. For others, it’s the constant noise of the CPAP motor that’s a problem — many partners are disrupted by the whirring sound. People who travel frequently may forgo CPAP therapy when they are away from home to avoid having to deal with packing the machine.

CPAP vs. Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, convenient option for snoring and sleep apnea when CPAP therapy does not work. Some of the key differences between the two treatments include…

• The oral appliance is custom fitted for maximum comfort.
• Patients are more comfortable with the oral appliance, which is smaller than CPAP.
• Wake up thirsty during the middle of the night? It’s possible to take sips of water while wearing the oral appliance.
• The oral appliance is highly portable — just toss it in your bag and continue benefitting from treatment even on the road.
• Sleeping partners remain undisturbed with oral appliance therapy.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

Oral appliance therapy can help patients with mild to moderate levels of sleep apnea and snoring find relief in a full night’s rest. If you are a chronic snorer, if you suffer from chronic exhaustion, or if you have recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, chances are good you can benefit from treatment with oral appliance therapy.

Sometimes, more severe cases of sleep apnea may be best treated with a combination of oral appliance therapy and the CPAP. See your doctor at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine for a treatment plan custom-tailored to your needs.

Sleep Apnea? Come See Us Today!

If you suspect you have sleep apnea or if you have already received a diagnosis for the condition, it’s time to seek a solution. Find quality sleep apnea therapy from the expert, Dr. Romack! Schedule an appointment to discuss your options today.