Millions of people are living with sleep apnea, a disorder that makes it difficult for them to breathe regularly during sleep. If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to talk to your primary care physician about getting a diagnosis. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend CPAP treatment, or send you to a dentist to be fitted with an oral device.
Both treat sleep apnea effectively, but what’s better --- CPAP machines or a sleep apnea mouth guard?
The go-to solution for treating sleep apnea used to be the continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP machine. This device is used to provide a continuous stream of air into the lungs while you sleep. Your CPAP machine mask can be adjusted to be comfortable, especially if you are wearing a full-face mask. The air pressure delivered through the CPAP machine is also adjustable, to make it easier for patients who are having a hard time with forced air.
The alternative to the CPAP machine is an oral appliance, which is a device similar in size and feel to a night guard. Oral appliance therapy aids in the treatment of sleep apnea by holding your jaw in a comfortable, slightly forward position, which keeps the airway open and facilitates easy breath. Using an oral appliance also allows you to sleep more comfortably on your side or stomach. Oral appliances are designed to custom fit your mouth in order to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
The Verdict: Although CPAP machines are effective, many people find the machine too bulky and noisy, and are uncomfortable wearing the mask, which streams air into the body. Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea doesn’t produce the same uncomfortable side-effects as CPAP, such as a feeling of claustrophobia, dry mouth, or even skin irritation from wearing the mask and straps.
If you are interested in how a sleep apnea oral appliance can help you breathe easier, we invite you to visit us our Brentwood dental office. We are happy to discuss how we can provide you with comfortable, affordable relief from your sleep apnea. Please contact Dr. Harrison and Dr. Henderson today for your sleep apnea therapy consultation.
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