Was Your CPAP Recalled? Consider Using an Oral Appliance Instead

For many years, CPAP therapy has been considered the standard treatment for sleep apnea in Boca Raton. However, many people dislike their machine. Even worse, a recent recall of Philips Respironics CPAP devices has affected millions of people in the U.S. If you were among those people, you might be questioning whether you want to continue with CPAP therapy or consider alternative treatments. If you are ready to explore other options, a custom oral appliance may be perfect for you.

What Is an Oral Sleep Appliance?

An oral sleep appliance is a small device that resembles a mouthguard that you would wear for sports. However, instead of protecting your teeth and gums from injury, an oral sleep appliance is designed to shift your jaw slightly forward. By holding your jaw in that forward position over night, it keeps your airway open and reduces or eliminates apneas (pauses in breathing). Oral sleep appliances have shown themselves to be effective in addressing all levels of obstructive sleep apnea, from very mild cases to severe cases.

Oral Sleep Appliances vs. CPAP Therapy

Both CPAP machines and oral appliances are effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. However, oral appliances offer some distinct advantages:

• They are safe. Unlike the recalled CPAP machines, oral appliances have no dangerous chemicals in them.
• They are portable. If traveling with your CPAP machine is a hassle, you may love the highly portable nature of a small oral appliance.
• They are quiet. The noise associated with a CPAP machine might disturb you or your partner. An oral appliance is completely silent.
• They are easy to maintain. Without proper care, a CPAP machine can accumulate harmful bacteria. An oral appliance also requires regular cleaning, but keeping it hygienic is simpler than maintaining a CPAP.
• There are no masks, hoses, or wires. With an oral appliance, you do not have to worry that you, your child, or your pet will get tangled up in any disorderly machine parts.

Getting Started with an Oral Appliance

If you are interested in making the switch from CPAP therapy to an oral appliance, your first step should be to consult a sleep dentist in Boca Raton. After they learn a little about you and your condition, they will be able to determine whether an oral appliance would be an appropriate treatment. If so, they will determine which type of appliance would be best for you and then get to work on designing it and ordering it. If you would like to use your medical insurance to pay for your new device, give your policy information to the sleep dentistry practice — most plans cover oral appliances just as easily as they cover CPAP machines.

Did the recent CPAP recall leave you unable to get the rest you need to feel your best? An oral appliance may be the perfect worry-free way to address your sleep apnea.

Meet the Sleep Dentist

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a sleep dentist who helps patients in Boca Raton and the surrounding communities to benefit from oral appliance therapy. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and he has more than 10 years of experience in treating sleep apnea. To learn more about Dr. Mogell and how he may be able to serve you, contact any of our three convenient locations or give us a call at 561-353-5252.