What Is the Best Alternative to a CPAP Machine?

When someone is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), they are usually provided with a CPAP machine. These machines use pressurized air to help patients rest without interruptions to their breathing. Unfortunately, while CPAP devices are effective, they have some significant downsides. Many people find them to be inconvenient and uncomfortable. Are you looking for an alternative way to address your OSA? Let’s talk about why oral appliance therapy in Melbourne may be perfect for you.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

An oral sleep appliance resembles a mouthguard that you would wear for sports. However, it has a slightly different structure and a completely different purpose. An oral sleep appliance repositions the lower jaw while you sleep, moving it slightly forward. This gentle alteration helps to keep the airway open, thereby eliminating or greatly reducing snoring and sleep apnea in Melbourne.

There are numerous oral sleep appliances on the market. When you consult with a sleep medicine expert, they can determine which one is best for your unique circumstances. Whichever device you end up with, you can expect it to be durable and easy to use.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Here are some noteworthy benefits of oral appliance therapy over CPAP machines:

• Ease of use. To use an oral appliance, all you have to do is place it in your mouth. There are no masks, hoses, or wires to deal with.
• Portability. Many people do not bring their CPAP machine with them when they go on trips because it is so inconvenient to pack around, particularly when air travel is involved. An oral sleep appliance, on the other hand, is easy to slip into your carry-on luggage.
• Silence. The noise made by CPAP machines irritates some patients and their partners. An oral appliance is completely silent.
• Simple maintenance. A CPAP machine requires thorough sanitation of its hoses and other parts. An oral appliance also needs to be cleaned, of course, but doing so is easy and fast.
• Higher compliance rates. Around 50% of people with a CPAP machine do not comply with their treatment regimen. An individual with an oral appliance is much more likely to use their device.
• Comfort. A CPAP machine can restrict movements, and wearing a mask can be uncomfortable. An oral appliance tends to be much easier to adjust to and sleep with.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

If you are struggling with your CPAP machine, visit a dentist who offers sleep apnea therapy. After they learn about your situation, they will let you know whether you can transition to using an oral appliance. You may soon be on your way to restful, rejuvenating, CPAP-free nights!

Meet the Sleep Dentist

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is double-board certified in dental sleep medicine. He has worked for years to help residents of our community find freedom from sleep apnea and the inconveniences of CPAP therapy. To learn how he and our team may be able to serve you, contact any of our three offices or give us a call at 321-313-5350.