If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, you may be wondering what type of therapy is right for you. Oral appliance therapy is an emerging treatment option that uses a custom-made device to keep your airway open while you sleep. A CPAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, but it is cumbersome and invasive, and not everyone is a good candidate for it. Today, we will discuss the pros and cons of oral appliance therapy and CPAP machine therapy, as well as who is a good candidate for each one. We will also provide some questions that you should ask your doctor to help you determine if oral appliance therapy is the right choice for you.
Oral appliance therapy is a good choice for patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea and who have been determined not to be good candidates for CPAP therapy based on certain criteria. Some sleep apnea patients may not be good candidates for CPAP machine therapy because they:
-Do not tolerate the machine well
-Have sinus problems that are aggravated by the CPAP pressure
-Are claustrophobic and feel confined by the mask
-Have trouble sleeping with the noise of the machine
The main advantage of oral appliance therapy is that it is much more comfortable than CPAP therapy. It is also small and portable, so it is easier to transport it with you when you travel. Another advantage of oral appliance therapy is that it is less likely to cause side effects than CPAP therapy. This is because a CPAP machine delivers a constant airflow to your lungs, which can sometimes cause irritation in your throat and nose. Oral appliance therapy is also less expensive than CPAP therapy.
If you are considering oral appliance therapy for your sleep apnea, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First of all, it is important to have a consultation with a sleep specialist to see if you are a good candidate for this type of therapy. This is because not all patients with sleep apnea will be able to use an oral appliance. Secondly, you should be prepared to try out a few different appliances before finding one that works well for you. Lastly, you should be aware that oral appliance therapy may require some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and eating a healthy diet.
The most commonly reported side effect of oral appliance therapy is mild jaw pain or discomfort. The main disadvantage of oral appliance therapy is that it is not as intensive as CPAP therapy so not all patients may benefit from the treatment. It may also take some time to get used to wearing the device. If you are considering oral appliance therapy, you should ask your doctor (and dentist!) the following questions:
-What is the success rate of oral appliance therapy?
-How long will I need to wear the device each night?
-What are the side effects of oral appliance therapy?
-How often will I need to see my dentist for follow-up appointments?
If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may be a good treatment option for you. It is important to discuss all of your options with your doctor to make sure that you are choosing the right treatment. Oral appliance therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for many patients with sleep apnea and if it’s not right for you, there are other options available to help you get the treatment you need. Your doctor will be able to help you make the best decision for your individual needs so you can get back to sleeping restfully!