Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, there are alternative options that may be effective for most patients. Our Texas Dental Sleep Services team is here to help you find the proper treatment you need.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP therapy), is the most commonly prescribed treatment for sleep apnea. It’s a machine that works by delivering a constant, steady flow of air to your nasal passages through a mask that’s worn while you sleep.
Though effective, many patients complain that their CPAP machine is loud, uncomfortable, and awkward to use. The mask also needs to be removed and reattached each time you get up during the night. The number of restrictions produced by the machine often causes patients to stop using their CPAP altogether.
Research and clinical experience have confirmed that customized oral appliances are an appropriate alternative treatment for a significant number of patients afflicted with sleep apnea. These devices gently shift your jaw forward, keeping the airway open while you sleep to provide relief from sleep apnea symptoms.
Oral appliances are custom-made to fit your mouth and can be used to treat snoring, sleep apnea, and upper airway resistance syndrome. They’re silent, discreet, portable, and easy to use for maximum convenience.
In addition to CPAP and oral appliances, there are several lifestyle changes and treatments that can help relieve snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, such as:
Combo therapy for sleep apnea combines an oral appliance with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to provide a more effective and comfortable treatment option. Here’s a brief explanation:
In this approach, a custom-fitted oral appliance is used to reposition the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps open the airway. The oral appliance is then fitted with an interface that connects directly to a CPAP machine’s hose. This setup allows for:
This combination approach is particularly beneficial for patients who struggle with traditional CPAP therapy or have incomplete relief from oral appliances alone. It offers a tailored solution that addresses multiple factors contributing to sleep apnea, potentially leading to more restful sleep and improved overall health.
Oral appliance therapy is a great alternative for those who find CPAP uncomfortable. It’s a custom-fitted device that repositions your jaw to keep your airway open during sleep. Many patients find it more comfortable, discreet, and easier to use than a CPAP machine.
Oral appliance therapy is highly effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Many patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms and an improvement in sleep quality. It’s also easier to travel with, making it a more convenient option for many.
As long as you have sleep apnea, treatment will be necessary to manage it. However, many patients find that the oral appliance is easy to use and becomes a natural part of their routine, especially once they experience the benefits of better sleep and overall health improvements.
Combo therapy for sleep apnea combines an oral appliance with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to provide a more effective and comfortable treatment option. Here’s a brief explanation:
In this approach, a custom-fitted oral appliance is used to reposition the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps open the airway. The oral appliance is then fitted with an interface that connects directly to a CPAP machine’s hose (no more mask). This setup allows for:
This combination approach is particularly beneficial for patients who struggle with traditional CPAP therapy or have incomplete relief from oral appliances alone. It offers a tailored solution that addresses multiple factors contributing to sleep apnea, potentially leading to more restful sleep and improved overall health.