Ready to reverse the cycle of sleep apnea? Imagine how great it will be to wake up feeling refreshed and rested. Even more importantly, you won’t have to worry about linked complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mood swings ever again.
Someone having a sleep apnea episode will take seconds to over a minute to breathe until their brain issues an alarm. They will awaken briefly to reopen the airway and begin breathing again. These pauses can happen hundreds of times each night!
Evidently, sleep apnea treatment is essential. The question is: Which treatment is right for you? What is the argument surrounding CPAP vs oral appliance therapy?
What is the CPAP?
CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure.” The machine is a ventilator that applies mild air pressure to keep the airway open. When it comes to discussing the CPAP vs the oral appliance, some of the downsides of the CPAP include:
- Requires electricity
- Complicated travel
- Noisy machine
- Can be uncomfortable to use
- Cannot talk, eat, or drink while wearing
What is a Sleep Apnea Appliance?
A sleep apnea appliance looks similar to a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer. Dr. Longenecker will design your sleep apnea appliance specifically for your mouth, to maximize your comfort and your results.
A dental appliance for sleep apnea fits into the mouth by snapping over the lower and upper dental arches. It pushes the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward, holding them in the optimal positions for easy breathing. The dental appliance for sleep apnea prevents the muscles and tissues of the throat from collapsing.
What are the Advantages of the Oral Appliance?
When considering the CPAP vs oral appliance debate, the patient should consider the advantages of using a dental appliance for sleep apnea. A sleep apnea appliance is:
- Noninvasive
- Noiseless
- Can be worn to eat, speak, and drink in some cases, or easily removed otherwise
- Easy to wear and more comfortable than the CPAP
- Small and transportable
- Effective in improving sleep apnea symptoms and restoring health
Of course, the right sleep apnea treatment for you will depend on which treatment you are most likely to comply with. To find out which course of action will protect your health, reach out to us to schedule your appointment today!
