What Are the Differences Between

CPAP and Oral Appliances?

What is the CPAP?

  • 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