Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
CPAP therapy was once the go-to option for treating sleep apnea. However, as technologies have evolved, other treatments have emerged as popular solutions for sleep apnea. One such alternative is oral appliance therapy. This approach offers patients more comfort, convenience, and ease than CPAP machines for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Ocean Sound Sleep offers several oral appliance therapy options that have been helping patients achieve safe, sound sleep. Learn what oral appliance therapy does, how it works, and if it may be right for you.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Before delving into treatment options, it’s essential to understand what sleep apnea is and how it affects your health. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to fragmented sleep and health complications if left untreated. There are several types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSA).
The Emergence of Oral Appliance Therapy
While CPAP therapy was and still is an excellent option for sleep apnea treatment, many users have encountered issues sticking with this solution for a variety of reasons:
Cumbersomeness
Due to its bulky size, the CPAP machine can be challenging to use in a small space or when traveling.
Noise
The CPAP machine can make noise, making it difficult for users or their partners to fall asleep.
Discomfort and claustrophobia
The feeling of wearing a mask while sleeping may not only be uncomfortable for some users, but it may also lead to anxiety if they are claustrophobic.
Side effects
Some CPAP users may find their machine makes their nasal passages, mouth, and throat dry or causes congestion and irritation. Skin irritation around the nose and mouth may also occur. They can manage these side effects but may require additional effort and adjustment.
With these issues in mind, sleep apnea technology has evolved to offer more comfortable and convenient options that promote better user compliance. Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) have gained prominence due to their effectiveness and user-friendly nature. This option involves wearing a custom-fit dental appliance during sleep, helping to open the airway by pushing the lower jaw forward.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Oral appliance therapy involves repositioning the jaw to prevent airway collapse during sleep. A MAD promotes airflow and reduces the severity of breathing interruptions during sleep apnea by gently advancing the lower jaw. It also prevents the tongue and soft tissues from obstructing the airway, creating uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.
Advantages of Traditional Treatments
Comfort and Convenience
Portability
Improved Compliance
How To Know If Oral Appliance Therapy is Right For You
Oral appliance therapy works best for certain individuals. There are several factors we use to decide whether or not MADs will work for you:
Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea
Oral devices are often recommended for individuals with mild to moderate OSA. If your sleep apnea is not severe enough to require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or if you have difficulty tolerating CPAP, oral devices may be a suitable alternative.
Intolerance or Non-Compliance with CPAP
If you have tried CPAP therapy but struggle to use it consistently for discomfort or other reasons, oral appliance therapy may offer a more comfortable and tolerable alternative.
Preference for Non-Invasive Treatment
Oral devices are non-invasive and do not require surgery. If you prefer to avoid surgery, oral device therapy may be more within your comfort zone.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
Oral devices are custom-made to fit your mouth and teeth. Good dental health is essential for oral devices’ proper fitting and effectiveness.
Adequate Jaw Structure
Oral devices reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. Individuals with adequate jaw structure and range of motion may benefit from oral device therapy. We can assess your jaw anatomy to determine if oral devices are right for you.
Ability to Breathe through the Nose
Oral devices may not be suitable for individuals who have significant nasal obstruction or breathing difficulties through the nose. Proper nasal breathing is important for effective treatment with oral devices. If you have underlying nasal issues, they may need to be addressed before starting oral device therapy.
Willingness to Commit to Treatment
Like any sleep apnea treatment, oral appliance therapy requires commitment and adherence to treatment recommendations. You must wear the oral device constantly during sleep to experience the benefits. If you are motivated to improve your sleep apnea symptoms and willing to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations, oral appliance therapy may be a good option for you.
While these factors play into whether or not oral appliance therapy will work for you, it’s essential to consult with a qualified sleep provider to decide. At Ocean Sound Sleep, we will thoroughly examine your situation and decide the best course of action.
Explore Oral Appliance Therapy Options With Ocean Sound Sleep
Oral appliance therapy represents a significant advancement in sleep apnea treatment, offering a viable alternative to traditional interventions like CPAP. Our experts can help decide if this type of solution is right for you and help find the right device for your unique needs. Contact Ocean Sound Sleep today to learn more about oral appliance therapy.