29 Jun Adjusting to Your New CPAP Alternative: What Oral Appliance Therapy Feels Like
Starting oral appliance therapy as a CPAP alternative in Mansfield can feel like a big change at first, especially if you’ve already tried a CPAP. For many patients, oral appliances are less cumbersome, silent, and generally more comfortable than a traditional CPAP machine, and most people adjust to wearing them quickly.
An oral appliance is a non-invasive sleep apnea solution for those who can’t tolerate traditional CPAP therapy. It works by gently repositioning your jaw to help keep your airway open throughout the night. It’s compact and quiet, so it’s great for travel and a lot simpler to work into your bedtime routine.
What to Expect from Oral Appliance Therapy
The first few nights with an oral appliance may feel strange. You might notice mild pressure on your teeth or jaw, or you may become more aware of your bite in the morning. As your mouth adapts to the appliance, these feelings will lessen. It’s similar to getting used to a mouth guard for teeth grinding.
You may notice better sleep without a CPAP machine rather quickly, but it could take a handful of days. Most people notice better sleep within the first week of oral appliance therapy treatment.
You May Have Some Morning Stiffness
Adjusting to a sleep apnea mouthpiece takes a little bit of time. Mild jaw stiffness is one of the most common early experiences with oral appliance therapy. Simple morning exercises restore your bite and reduce stiffness as your mouth adjusts to the oral appliance.
Oral Appliance Therapy Benefits
Oral appliance therapy is a discreet alternative to CPAP treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. It’s often more comfortable than a CPAP mask and easier to maintain and use. CPAP users must regularly clean the pump, hoses, and mask, keep the machine connected to a power source, and use it every night for effective treatment.
Oral appliances are also the first choice for those who travel frequently. You don’t have to worry about plugging it in, so camping, road trips, and plans to travel abroad are all sleep-apnea-friendly.
Do You Need a CPAP Alternative in Mansfield?
Crosspointe Sleep Solutions is dedicated to creating the right plan of care for each client. Just because you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea doesn’t mean you have to slow down an active life or be tied to a machine every night. Contact us for a consultation today to see if oral appliance therapy or another CPAP alternative therapy is right for you.