06 Dec CPAP or Oral Appliance? Find a Sleep Apnea Appliance in Mansfield, TX
If you live with sleep apnea, you’re probably familiar with or have even been prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) machine. CPAP can be noisy, disruptive and uncomfortable, so it’s no surprise that many patients abandon their therapy after just a few months.
However, 90 percent of patients are compliant after five years with a more comfortable, less intrusive form of sleep apnea therapy: an oral appliance. You can find a treatment that works for you. Read on to learn more about sleep apnea appliances in Mansfield, TX at Crosspointe Sleep Solutions.
Is a CPAP Better Than a Mouthpiece?
While CPAP has been the go-to prescription choice for sleep apnea for decades, increasingly, health professionals are becoming more aware of patient preference in treatment for sleep apnea. Studies show that many patients don’t stick with CPAP, and industry professionals have begun to question CPAP being used as a primary treatment choice for sleep apnea.
The best sleep apnea treatment is one you can stick with and many patients are finding success with oral appliances.
What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?
A sleep apnea oral appliance looks and feels a lot like a mouthguard. It’s a piece that is molded to your bite and fits comfortably in your mouth. Oral appliances are similar to some of the mouthguards used to relieve jaw pain from bruxism, or teeth grinding.
While a CPAP machine forces airflow, an oral appliance simply positions your lower jaw forward. This allows your airway to stay open while you’re asleep so you can breathe comfortably.
Benefits of an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
There are many benefits of choosing an oral appliance to treat your sleep apnea. We’ve listed a few below.
- Better use outcomes: There are higher rates of compliance in patients who choose an oral sleep appliance rather than a CPAP.
- Sleep soundly: One of the common complaints of CPAP is the noise the machine makes. With an oral appliance, you and your partner won’t be disrupted at night.
- More comfortable: CPAP machines require the use of a mask, which can be difficult to sleep comfortably in. Oral appliances, on the other hand, are custom-fit to your mouth.
- Better daytime alertness: Studies show that people with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk of fatigue-related car accidents. When you get quality sleep with quality airflow, you’ll be more alert and less fatigued during the day.
- More portable: Unlike a CPAP machine, you can bring an oral appliance anywhere. It doesn’t need to connect to power and it can fit in any travel bag.
Choose a Sleep Apnea Appliance at Crosspointe in Mansfield, TX
Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep. Wake up feeling refreshed without a machine or invasive surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Learn More
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.