CPAP Alternative

Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP is a common treatment for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep.  CPAP works by providing a steady stream of pressurized air that props open the airways and allowing you to breathe smoothly while sleeping.  It is a stage treatment but it can cause annoying side effects like skin irritation, a runny or stuffy nose or dry mouth.  It can be uncomfortable, intolerable or too bulky for travel.  If CPAP is not a good choice for your Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), there is an alternative –

 Dental Sleep Devices

There are several different types of dental sleep devices:

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD):  These are the most common used to treat snoring and OSA.  MADs open the airway by moving the mandible (lower jaw) forward.  The tongue is attached to the lower jaw behind the chin.  As the jaw is moved forward, the collapsible part of your airway is held open by the forward movement of the tongue and other airway muscles.

Tongue Retaining Device (TRD):  TRDs also work lid the MADs by pulling the tongue in a forward position.

Combination CPAP/Dental Sleep Device Therapy:  Often what can make a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) uncomfortable is due to the high pressures being forced into a constricted airway.  An oral appliance moves the lower jaw in a more forward position which opens the airway.  Using both the CPAP and oral appliance will allow the pressure on your CPAP machine to be greatly minimized and it will be much more comfortable.