A CPAP machine is an effective treatment for sleep apnea. Of course, this is only true when you use it consistently. However, if the bulky mask and tangle-prone hoses have you casting your CPAP aside at 2 am, you’re not alone. The good news is? You have options!
If you cannot tolerate CPAP and have been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, ask Dr. Saba Heday and our team about oral appliance therapy, which uses a custom device to hold your jaw forward, keep your airway open, and offer much-needed relief.
Why Many People Struggle With CPAP
CPAP works by pushing air through a mask all night. The approach is highly effective but not always easy to live with. Patients using CPAP commonly complain about:
- Mask discomfort
- Dry mouth
- Bothersome noise
- Claustrophobia
- The inconvenience of traveling with the machine
Treatment only works when the required equipment is actually used consistently. A device you avoid isn’t helping you, and is worth discussion with your dentist to seek out alternatives.
What a Dentist Can Offer Instead
Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can fit a custom oral appliance that gently repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway open without a mask, hose, or electricity. The appliance is small, quiet, and easy to travel with, which many patients find easier to stick with.
At Dynamite Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Heday includes sleep apnea screening in all comprehensive exams and refers patients to a sleep specialist for a medical diagnosis before treatment.
Is an Oral Appliance Right for You?
Oral appliances are generally best for mild to moderate sleep apnea, while CPAP remains the preferred choice for more severe cases. The decision is one to make in collaboration with your sleep physician and dentist. The best way to learn whether an appliance could work for you is a consultation to review your diagnosis and symptoms.
Sleep Apnea Relief with CPAP Alternatives in Scottsdale
If you’re in Scottsdale and want to learn more about CPAP alternatives and oral appliance therapy, contact Dr. Saba Heday and the caring, knowledgeable Dynamite Smiles Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.