Oral Appliance or CPAP? How Do I Know Which Is Right for Me?
If you don’t feel well-rested after a long night of sleep, snore, or suffer from feelings of fatigue, you could have sleep apnea. While sleep apnea is a serious condition, it is treatable. Two primary treatment options for sleep apnea are oral appliances and CPAP machines. Consider the differences between the two treatment options, and talk to your healthcare professional about which might be best for you—
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder during which a person starts and stops breathing multiple times throughout the night. In addition to leaving you feeling very tired, sleep apnea can be dangerous because it can contribute to other serious health conditions.
What Are Oral Appliances and CPAP Machines?
Oral appliances and CPAP machines are two of the most common treatment options for sleep apnea.
Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea might benefit from an oral appliance, which is less intrusive than a CPAP machine. An oral appliance is a type of device, like a mouthguard, that is fitted into the mouth and which keeps the throat open throughout the night by preventing the tongue from blocking the throat.
The other option is a CPAP machine. CPAP machines are very common, although they are a bit more intrusive than oral appliances. A CPAP machine includes a mask that is fitted over the patient’s face as they sleep. The mask is connected to a tube, which consistently delivers purified air into the person’s throat and lungs in order to keep the airways open.
What to Think About When Making a Decision About Sleep Apnea Care
Suffering from sleep apnea is a serious condition, and something that you should take steps to treat immediately. However, whether you should use an oral appliance or a CPAP machine may depend on a variety of factors, including the type of sleep apnea you have, the severity of your sleep apnea, and your personal preferences. You may consider trying one type of treatment and then the other if one isn’t as effective as you were expecting. In all cases, it’s best to talk with your dentist or oral health sleep specialist about your options.
Talk to Your Oral Health Provider Today
To learn more about sleep apnea and effective treatment options that may be available to you, please call our oral health sleep specialists at the office of Distinctive Dental Solutions. We can guide you through your options and get you fitted for an oral device if appropriate. To learn more, reach out to us by phone or online at your convenience. We are here for you.
