Oral Appliances vs CPAP for Treating Sleep Apnea (what are the differences and what works for whom and why?)

Better sleep means a better quality of life. For the estimated 22 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, finding a viable solution is critical. The CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) face mask has long been considered the gold standard treatment for patients with sleep apnea seeking a better night’s sleep. Unfortunately, however, the imposing physiological demands of the device have led many patients to seek other solutions, such as specialized oral appliances.

The CPAP device exerts extra air pressure against your throat while you sleep, thereby making it impossible for your airway to collapse when you breath in. The device is effective at remedying snoring and preventing the patient from waking up over and over again throughout the night. Studies have shown that the regular use of the CPAP device decreases day time drowsiness1.

However, one of the most significant drawbacks of CPAP therapy is that it’s difficult for many patients to grow accustomed to. Any imperfection in the fit can cause the device to leak air. Using the device effectively also requires that the patient sleep on his or her back, which is not ideal for everyone. Two years following the initial use of the CPAP, over 80% of patients stop using the device voluntarily or discover that it’s physically impossible for them to wear the device properly while sleeping. 

Sleep apnea patients who can’t or choose not to wear the CPAP device turn to sleep appliances such as the Herbst Oral Appliance and the TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner). Oral devices bring the jaw forward and move the tongue to facilitate a continuous open airway. For many patients, these devices offer a comfortable and competent solution to sleep apnea. Since Medicare views sleep apnea as a medical, rather than a dental problem, it is willing to procure and replace either the Herbst or TAP oral appliances every five years. The standard private insurer will replace these devices every (3-5) years.

To create a fitting oral appliance for a patient, the first step is the taking of impressions of the upper and lower jaws. These impressions are sent to a certified Oral Appliance lab and custom appliances are created in 7-10 days. At home, patients gradually adjust the devices until they find the perfect calibration, whereby deep sleep is possible and airflow is unrestricted.

At Core Sleep Solutions, we’d love to help you discover your ideal sleep apnea solution. We encourage you to make an appointment with North Phoenix dentist Dr. Core. With the help of our qualified and caring staff, Core Sleep Solutions has helped untold numbers of patients change their lives for the better.  Call us today at: (602)866-1429.

1 http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-cpap-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea#slapnref-16