Do you suffer from sleep apnea? If so, your physician may have recommended a CPAP machine for treatment.

While effective, these machines are notorious for being uncomfortable, inconvenient, and loud. However, an oral appliance offers a more comfortable alternative.

They are small and portable, making it much easier to use than a CPAP machine. Unlike other types of treatment options for sleep apnea, oral appliances are comfortable; they work by moving the lower jaw slightly forward to open up the airway to improve breathing during sleep.

In addition to being more comfortable than other common treatments, such as CPAP machines or surgery, this option can also be less disruptive to your partner’s sleep since it does not make loud noises like some other devices do. Interested in learning more? Here are the top 5 benefits of choosing an oral appliance over a traditional CPAP machine:

  1. No More Face Mask
    One of the most common complaints about CPAP therapy is that the face mask is uncomfortable and prevents some people from getting a good night’s sleep. If you’ve been unable to tolerate CPAP therapy, an oral appliance may be right for you.

    Because oral appliances are smaller than a face mask, they’re much less obtrusive. They’re also easier to clean than a face mask and can last for years if properly maintained.

  2. Easy to Use
    The oral appliance for sleep apnea is a simple device to use. It sits in your mouth and looks like an athletic mouth guard. Using an oral appliance looks something like this:
    • You put it in your mouth before you go to sleep.
    • During the night, its design helps keep your airway open and allows for normal breathing.
    • You take it out and clean it every morning, then put it back in as needed throughout the day if you take naps.
  3. More Comfortable
    Oral appliances are much more comfortable for people who don’t like masks. Some patients experience discomfort from the mask rubbing against their face or pressure from the straps holding it in place. Oral appliances, on the other hand, fit snugly in your mouth, which makes them far easier to wear while sleeping.
  4. No Disruptions
    If you’re like many sleep apnea patients who look for alternatives to the CPAP machine, your first consideration is probably the noise level of an alternative oral appliance. And rightfully so, as the high-pitched whirring sound of a CPAP machine can wake up even the deepest sleeper. So if you’re looking for a quieter way to treat OSA, an oral appliance is your ideal choice.
  5. Lightweight and Portable
    As mentioned, an oral appliance is a lightweight, comfortable, portable and easy to use device that does not require the use of additional equipment or electrical connections like a CPAP machine. Therefore, it’s a fantastic option for patients who travel often or prefer to have an item that takes up less space in their home.

If you’re interested in using an oral appliance to treat your sleep apnea, Marx Sleep Center can help. We are experts in custom-fitting an oral appliance to suit your needs – all with the intention of helping you lead a healthier, happier and more well-rested life. Contact us today to learn more.