CPAP Therapy vs. Oral Appliance Therapy to Treat Sleep Apnea

There have never been more options to treat sleep apnea. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment. These machines continuously deliver positive air pressure through a nasal mask, which keeps the upper airway passages open during sleep. After all, this form of sleep-disordered breathing is characterized by interruptions in breathing when patients are relaxed. Throat tissues become lax and block the airway. Air can’t travel through these passageways. In the act of self-preservation, patients may wake up with a start dozens of times each hour.

Serving greater northeastern Maryland, Hunt Valley Dental transcends the “basics” to effectively and comfortably resolve sleep apnea and its many distressing symptoms. In doing so, Dr. Thomas Rhodes and our team also help individuals in and around Cockeysville, Towson, and Baltimore to avoid the many potentially dire complications associated with this condition. These complications range from impaired cognition and memory to hypertension, heart disease, and cerebrovascular events (such as stroke).

Due to the nature of sleep apnea and the stress it places on the body’s organs and systems, effective treatment is essential. While CPAP is considered an effective option, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reports that only half of the patients recommended for such therapy still use their machine a year later.

Common reasons cited for no longer using CPAP:

• The mask wasn’t comfortable to wear during sleep.
• The therapy caused excessive nasal dryness.
• Treatment was irritating to nasal tissues.
• The pressure generated was difficult to tolerate.
• The noise from the machine was disruptive to both users and their partners.

Additionally, CPAP is cumbersome and not made for travel. Plus, patients often complain about the hassle associated with cleaning the machine and its components. A dirty CPAP is implicated in various health problems, from respiratory infections to skin infections. Dr. Rhodes offers a better way.

The Mandibular Advancement Device

MADs, also known as Mandibular Advancement Splints, are a type of oral appliance therapy. If we determine MAD is an appropriate therapy for you, a small and lightweight device will be customized to your mouth to be worn as directed during sleep. The device is designed to move or advance your jaw forward. Such repositioning also moves throat tissues out of the way, preventing them from blocking your airway as they become overly relaxed. MADs are easy to wear and easy to clean and maintain. They can be used on the go and may be stored in a handy, highly portable case. Quality materials do not stain or attract odors. They are highly durable, quiet, effective, and of good value.

To find out more about this attractive alternative to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, call (410) 771-6300 with questions or schedule an appointment with Dr. Rhodes.