Our Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Include an Oral Appliance
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea occur when your airway relaxes as you sleep and vibrates (snoring) or becomes blocked (sleep apnea) while you sleep, usually by your tongue or other soft tissue. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. The key to treating either of these conditions is keeping your airway open.
The most commonly prescribed sleep apnea treatments are:
- A CPAP machine
- An oral appliance
At Better Sleep Carolina, our preferred method of treating sleep apnea and snoring is with a comfortable oral appliance. Our experience has shown us that many sleep apnea sufferers can’t tolerate a CPAP – so they simply stop using it. And too many people simply “deal” with their snoring while ignoring the fact that their partner cannot sleep and is suffering from bed partner blues.
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine keeps your airway open with a stream of pressurized air. A machine produces the air, then delivers it to you through a mask via a hose. Some masks cover just your nose, while others cover your entire face. While a CPAP does work and may be the best option for some, a lot of people find it so uncomfortable they stop wearing it. In fact, fewer than half of CPAP users stick with their treatment. Yet stopping treatment can increase the risk of stroke, diabetes, and other serious problems.
Unlike a CPAP, an oral appliance works by slightly moving your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open. Both you and your bed partner will find a custom-made appliance easy to adjust to. Our patients using the appliance sleep soundly within just a few nights. They also enjoy the reassurance that they have lowered their risk of dangerous health problems and improved the quality of sleep for their bed partner.
We offer several types of FDA-approved oral appliances to ensure you get the best fit and best results:
- The Oasys Appliance, which opens both your throat and nasal passages
- The Oasys Hinge Appliance, designed for smaller mouths
- The Dorsal Classic SomnoMed appliance, which comes with a three-year warranty
- The Dorsal Flex SomnoMed appliance, lined for maximum comfort
Discover the major differences between the oral appliance and CPAP, then call our office to set up your complimentary consultation: 984-228-9510.