CPAP Alternative
Insurance Approved!
Medicare Approved
We are the only office in Lee and Collier counties that takes your medical insurance on assignment and is in network with Medicare.
Are you finding it hard to sleep with a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea? Handling the mask, tubes, noise, and discomfort night after night is no walk in the park. But what if you had different options that could let you sleep soundly without needing a CPAP?
At Sleep Treatment Direct, our sleep professionals offer proven CPAP alternatives in the form of custom-made oral appliances that are quiet, comfortable, and very effective at minimizing sleep apnea symptoms. Dr. Gene Steele DDS, FAGD, and his team in Bonita Springs have already helped countless patients with oral appliance therapy. Since these devices are made to fit your mouth perfectly, you can sleep comfortably in any position, free from the hassle of noisy machines and masks.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
Oral appliance therapy refers to using mandibular advancement and similar appliances to gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep. Think of them as a mouthguard or a retainer; it is designed and created in a lab based on your own dental structure.
When used regularly as prescribed, most patients notice major improvements in how well they sleep and how alert they feel throughout the day. Depending on how severe your sleep apnea has become, you will wake up feeling more energized and less tired thanks to a deeper sleep. If you are looking for a treatment that feels more user-friendly and less like a machine, consider booking a consultation with us to see if this is the right option for you.
Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP
OAT has several advantages over CPAP:
- Comfort: These made-to-order appliances are specifically designed to fit you perfectly. Unlike CPAP masks and tubes, which are mass-produced in factories with a one-size-fits-all approach, these oral devices are created with precision, taking into account your mouth’s unique dimensions and contours. Also, remember that over-the-counter devices for snoring or mild sleep apnea could potentially lead to TMJ or TMD, so make sure to get one custom-made by a dentist only.
- Discreet and easy to carry: The mouthpiece is small and easy to take with you, making travel much simpler than with a CPAP machine.
- Quiet: With OAT, there is no noise from pumps or hoses. Both you and your bed partner can enjoy a quieter night’s sleep.
Who Can Benefit From Oral Appliance Therapy
If you have given CPAP machines a try for your sleep apnea and did NOT like them, an oral appliance could be a good alternative.
As part of this treatment, you wear the mandibular advancement device in your mouth while you sleep. It comprises two pieces that fit over your upper and lower teeth. It pushes your lower jaw (mandible) forward. This is where the term “mandibular advancement” comes from. Moving the jaw forward also moves the base of your tongue forward.
When you have sleep apnea, your airway can become blocked or collapse during sleep because the tongue and muscles in the throat relax too much. This blockage is what causes the breathing interruptions. By moving the jaw and tongue forward, the appliance helps keep your airway open, achieving two goals: reducing snoring and making it easier to breathe continuously while you sleep.
People with obstructive sleep apnea can especially benefit from oral appliance therapy. It can:
- Improve your sleep
- Minimize the drowsiness during the day
- Boost your mood and focus
- Reduce the health risks linked with untreated sleep apnea (high blood pressure or heart issues)
- Make your sleeping partner grateful for the no-snore nights!
Schedule A Sleep Apnea Consultation Today
At Sleep Treatment Direct, our team of skilled dental sleep practitioners is dedicated to helping you find a lasting solution to your obstructive sleep apnea once and for all. We know that CPAP is not the only way to address this pervasive condition. As a patient, you have more say in your treatment than you may realize – we believe in offering you choices that fit your life rather than pushing a treatment you are not happy with.
If you are struggling with sleepless nights, it is time to book an appointment with us. We are equipped with the latest sleep apnea treatment; it is ALL we do. We are here to address any questions you have about oral appliance therapy, but here are some key benefits you might want to consider:
- Many patients find it easier to be disciplined and consistent with using an oral appliance compared to other sleep apnea treatments.
- You can take it with you anywhere you go.
- It does not cover your face like a CPAP machine, which can make it a more comfortable option for people who feel closed-in.
- It is quiet; mouthguards do not make a noisy racket as the CPAP does.
- It is more affordable than most treatments.