Myths About Oral Devices for Sleep Apnea

If you struggle with sleep apnea, you may have heard about the latest oral devices that can alleviate it. Though, you may have heard misconceptions about them as well. Here are a few of the most common myths about Santa Cruz oral devices for sleep apnea:

1. There’s Only One Type of Oral Device

There are many options, including over 100 mandibular advancement devices (MAD), and tongue-retaining devices (TRD). Here’s what you need to know about the most common oral sleep appliance in Santa Cruz, San Jose, Monterey and San Ramon offices with options we offer patients:

Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices are the most popular and effective option for an oral sleep appliance in Santa Cruz, San Ramon, San Jose, and Monterey. They work by repositioning the jaw during the night to keep the airway from becoming obstructed. These devices have a compliance rate of more than 80%, which is around double that of CPAP machines. They’re the most common oral device for the treatment of sleep apnea. If you’re interested in this type of treatment for sleep apnea, get in touch with us.

Tongue Retaining Devices

Tongue-retaining devices use suction to bring the tongue forward. This prevents it from blocking the airway. Not only do they tend to have a lower success rate, they are also less comfortable.

2. They’re Less Effective Than CPAP Devices

The custom, FDA approved, oral devices we use to treat sleep apnea can be just as effective as CPAP machines- especially for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. The candidacy of this treatment should always be discussed with your physician.

3. They Tend to Be Much More Expensive Than CPAP Machines

Oral devices for sleep apnea are often covered by medical insurance, and this makes them affordable for many patients. Not only that, while CPAP machines have parts (ie- masks, hoses, filters, humidifier tanks) that need to be replaced every 3-9 months, oral devices tend to last at least 5 years, come with a 3-year warranty and do not have parts that need to be replaced.

Oral devices we offer are an affordable alternative to CPAP machines. You can learn more about them by reading the Spark Sleep Solutions blog.

Get an Oral Device to Treat Your Sleep Apnea Today!

Oral devices are a highly effective treatment option for sleep apnea, and we offer effective options for Santa Cruz oral devices for sleep apnea at affordable prices. So, if you’re in the Santa Cruz area and looking for one, get in touch with Spark Sleep Solutions today!