Spark Sleep is the go-to resource for individuals in Santa Cruz seeking answers to sleep-related questions and potential solutions. Patients frequently ask our friendly and qualified staff about devices that serve as sleep aids.
When our sleep specialists prescribe solutions, two of the most common are oral appliances and CPAPs. People use these devices because untreated sleep apnea and related disorders can increase mortality risk three- or four-fold.
With so much riding on the choice, how do you know which one is right for you? Here is what you need to know before choosing between an oral appliance and a CPAP.
How Both Devices Work
Oral Appliance Therapy
The idea behind an oral appliance is to adjust the position of your jaw and tongue. Poor oral posture can crowd your breathing pathway while you sleep, leading to a reduction in oxygen intake. The net effect of poor oral posture is less restful sleep. Dentists usually make impressions of a patient’s teeth to design an oral appliance.
CPAP
A CPAP is a device that fits over the mouth and nose. The goal is to stabilize the air pressure in a person’s breathing pathway. Most CPAPs can adjust automatically to changes in a patient’s needs. The air pressure will overcome any obstruction, ensuring that the individual gets more restful sleep.
Pros and Cons
Oral Appliance
The big pro of an oral appliance is its relative simplicity. There is a risk of a person moving during a sleep cycle and cutting off the tubing, an issue that leads to CPAP wearers waking up.
By far the most common complaint about oral devices is jaw soreness. Some individuals also experience tooth discomfort and excess salivation. Individuals may also not be good candidates for an oral device if they’ve had too many tooth extractions or suffer from a condition like TMJ.
The overall success rate for oral appliances typically ranges from 50% to 75%. However, better compliance with use instructions can boost the success rate into the 80-90% range. Many patients also report generally finding oral appliances to be more comfortable.
CPAP
Nasal dryness is the most common issue with CPA users. Individuals also sometimes report mask marks on their faces and air leaks from the tubing system. Eye irritation may develop if there are leaks around the edges of the mask, so getting the right fit is critical. With correct usage, a CPAP has an effectiveness rate higher than 95%.
Choosing
The severity of the patient’s obstructive sleep apnea is the determining factor. Individuals with mild OSA are good candidates for an oral appliance, especially if they’ve had trouble with a CPAP mask in the past. Folks with moderate-to-severe OSA should strongly consider a CPAP over an oral appliance. This is because of the higher effectiveness of CPAPs in treating severe OSA cases.
Whether you still have questions or are ready to pick a device to treat sleep apnea, Spark Sleep is here for you. Our Santa Cruz location is highly convenient and well-equipped. Contact us today to make an appointment.