CPAP Affects You & Your Relationship
At first, you were waking up in the middle of the night because of your loud, uncontrollable snoring. Now you’re waking up to the sounds of an electric machine that is constantly blowing air in your face. When will these interruptions stop? Sleep apnea doesn’t only impact you, but these disruptive noises can also greatly affect your sleeping partner.
Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) masks use constant air flow to administer to sleep apnea patients while they sleep so they are capable of breathing regularly at night. This is the first treatment recommended by a physician and generally works. However, nearly half or more of sleep apnea suffers stop using their CPAP because they dislike its bulkiness, inability to take when traveling, loud noise, and intrusiveness while they sleep.
These inconveniences associated with CPAP machines have changed treatment for sleep apnea. Today there are smaller, custom-made dental mouthguards that are used to treat the condition. If you or your partner are having difficulty sleeping at night because of a CPAP machine, Dr. Ralhan recommends oral appliances as an effective, more tolerable solution.
Small, Convenient Oral Appliances
Oral appliances deliver results that our Oakville and Burlington patients can count on by helping them receive the desired sleep necessary to get through the next day. Many patients find that oral appliances are far less intrusive and more comfortable to wear than a conventional CPAP solution.
At Ralhan Dental, our dental devices are:
- Easy to use
- Don’t require electric power
- Can travel with you anywhere you go
- More affordable than CPAP
Your significant other won’t be awoken by your snoring or CPAP machine anymore. We offer a variety of oral appliances that we can tailor to meet your specific needs.
Mandibular Advancement Device
One of the most popular solutions used in sleep dentistry that we provide for our patients is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). “Mandible” means jawbone and “advancement” is the act of moving forward, so a MAD is a dental mouthpiece that works to move the jaw forward during a patient’s sleep.
Our custom-made devices are fit individually to your mouth so they can open your airway in order to diminish the restriction of your tongue, tonsils, or other soft tissues in the that that may be obstructing your breathing throughout sleep apnea episodes.
We use the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) for the lower jaw that has been specifically engineered to keep your airway open. The TAP allows our patients to adjust the device while being used and many have found it to be a satisfying relief for their sleep.
Tongue Retaining Device
The tongue retaining device (TRD) is another CPAP alternative available to treat your sleep apnea. It works by holding the tongue forward in your mouth, preventing it from blocking the airway while you sleep.
Unlike a MAD that moves your jaw forward, a TRD simply holds your tongue in place. This oral appliance is a great option for patients with enlarged tongues. Dr. Ralhan will work with you to find out if a TRD is the best solution for your sleep apnea.
Additional Alleviators for Sleep Apnea
Known to cause stress, irritability, and even depression, sleep apnea can be relieved through a variety of lifestyle changes and therapeutic exercises. For patients who are overweight or obese, you can reduce symptoms by dieting and exercising to lose the excess weight. Also, decreasing tobacco and alcohol intake can help you find relief from your sleep apnea.
Positional therapy can be helpful for a patient whose sleep apnea occurs when they’re sleeping on their back. A special device worn around your waist or back will help prevent you from rolling onto your back and keep you in a side position. For more severe cases, surgery is available which may be the best resolution to treat sleep apnea for some patients.
The Path to a Better Night’s Rest
Here at Rahlan Dental, we understand that finding the right solution for your sleep apnea can be challenging. We have a wide variety of treatments and are confident that we can find the one that works best for you.
During your visit at one of our conveniently located offices in Oakville and Burlington, Dr. Ralhan will examine your unique symptoms and work with you to find the CPAP alternative that is most compatible for you. Schedule your appointment at Ralhan Dental today.
Call Today 905-257-3368
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sleep apnea machines noisy?
While many new CPAP (continuous-positive airway pressure) machines are quieter than they used to be, the level of noise does bother some people. If you have trouble sleeping when there’s noise, you may have difficulty falling asleep with a CPAP.
Fortunately, sleep apnea mouthpieces are often just as effective for treatment. Best of all, they’re completely silent. If you or your partner have difficulty falling asleep with the noise of a CPAP, a mouthpiece can fix this issue.
Does CPAP work for everyone?
No. Simply put, CPAP is not the ideal form of treatment for everyone living with sleep apnea. While it’s the most common form of treatment, many patients experience great difficulty adjusting to the face mask.
Problems or side effects associated with using a CPAP machine include dry sinuses and headaches. If you’re currently using a CPAP machine for treatment but find it uncomfortable, contact Dr. Ralhan for an alternative treatment plan.
Can sleep apnea go away without treatment?
Unfortunately, sleep apnea won’t disappear on its own. It’s a serious condition that can lead to a number of secondary health problems when left untreated. Getting a proactive diagnosis and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is the best way to improve your quality of life and protect your overall health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also have a positive impact.