Sleep Apnea Treatment: Why Oral Appliances Are Gaining Popularity

It is very normal for a lot of people all over the world to have sleep apnea. When someone sleeps and their breathing stops and starts a lot, this can happen. Health problems like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure can happen because of it. It can also make it hard to sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is what most people with sleep apnea have to deal with. In this case, your throat muscles get too loose at night and block your mouth. A machine called CPAP has been thought to be the best way to treat sleep apnea for a long time. There are, however, more and more people with sleep apnea who choose mouthpieces instead.

What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

Your dentist can make a mandibular advancement device (MAD) that moves your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep. The machine slowly moves the head forward. This keeps the airway open so that the muscles in the throat don’t relax and block the mouth. Oral tools are often used as a second choice to CPAP because it can be hard for some people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea to use or not work at all. 

Why Are Oral Appliances Gaining Popularity?

1. Comfort and Convenience

One of the main reasons people are switching to oral gadgets from CPAP machines is that they are more comfortable. For CPAP treatment, a person wears a mask that covers their nose and/or mouth and is hooked up to a machine that blows air into their airway. This setup is uncomfortable for a lot of people, especially those who have problems with tightness, stuffy noses, or dry mouth. On the other hand, oral tools are small, quiet, and simple to wear. People often find them more comfortable to sleep with because they fit so well in their mouths.

2. Portability

Another advantage of oral appliances is their portability. Unlike CPAP machines, which require power outlets and are bulky to transport, oral appliances are small and easy to carry. Because of this, they are a great choice for people who move a lot or who find it hard to carry around a CPAP machine. Whether for business trips or vacations, users can carry their oral appliance for sleep apnea in a small case, making it easy to maintain consistent sleep apnea treatment on the go.

3. Non-Invasive Nature

Oral appliances are non-invasive and don’t require surgery or significant lifestyle changes. CPAP therapy, while effective, often requires consistent maintenance, such as cleaning the equipment regularly and ensuring the mask remains sealed throughout the night. For many people, this can be cumbersome. Oral appliances, however, are easy to clean and maintain, requiring little more than regular washing to keep them in working order.

4. Proven Effectiveness

Oral tools have been shown to dramatically cut down on snoring and are an effective way to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. Several studies have demonstrated that oral appliances can improve oxygen levels during sleep and reduce the frequency of apneas (the pauses in breathing). In some cases, oral appliances can even be more effective than CPAP for patients with less severe forms of sleep apnea.

5. Customized Fit

Because oral appliances are custom-made by a dentist or orthodontist, they are tailored specifically to each individual’s mouth and needs. This customization ensures that the device fits comfortably and effectively in keeping the airway open. A well-fitted oral appliance is essential for achieving optimal results, as it will be more effective in preventing airway collapse and less likely to cause discomfort during use.

6. Improved Quality of Life

Oral appliances can make a big difference in a person’s general health by helping them sleep better. If you don’t treat sleep apnea, you may feel tired all the time, have trouble focusing, get angry, and have a higher risk of getting major health problems. People with sleep apnea who use an oral device can sleep better, have more energy, and lower their risk of long-term health problems related to sleep apnea.

Conclusion

More and more people are choosing oral tools to treat sleep apnea because they are comfortable, easy to carry, and work well. These devices are a handy and non-invasive way to treat sleep apnea, especially for people with mild to moderate cases, as more people look for alternatives to CPAP. Because they can be customized and have been shown to work, oral tools are a great choice for people who want to improve their health and sleep. An oral device may be the answer you’ve been looking for if you have sleep apnea and want a more comfortable and easy way to treat it.