ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY FOR SNORING, SLEEP APNEA & CPAP PROBLEMS

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treatment options

Sleep-disordered breathing (snoring and obstructive sleep apnea) can be managed in several ways:

Behavior Modification

Modification of certain behaviors can help reduce the tendency of snoring and OSA but generally do not cure it unless it is very mild.  These modifications include weight loss, sleeping on your side instead of your back, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and eliminating smoking. 

Positive Airway Pressure

Considered the “gold standard”, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP) work very well to manage snoring and OSA in the vast majority of people.  It requires the use of an air compressor at bedside to deliver forced air into the nose via a nasal mask which keeps the airway open with air pressure.  However, the treatment is intrusive and cumbersome for many people and therefore rejected in a significant number of cases. 

Surgery

There are several surgical options to treat snoring and OSA ranging from relatively simple to very invasive and complex.  Depending on the severity of the problem and the type of surgery done, the results can vary from person to person.  Many times the process can be painful and expensive.  However, when it is successful, it can provide a good solution to the problem

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliances have been used since the mid-1980’s to successfully manage snoring and OSA.  They are very effective for many people but not everyone.  Recent research and official medical practice parameters indicate they are best utilized for mild to moderate conditions and whenever CPAP is not tolerated. 

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