Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It is considered the golden standard of care. A CPAP machine uses a hose and mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure. The CPAP is the only device a physician can dispense; thus is widely over distributed.
Common problems with CPAP include:
- Noise from machine
- Disrupts partners sleep
- Dry mouth.
- Dry eyes.
- Bloating, Burping, and Gas.
- Congestion or irritation of the nasal passages
- Difficulty Exhaling.
- Skin Irritation and Acne.
- Claustrophobia.
Coming in a close second and In cases of minor to moderate OSA, there is an alternative treatment known as an oral dental appliance which can only be made by a sleep-trained dentist such as Dr. Lindner at Dental Sleep Medicine of Greenville (DSM).
A Comfortable Alternative Oral Appliance
- Comfortable and easy to use
- No noise
- Easy to clean
- Small and portable
- Convenient for travel
- Easy to use
- Reduce or prevent bruxism (grinding)
- No electricity required
- No hoses to get tangled in during sleep
- No mask to cause skin irritations
- No feelings of claustrophobia
Instead of simply covering your teeth, an appliance for sleep apnea works by repositioning your lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping your airway open. If you’re wondering how long it takes to get used to wearing an appliance? Most patients find that their device feels quite comfortable after two or three days of consistent use.
What about Surgery?
A less frequent treatment for sleep apnea is surgery. Who qualifies for sleep apnea surgery? Patients must have moderate to severe sleep apnea that cannot tolerate CPAP or oral appliances to be eligible. They also must be at least 22 years old and not significantly overweight. Patients will have to meet with a surgeon to see if this procedure is an option for them.
How much does sleep apnea surgery cost?
Surgical intervention, which is often used to reduce or tighten excess tissue, will typically cost $6,000 and $10,000. The price of surgery is also affected by hospital fees and insurance coverage. For example, an oral appliance can cost around $2,999, and most insurance plans contribute to the cost.
Then there is weight loss. Weight loss may help reduce sleep apnea symptoms for some people, but only if you have obstructive sleep apnea. It will not cure it.
If you would like a complimentary consultation to discuss your situation, contact DSM of Greenville by clicking the button below.
