Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP
This title of this page, Oral Appliance vs. CPAP, is not meant to imply competition between these two life-saving therapies but, rather, a comparison. CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) is a wonderful therapy and has saved the lives, and quality of lives, of untold hundreds of thousands of patients! However, there are significant differences between oral appliance therapy and CPAP that need to be identified.
Woman shown with oral appliance
CPAP mask
CPAP is regarded as the “gold standard” treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders and is by far the therapy most prescribed by physicians. However, up to 50% of patients who are prescribed CPAP refuse or fail this therapy within the first 6 months of treatment. Oral appliance therapy, by contrast, is extremely well tolerated by almost all who use it.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, in its practice parameters, recommends oral appliance as a first line therapy for those sleep apnea sufferers with mild and moderate sleep apnea who prefer oral appliance therapy over CPAP. In addition, these practice parameters state that oral appliance therapy can also be used for those with severe sleep apnea who refuse or fail CPAP treatment. Unfortunately, very few patients with sleep apnea are told about oral appliance therapy and, because their disorder remains unmanaged, they go on to live shortened lives of diminished quality with medical expenses doubling those whose sleep apnea is well managed. This blog is designed to help those who are wanting to consider an alternative therapy to CPAP and want the appropriate information to make an informed decision.
