CPAP
Continuous Positive Air Pressure
CPAP was developed in 1980 and has saved the lives and quality of lives of thousands of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sufferers. It uses a machine that blows air through a hose into a mask worn by the patient. This positive air pressure literally inflates the closed airway like a balloon and allows breathing to continue uninterrupted during sleep.
Disadvantages of CPAP
- The sound of air blowing from the machine through the mask can irritate many people, disturbing their sleep.
- The mask may be very hard to fit, causing pressure sores on the face over time.
- Sleeping with a mask over the face can be difficult.
- Air leaking between the mask and face can disturb sleep.
- The presence of CPAP can be a barrier to intimacy.
- CPAP requires continual cleaning of hoses and filters.
- Traveling with CPAP can be cumbersome with airline regulations for carry-on luggage.
Oral appliances as an alternative
Because of the challenges with CPAP, up to 50 percent of users abandon treatment, while 91 percent of Oral Appliance users maintain treatment. For those patients who cannot tolerate CPAP and who cannot be helped enough with an oral appliance alone, we offer combination therapy.
