Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a successful alternative to the CPAP machine for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. However, not everyone is a candidate for OAT, but it does remain a leading treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Here are three benefits of oral appliance therapy.
A reduction in health risks. OAT works to improve your sleep apnea symptoms, as well as your overall health as well. By treating your sleep apnea, you can reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The use of oral appliance therapy can not only improve your overall health, but it can also improve your daytime alertness, concentration and emotional stability.
Easy to use. Many people prefer OAT for treatment of sleep apnea because they are so easy to wear. While it might take a few weeks to get used to sleeping with an oral appliance in your mouth, you can rest easy knowing it isn’t intrusive and loud. This is very different than a CPAP machine because of the size and ease of use, as well as the lack of sound. With an oral appliance, you can easily sleep without complications of a machine getting in the way and your bed partner will be happy, too.
Convenient for traveling. It is pretty difficult to travel with a CPAP machine because of its size and accessories. The opposite goes for an oral appliance because it is small and easy to transport. If you need to travel for business, there’s nothing to worry about because you can easily pack your appliance and transport it wherever you go–it can even stay in your carry-on bag.
Contact Dr. Sara at AZ Sleep & TMJ Solutions in North Scottsdale to learn more about oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP for treatment of sleep apnea. With an oral appliance you are one step closer to a better night’s sleep.