CPAP Machine VS Oral Appliances: Goodbye CPAP Machine Marks?

Determining the differences between sleep apnea treatments like CPAP and oral devices such as Avant can be challenging.

The goal of this article is to help you distinguish between CPAP machines and oral devices, and decide which is the most appropriate & comfortable option for your sleep apnea treatment.

What is a CPAP Machine?

CPAP machine, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, is worn on the face and delivers pressurized air through a tube and mask, allowing the patient to breathe freely and efficiently throughout the night. CPAP is most used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the throat muscles relax intermittently, resulting in an obstruction. Because CPAP was one of the first methods to treat sleep apnea, it is the most common, even if it’s not the best solution.

Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy is an excellent alternative to the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine for sufferers with a mild to moderate condition of obstructive sleep apnea. At The Strong Clinic, we stand behind The SomnoDent Avant. Digitally designed for a slim and durable fit. Featuring a comfortable, patented Bflex liner for patient comfort. Patient comfort is directly correlated to patient compliance, lending to the efficacy of this device.

The Difference Between CPAP and Oral Sleep Appliances

What are the main differences between CPAP and oral appliances? We can quickly identify the main differences between them:

• Functions: Each of the different machines treats the same type of mild obstructive sleep apnea, but with other processes and structures, far larger and more cumbersome than oral appliances.
• Travel: CPAP is difficult to carry around and is stored in a large case; with an appropriate adaptor and electrical cords, it requires electricity and is fragile should be used as carry-on baggage. On the other hand, oral devices can be stored in a retainer container and put in a briefcase or bag, and do not require electricity.
• Comfort: CPAP can cause skin discomfort (mask marks, puffiness), make loud noises that could disturb sleep, and you cannot eat/drink while wearing it. The SomnoDental oral device mouthpiece has 92% patient rate for comfort, could eat and drink while wearing them, and creates no additional sound that might disturb sleep.

Choosing The Right Sleep Apnea Treatment

The question of which treatment may be better for someone with sleep apnea depends on the patient’s preference.

For patients who suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are currently using CPAP successfully, there may be no need to search for an alternative. However, for patients concerned about obtaining mask marks from CPAP machines or carrying extensive medical equipment on their travels, an oral device like the Avant is a proven treatment.

Some individuals are not even aware of oral device therapy as an alternative to CPAP; sharing this article from The Strong Clinic is a good starting point. When diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is best to discuss the most suitable treatment options with your healthcare provider. Contact us, and book an appointment today to enjoy a quality experience helping you live a more refreshing life.