Tens of millions of people worldwide suffer from sleep apnea, a not-so-rare yet medically serious condition. Treatments for this condition vary, but the two most common are CPAP machines and mouth guards, also called oral appliances. CPAP is the gold standard in treating OSA. However, mouthguards have recently become very popular because they are an effective and user-friendly alternative.
This article explores why mouthguards are considered better than using the CPAP machine for some people. From being comfortable and convenient to affordability and long-term adherence, oral appliances have much to offer.
A CPAP machine provides a constant flow of air pressure through a mask that maintains the airway's opening during sleep. Although CPAP therapy is very effective, usability, comfort, and compliance are often issues in its use. Often additional CPAP products are needed that include cpap cleaning
Mouth guards, or mandibular advancement devices, are oral appliances custom-fitted for the treatment of mild to moderate OSA. In these devices, the jaw and tongue are advanced, which in turn opens the airway, allowing better airflow and reducing snoring.
Both intervene to prevent the breaks in breathing. The mechanisms, user experiences, and outcomes are different.
1. Comfort and Ease of Use
First and foremost, comfort is the factor that causes patients to use mouthguards instead of CPAP machines.
2. Adherence and compliance are enhanced
The significant side effect of CPAP therapy is compliance. Studies have reported that most patients give up on CPAP due to discomfort or inconvenience. Oral appliances, however, have a very high compliance rate mainly because they are simple and comfortable.
Easily applied and maintained. This has made oral appliances more marketable for long-term therapy.
Sleep apnea mouth guards have minimal side effects, enhancing user satisfaction. In contrast, CPAP users often suffer from side effects such as dryness in the mouth, skin irritation, and nasal congestion. The comfort and ease of use of mouthguards, along with their high compliance rate, contribute to improved patient satisfaction.
3. Portability and Travel Convenience
Portability is one of the major concerns of a traveling individual concerning CPAP. Mouthguards are convenient.
Travel-Friendly: Mouthguards are small and take up little space. They are kept in a pouch or small-sized cases. A CPAP is much larger; one needs extra accommodations to allow hoses and attached masks.
Does Not Depend on a Power Source: CPAP machines are electrically powered, which can be frustrating when traveling or experiencing a power outage. The mouthpiece does not need an external power source, so it causes no hassle.
Installation Costs
The CPAP machine would cost $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the brand and features. Other expenses could include masks, hoses, filters, and maintenance.
Mouth guards are also custom-fitted; although not cheap, they range between $500 and $2,000, depending on the type and provider.
Most insurance companies cover the machine and appliance used to treat your oral cavity. Still, more successful patients appear to be covered as far as the mouthguards go as mouthpieces, mainly because they usually cost much cheaper.
Over time, CPAP machines can become more expensive due to the need for regular replacement of masks, hoses, and filters. In comparison, mouthguards require minimal maintenance and are, hence, cheaper in the long term, making them a cost-effective choice for sleep apnea treatment.
It requires constant cleaning of masks, hoses, and the water reservoir for a CPAP machine to prevent the development of bacteria.
Mouthguards are easy to clean using a toothbrush and a few drops of soap, saving time and effort.
It generally covers up sounds made by the device or air leakage coming from around the mask, thus making many users of CPAP sleepers' partners sleep poorly. Mouthguards eliminate such problems; sleeping nicely with your partner is relatively easier.
That's where the mouth guard would prove highly under-therapeutic for mild-moderate-mild cases with OSA severity, although appropriately suited to seriously affected individuals who require significant therapies. In assisting the patient and maintaining a more proper plane of treatment, one can prevent exposure to such interventions so highly at another level.
While they are mainly used to treat mild to moderate OSA, mouth guards were not comparable to CPAP machines in severity. However, with improvements in oral appliance technology, they gradually became adequate for a broad range of patients.
While sleep apnea mouth guards are usually very well-tolerated, sometimes patients even complain of jaw pain, that their teeth are being moved during this adjustment phase, or excessive salivation. It's important to note that there are potential risks associated with using mouthguards, such as these discomforts. However, these side effects generally fade away if fitted correctly and adjusted by a dental professional.
Side effects generally fade away if fitted correctly and adjusted by a dental professional. Dental professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that the mouthguard is custom-fitted to the patient's mouth, which can significantly reduce the risk of discomfort or other side effects.
Generic over-the-counter mouthguards are miles apart from these devices. Finding an enlightened dentist or orthodontist for maximum comfort and efficiency becomes significant for these specific appliances to fit rightly.
Many patients experience life-changing benefits once they stop using CPAP machines and instead choose to wear a mouth guard to help treat sleep apnea. Some of the benefits that this entails include but are not limited to:
These testimonials promise mouth guards as a practical, user-friendly treatment for sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are becoming more sophisticated. 3D printing and sensors are now boosting mouthguards' personalization and monitoring features. The following trends promise the future to be even more comfortable, effective, and user-friendly for patients.
Although CPAP machines are still the best treatment for sleep apnea, their disadvantages in terms of comfort, convenience, and compliance make them less attractive to many patients. Mouth guards offer much more straightforward and effortless alternatives for managing mild to moderate OSA. Small, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive, they are attractive to patients looking for an effective sleep apnea treatment free from the inconveniences of CPAP therapy.
