CPAP for OSA Sufferers

Previously, most sleep doctors would prescribe nightly use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of sleep apnea. This treatment involves wearing a face mask connected to a pump that forces air into the air passages at pressures high enough to overcome obstructions in the airway. Many patients find this treatment uncomfortable or intolerable, making an oral appliance often a more attractive option.

How CPAP works

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a device that treats OSA by providing a stream of air pressure, through a tube acting as a splint, to hold the upper airway open and prevent collapse. Use of this device requires a sleep study to determine the proper pressure to use. In this way, when a person sleeps, even if his throat muscles relax, the breathing passage stays open.

CPAP is administered by placing a mask with a good seal over the nose and attaching it to a low-pressure generator. The higher the pressure, the more uncomfortable the feeling of the device. This pressure can change over time, therefore retesting should be performed if the effects of the nasal CPAP appear to change.

Disadvantages of Using CPAP

This treatment for OSA is very effective if the patient is willing to use the device. Unfortunately, due to the its somewhat invasive nature, CPAP has a relatively low compliance rate.

Advantages of Using SomnoDent MAS™

• It is the only one to allow normal mouth opening and closing, which means you can talk or drink with device in position and close your lips.
• It does not impinge on your tongue space and fits wholly inside your mouth, which means it is more comfortable and discreet than other products.
• It is adjustable forward and back, which means it can be adjusted to the optimum position for effective treatment.
• It has been clinically demonstrated in trials, which means it has been shown to work in most cases of mild to moderate OSA and snoring.

If you suffer from snoring, contact your sleep apnea doctor in NJ, Michael Bixby, at (732) 224-1160.