When provided by doctors and dentists trained in sleep apnea, such as Dr. Shapira, oral appliances are a better option for the treatment of sleep apnea than CPAP. Patients who are prescribed CPAP complain about the noise of the machine, or the claustrophobic feeling of the mask, which can cause nightmares. Patients do not like feeling tethered by the hose. Some patients report problems with allergies, acne, bronchitis, dizziness, and dry mouth or nose, and many suffer chronic sinus infections. As a result, only about 23-45 % of patients actually use their CPAP machine, meaning that their sleep apnea goes untreated and they continue to suffer the dangers of this condition.
Patients given the choice between CPAP and an oral appliance will generally choose the oral appliance, and because it is more comfortable, they will actually use their oral appliances and experience relief.
The comfort and relief provided make oral appliances a more effective sleep apnea treatment in most cases, and that is the reason why Dr. Shapira trains dentists and doctors in the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea. Dentists trained with Dr. Shapira provide oral appliance treatment in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Dallas, Texas; Tampa Bay, Florida to Palo Alto, California.
If you have either been prescribed CPAP, and either cannot use it or would rather try a better alternative, contact Dr. Shapira at the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center today to learn how oral appliances can provide relief.