If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and are frustrated with your CPAP machine, you may feel like getting a good night’s sleep is hopeless. CPAP can be overwhelming for some people, and as a result they inevitably stop using it altogether. This of course means that they’re back to square one with their OSA, not getting proper rest, and potentially worsening many of the dangerous side effects associated with untreated OSA.
Thankfully, there’s a solution for patients with mild to moderate OSA. An oral appliance known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can do what CPAP can’t: allow you to get a consistent and comfortable night’s sleep without the need for forced air or any of the tangle of tubes and equipment that comes along with it.
How do MADs Work?
MADs work by positioning the jaw forward so that the airway is opened naturally while you are in a reclined position. This allows you to breathe easier and maintain a healthy blood oxygen level while you sleep. It can also reduce snoring and help you wake less frequently throughout the night.
What Are the Benefits of MADs?
In addition to helping you breathe better during the night, MADs offer many other benefits that may not be possible with CPAP:
- They’re easier to clean: You can gently brush your MAD with a soft-bristled brush, rinse, and soak in a retainer cleaner after each use. Then simply rinse, pat dry, and store until it’s time to use again.
- They require no electricity: Whether you’re prone to power outages, need to sleep on a long flight or drive, enjoy camping outdoors, or simply would like to reduce utility costs, MADs can be used anywhere.
- They’re easier to pack: If you are traveling, your MAD can easily fit in a purse or bag, and probably won’t need to be removed from your luggage for airport security screenings.
- They’re custom fit to your individual mouth: Professionally crafted MADs are custom made by impressions taken by your dentist, so they fit you securely and comfortably and have no excess material like boil-and-bite devices available at retail might.
- They’re completely quiet: Whereas the sound of a CPAP machine could keep you or a sleep-partner up at night, MADs are totally silent.
Am I a Good Candidate for a MAD?
If you have mild to moderate OSA, healthy teeth and gums, and are tired of dealing with the inconvenience of CPAP, you could be an excellent candidate for a MAD. To learn more about the benefits of MADs and to see if they’re right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist and start getting the sleep you deserve.
About Dr. Drummond
Dr. David J. Drummond truly understands the anxiety we often face at the dentist’s office on a personal level. Thankfully, that apprehension has translated into making him the best dentist he can be and inspiring him to provide compassionate care in a relaxed environment to each and every one of his patients.
Dr. Drummond wants you to get a good night’s sleep with the assistance of a custom MAD. Whether you’re in the military, a first responder, or anyone else looking for an alternative to CPAP therapy, the team at Stop Snoring Lawton can help. To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call 580-227-8789.