Skip to main content

The Advantages of Using an Oral Appliance for Your Sleep Apnea

The Advantages of Using an Oral Appliance for Your Sleep Apnea

If you or someone you love struggles with sleep apnea, you know how exhausting and frustrating it can be. Sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly during the night, leaving you feeling drained and putting your health at risk. 

If you don’t seek treatment, the condition can lead to serious problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Here at Hibernation Sleep MN in Saint Paul, Minnesota, our team has expertise in providing oral appliances that can help you sleep. These small, custom-fit devices make treating sleep apnea easy; for many people, they’ve completely changed how they sleep (and feel) every day.

Oral appliances explained

An oral appliance is a small, custom-made device you wear in your mouth while you sleep. It looks similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. 

The appliance gently repositions your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open, preventing breathing interruptions. 

We offer SomnoDent Avant®, ProSomnus® IA, and Respire Pink AT™ and provide guidance on the best fit after an evaluation.

Advantages of using an oral appliance

An oral appliance can benefit you in many ways, including:

1. Comfort and ease of use

One of the main reasons patients prefer an oral appliance is comfort. Unlike CPAP machines, you don’t have to deal with masks, hoses, or machines. The appliance fits easily into your mouth and often feels natural after a few nights of use.

2. Portability

Traveling with a CPAP machine can be a hassle — it’s bulky, requires electricity, and can take up a lot of luggage space. In contrast, an oral appliance is compact and easy to pack, making it an ideal choice for people who travel frequently.

3. Quiet treatment

CPAP machines can be noisy, and even a low hum can disturb sleep. Oral appliances are silent, allowing for a peaceful sleeping environment for everyone.

4. Easy maintenance

Taking care of an oral appliance is simple. Typically, you need to clean it daily with a toothbrush and mild soap, much like a retainer. You don’t need complicated cleaning systems or replacement parts.

5. High compliance rates

Because oral appliances are easy to use and comfortable, you’re likely to stick with them long-term. Many people are more consistent with oral appliance therapy compared to CPAP.

6. Custom-fitted for best results

Oral appliances are customized for your mouth, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. We take impressions of your teeth to design an appliance perfect for your needs.

Is an oral appliance right for you?

Oral appliances are most effective if you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or if you can’t tolerate CPAP therapy. If you think an oral appliance might be a good fit for you, consult one of our specialists to get started.

Call our friendly office staff at 651-374-9791 or request an appointment online today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

How Insomnia Negatively Impacts Your Health

How Insomnia Negatively Impacts Your Health

Your insomnia may do more than just leave you tired and grouchy. The constant disruption in your sleep can negatively affect your health. Learn more about insomnia, its link to chronic health conditions, and what to do about it.