CPAP alternative · Wichita, KS
Can’t stand your CPAP? There’s another way to treat sleep apnea.
CPAP works when it’s worn, but plenty of people can’t sleep with the mask. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, and for anyone who can’t tolerate CPAP, sleep medicine guidelines recommend a custom oral appliance. Dr. Sheri Love fits them in Wichita.
Why people give up on CPAP
The reasons are familiar: the mask leaks or leaves marks, the hose tangles, the air dries out your nose and mouth, the machine hums, you can’t sleep on your side, and packing it for a trip is a project. Many people prescribed CPAP stop using it, or wear it for only part of the night. An untreated night is an untreated night, however good the machine is.
CPAP vs. an oral appliance
| CPAP machine | Custom oral appliance | |
|---|---|---|
| What you wear | A mask over your nose or mouth, a hose and a bedside machine | A slim custom mouthpiece |
| Noise | Constant airflow and motor hum | Silent |
| Sleeping position | The hose and mask can limit side and stomach sleeping | Sleep any way you like |
| Travel | A carry-on bag, plus power and distilled water | Fits in a pocket, no power needed |
| Daily upkeep | Clean the mask, hose and water chamber, and replace parts on a schedule | Brush and rinse it each morning |
| Best for | Severe sleep apnea, and anyone who sleeps well with it | Snoring, mild to moderate sleep apnea, and CPAP users who can’t tolerate the mask |
Who is a good candidate
- Adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- People with sleep apnea of any severity who can’t tolerate CPAP
- Side and stomach sleepers who fight the hose all night
- Frequent travelers, campers and anyone who sleeps away from an outlet
- People who snore without sleep apnea, once apnea has been ruled out
You’ll need healthy enough teeth and gums to hold the appliance. Dr. Love checks that, and your jaw joint, at your consultation.
Switching from CPAP, step by step
Bring your sleep study and your CPAP prescription to your consultation. Dr. Love will review them, take 3D scans and, if an appliance fits your diagnosis, coordinate the appliance prescription with your sleep physician. Once your appliance is adjusted, a follow-up sleep test confirms it’s controlling your apnea. Keep your CPAP until then. See the full process.
Questions
CPAP alternative questions
Something else on your mind? Call the office at 316-440-9700.
Can an oral appliance replace my CPAP?
For many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for people who can’t tolerate CPAP, yes. Dr. Love works with your sleep physician to confirm it is right for you, and a follow-up sleep test checks the results.
What if my sleep apnea is severe?
CPAP is usually the first choice for severe sleep apnea. Some people with severe apnea who truly can’t use CPAP still benefit from an appliance, and some use both: CPAP at home and the appliance for travel. Your physician and Dr. Love will recommend what fits.
Do I need a new prescription?
You need a physician’s prescription for an oral appliance. If your sleep physician wrote one for CPAP, Dr. Love’s office can help coordinate the appliance prescription.
What happens to my CPAP machine?
Keep it until your follow-up sleep test confirms the appliance is working. Many people keep it as a backup.
Related
Keep reading
Sleep without the mask.
Call the office or request a consultation online. If you haven’t had a sleep study yet, we can order a home sleep test for you.