Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) has historically been one of the most common treatments for a condition like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Medical doctors are familiar with CPAP therapy and therefore are comfortable prescribing it as treatment. A CPAP machine uses a face mask and compressor to ram air down the airway. This forceful stream of air keeps the airways open so that patients can breathe continuously during sleep. However, some patients find that CPAP intensifies certain symptoms while also leading to new ones they weren’t experiencing before treatment began. This is what Dr. Nugent refers to as CPAP intolerance.
CPAP intolerance include:
- Continued drowsiness
- Skin, eye, or sinus irritations
- Nasal congestion
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Inability to get comfortable in order to go to sleep
- Unwillingness to take CPAP on trips
Thankfully, CPAP is not the only treatment option for patients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Nugent can help patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Our patients enjoy having an alternative to CPAP and getting the full night of rest they deserve.
With oral appliance therapy Dr. Nugent uses a comfortable, custom-made mouthpiece designed to advance the patient’s tongue and lower jaw (mandible) forward. These keeps airways open. As an added bonus, the mandibular advancement will also greatly decrease snoring. There are multiple devices and Dr. Nugent can pick the device that is right for you.
Has you MD tried to treat your OSA with CPAP? Have you experienced uncomfortable side effects? Are you CPAP compliant? Do you like your CPAP? Do you want to know your options to avoid having to use a CPAP. These are some of the questions that Dr. Nugent can help you with. Dr. Nugent offers personalized treatment plan that includes oral appliance therapy.
