If you have sleep apnea, you may find that you wake up all through the night. You probably don’t know what a good night’s sleep really is. If you visit Bogrow & Associates, you will hear Dr. Bogrow talk about a non-surgical option to treat sleep apnea and snoring, known as an oral or dental appliance or sleep apnea mouthpiece.

How does a sleep apnea mouthpiece work?

An oral appliance helps keep your airway open while you sleep. This allows you to breathe without interruptions. Each mouthpiece is custom-fitted by Dr. Bogrow to ensure effectiveness and a comfortable fit. Oral devices are often the best alternative to a CPAP machine, which can be uncomfortable for the user. A dental mouthpiece is also a great backup for travel. For some patients, they are used alternately with a CPAP device, since a CPAP is not very convenient and is not especially portable. For many people, a sleep apnea mouthpiece is the better option. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros of Using A Dental Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece

Cost-Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment

When you compare the price of a CPAP machine to a custom-fitted oral appliance, you’ll find the sleep apnea mouthpiece is far less expensive than the CPAP. However, the good news is that the oral appliance is a medical device prescribed as a treatment for a medical problem, so it is covered by medical insurance. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can when left untreated, contribute to other dangerous health issues such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and diabetes, so it is best to get it treated as soon as possible.

Less Equipment to Deal With

A CPAP machine includes a hose, a power cord, filters, an air delivery system, and a mask. These all have to be cleaned and maintained. Even though they can be kept in a box for travel, it can be burdensome. An oral appliance is just one piece and it’s made from lightweight material. There’s no setup as it is just placed in your mouth.

Portability

For those who travel frequently, it can be inconvenient to carry a CPAP machine with them. If you love the great outdoors and camping outside it can be challenging to find a power source to run the machine. A sleep apnea mouthpiece, on the other hand, is small and easy to carry in its compact case. It doesn’t require a power source so you can use it no matter where you are.

Cons of Using A Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece

Slightly Uncomfortable

It depends on which oral appliance Dr. Bogrow prescribes and how it’s fitted, but you can expect an adjustment period. Dr. Bogrow will schedule follow-ups with you to ensure the oral appliance he has prescribed is fitting properly and is addressing your symptoms without side effects. For most patients, this is a fair tradeoff since the CPAP mask can be uncomfortable too. You can expect to experience some mild discomfort during the first few weeks after you get a new oral appliance from Michigan Sleep Apnea Center. But in time, you should adjust. If not, call Dr. Bogrow to check the fitting.

Jaw Pain

A mouthpiece engages your jaw muscles slightly throughout the night. Especially on hinged mouthpieces which are designed to keep your jaw open. As your mouth’s muscles gain strength, the pain should fade.

Sore Teeth

Many people complain of sore teeth when they first start wearing a sleep apnea mouthpiece. This is usually an easy fix. Dr. Bogrow just needs to make some adjustments to ensure the device is aligned properly. Then, the soreness should go away.

Dry Mouth or Excessive Saliva

If you tend to breathe through your mouth while you sleep, you can expect a dry mouth or drool. There is a special spray designed to alleviate dry mouth. If you notice you drool more with the mouthpiece, drink plenty of water so you do not get dehydrated.

Contact Dr. Bogrow at Michigan Sleep Apnea Center

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact Dr. Bogrow to schedule an exam. If you’d like more information on a sleep apnea mouthpiece, contact us. Let us help you get a good night’s sleep!