CPAP Mask vs. Mouthguard: What’s the Difference?
If you suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to help you! Find out about the mouthguard vs. CPAP mask for treating sleep apnea, based on our Muncie, IN dentist’s many years of experience.
But first, let’s go over the disorder and symptoms…
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing periodically stops. When this happens, the body wakes to resume breathing.
These abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep can be serious, not only affecting your sleep patterns but in serious cases can interfere with the brain’s oxygen supply.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea symptoms may include:
- Loud snoring
- Teeth grinding during the night
- Insomnia and restless sleep
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- Occasional waking with gasping
- Morning headaches
- Feeling tired throughout the day
- Attention problems
- And more!
If you believe you or a loved one have sleep apnea, you’re not alone.
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association… This text opens a new tab to the American Sleep Apnea Association website…, it’s estimated that 22 million people suffer from sleep apnea.
Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?
As you can imagine, sleep interruptions aren’t good for you, but just how much they affect your health may shock you.
According to Healthline… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website…, studies show that sleep apnea is tied to the following health conditions:
- Weakened immune system
- Breathing problems
- Asthma complications
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
- And more!
In addition to the symptoms listed above, sleep apnea can dramatically affect your mental health as well.
Some of these mental health challenges include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short-term memory loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
What starts off as a simple snoring problem could be a big issue, so don’t ignore the symptoms of sleep apnea!
How can sleep apnea be treated?
Step one would be to schedule an appointment with your Muncie dentist, Dr. Pyle, to discuss your concern.
Believe it or not, your dentist may be the first person to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and can recommend a treatment plan.
Dentists commonly prescribe the CPAP mask – a continuous positive airway pressure device that gently blows air via a mask. But this machine is bulky, and you have to wear it every single night.
The truth is, this mask can be cumbersome and cause more discomfort than relief for some sleep apnea sufferers.
You may be wondering… Should I use the CPAP mask for sleep apnea?
Some common complaints people have about the CPAP mask include:
- It’s difficult to transport, especially while vacationing and camping.
- The constrictive mask inflames the flesh around the mouth, causing skin problems and acne.
- The plastic hose limits natural sleeping positions and makes it difficult to get up at night if needed.
- It pushes air into the lungs and can cause damage to the interior of the lungs.
- It can be expensive and cost thousands of dollars.
Is there an alternative sleep apnea treatment?
Yes, there is another option for treatment. You don’t have to settle for a CPAP mask.
Try Dr. Pyle’s SomnoDent mouthguard instead of the CPAP mask!
Dr. Pyle has an alternative, more comfortable way to treat sleep apnea – the SomnoDent Mouthguard.
The customized mouthguard is noninvasive compared to the CPAP mask and is extremely effective in opening the airway to promote breathing at night.
How does the mouthguard treat sleep apnea?
The mouthguard is an oral sleep appliance that adjusts the jaw and opens the airway, promoting a better night’s sleep for sleep apnea patients.
Each mouthguard is custom made to fit a person’s mouth, consisting of lower and upper teeth covers. It’s much more comfortable than the CPAP mask, but despite its small size – it’s very effective in treating sleep apnea.
Treat sleep apnea in Muncie, IN
If you have been avoiding sleep apnea treatment because of the dreaded CPAP mask, never fear because we have the perfect appliance for treating sleep apnea.
Schedule your consultation at our Muncie, IN dental office, serving surrounding communities of Anderson, Yorktown, Selma, Middletown Park, and New Castle.
Make An Appointment at University Avenue Dental
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2013 and has been completely revamped for comprehensiveness and timeliness.
