Was Your CPAP Recalled? Try an Oral Appliance Instead!

A recent recall of Philips Respironics CPAP machines affected millions of people, leaving them without a reliable way to address their sleep apnea. Were you among them? If so, you may be wondering if there are reliable CPAP alternatives in Eugene that could help you manage your condition. Fortunately, the answer is yes! Many people have benefited from oral appliance therapy. Let’s talk about what an oral appliance is and some of the advantages it has over CPAP machines.

What Is an Oral Sleep Appliance?

Most oral sleep appliances resemble a mouthguard that you would wear for sports. However, instead of aiming to protect you from injury, the appliances slightly shift your jaw forward while you sleep, keeping your airway open. Oral appliances have proven to be an effective sleep apnea treatment in Eugene for countless individuals, including those who suffer from mild to moderate cases of the disorder.

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy

Some of the most noteworthy benefits of oral sleep appliances include:

Safety

The recent CPAP recall happened after it was discovered that a foam in the Philips Respironics machines could break down, posing a health hazard for patients. Oral appliances have no such foam. In fact, they are made out of materials that are well-tolerated by almost everyone.

Silence

A common complaint about CPAP therapy is that it is noisy. Oral appliances are completely silent. If your sleep apnea is severe enough that you must use a CPAP, you could use an oral appliance along with your machine. This type of combined therapy for sleep apnea in Eugene may allow you to place your CPAP on a lower, quieter setting.

Convenience

If you have ever traveled with your CPAP machine, it may have been a hassle to check airline regulations and carry your device with you through the airport. Taking your oral appliance with you on the go is much simpler; you can easily slip it into your carry-on luggage.

Easy Maintenance

Properly cleaning a CPAP machine may require special equipment and extra diligence — the last thing you want is for harmful bacteria to build up in its hoses or tank. Cleaning an oral appliance is quite simple and takes just a few minutes each day.

Getting Started with Oral Appliance Therapy

If you would like to find out if an oral appliance could effectively treat your sleep apnea in Eugene, schedule an appointment with a dentist who offers them. They will assess your situation and help you determine which specific type of appliance would benefit you the most. There will be an adjustment period as you start treatment, but most patients find that the quality of their rest improves quite quickly.

Don’t let a recall prevent you from getting the rest you need to feel and function your best! Oral appliance therapy from a sleep dentist in Eugene is a safe and effective CPAP alternative.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Ivan Paskalev is an experienced dentist who has dedicated himself to learning the intricacies of how to address sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. Whether your CPAP was recalled, you find it difficult to tolerate your CPAP, or you are just beginning to suspect that you have sleep apnea, he would be happy to serve you. Contact our office at 541-246-8284 to learn more about Dr. Paskalev and his practice.