Sleep Apnea Devices: Explore Your Options

Patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea have been to a sleep center to confirm the diagnosis. Often the apnea is treated with a variety of oral surgical procedures or a medical device referred to as a CPAP. There are patients who find the CPAP difficult to wear on a regular basis. Dentistry has developed a number of appliances that people can wear in their mouths while they sleep to aid and reduce the sleep apnea. A side benefit is the reduction or elimination of snoring. Reasons why you may not be able to use a CPAP include:

• I am claustrophobic
• My skin is very sensitive
• I can’t stand things on my face
• Latex allergy
• I am very sensitive to noises
• I think it’s going to restrict my movement during sleep.
• I heard that the air flow makes a whooshing sound.
• I heard that the air dries out the mouth.
• A lot of people never wear the device.
• It’s very unromantic.
• I don’t like the idea of having straps on my face while I sleep.
• I am a sensitive sleeper. I am easily awakened by my environment.

In order to have an intraoral device used to eliminate the apnea there are necessary steps you’ll need to do. You will need a letter from either a treating pulmonologist or an ear nose and throat physician stating that you are CPAP-intolerant, and that it is a medical necessity for you to have a dental device as a replacement for the CPAP. Once you have this letter in your possession or sent to our office we will see you for an evaluation. Please take a few minutes to view the various types of appliances available.

TAP3 Elite	Somnodent
TAP3 Elite Device	Somnodent Mouth Device

There are many other types of dental sleep apnea devices which have questionable long-term capabilities, including those which are described as “boil and bite”. Our focus here is on devices which normally last for many years.

As specialists in sleep apnea and how it relates to dental and overall health, we can provide the best possible options for sleep apnea devices, customized to your personal needs. Ask Dr. Markman for the best method for treating your sleep apnea and related disorders.