CPAP Failure: How a Dentist Can Help
When you were prescribed a CPAP machine, you probably felt overjoyed at the prospect of finally getting restorative sleep again. The devastation of CPAP failure can leave you feeling hopeless and wondering what will happen to your health. Although a CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it does not always work. In the event of CPAP failure, working with a sleep apnea dentist may be able to help.
Why Do CPAP Machines Fail?
Using a CPAP is difficult, and 30% to 40% of patients abandon use within one year. The flow of continuous positive airway pressure is uncomfortable for many people, and some even find that using the CPAP increases their apneic episodes.
It is unclear why some people are unable to tolerate a CPAP well. Sometimes, doctors cannot determine the definitive cause, just as they may never conclude why some people develop sleep apnea.
Although CPAP failure is disheartening, it does not mean that you are out of options. Dr. Marc Levin and other experienced sleep apnea dentists specialize in creating oral appliances that can keep your airway open while you sleep.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
A popular CPAP alternative is a mouthguard that brings the jaw forward, keeping the airway open when the muscles relax during an apneic event. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea who have found a CPAP machine helpful.
Dr. Levin will create a custom mouthpiece that helps prevent the collapse of the soft tissue and tongue while you sleep. This ensures the airway remains open, and you can continue breathing without disruptions.
Schedule a Consultation at eos Dental Sleep
At our practice in Philadelphia, we specialize in helping sleep apnea patients overcome their disorders. Dr. Marc Levin has extensively trained in oral appliance therapy to deliver the most personalized, effective care to his patients. Rated one of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors of 2023, Dr. Levin embraces every opportunity to make his patients' lives better.
If you would like to learn more about our services, please send us a message or call (215) 241-0700.