If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may have been led to believe that CPAP therapy is the only treatment option. The problem is, CPAP is often uncomfortable, and as a result many people who are prescribed CPAP therapy simply do not use their machine, rendering it useless in treating their apnea. But the good news is there is a solution. Custom sleep orthotics can be an excellent alternative to CPAP therapy. Here’s why.

It’s More Comfortable

A custom sleep orthotic is generally better tolerated and used more because it’s more comfortable than wearing an awkward sleep mask.

It’s Custom Fit to Your Mouth

As the name implies, a custom orthotic is custom fit to your individual mouth, so it fits and feels better than an over-the-counter boil-and-bite sleep device and better than a CPAP mask.

It’s More Effective

Studies have shown that mouth guards are actually more effective than CPAP in certain types of obstructive sleep apnea. In a recent study, patients with something called severe collapsibility (of the airway) had more success with a sleep orthotic than they did with CPAP therapy.

It May Be Covered by Insurance

Depending on your insurance, a sleep orthotic may be covered or partially covered by your insurance. Speak to the team at Dr. Lederman’s office about checking your individual policy to see what coverage you have for one of these orthotic devices.

No Complicated Machinery

With a CPAP machine, there is a learning curve. You must learn to operate the machinery and know what settings to use. And if the machine stops working or gets damaged, you may be financially on the hook for a rented machine, or have to replace a costly purchased machine that may or may not be covered by your insurance a first or second time. With your sleep orthotic, you just place the device in your mouth and go to bed. No scary-looking masks or complicated devices to operate.

They’re Easier to Clean

With CPAP therapy, you must either clean the tubing and machinery regularly or replace the tubing entirely, which adds up. With a sleep orthotic, you can simply soak it in denture cleanser during the day and it’s clean and ready for use by the time you’re ready to go to bed.

To learn more about sleep orthotics, please contact Dr. Lederman’s office at 516-882-1764.