Why Combined Sleep Apnea Treatment Is Often a Great Solution

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’ve probably heard about CPAP machines and oral appliances. And it’s also probably reassuring to hear that many people do well with just one of these treatments! But for some patients, especially those with more severe sleep apnea, a single therapy doesn’t fully do the job. Here’s why combined therapy sometimes ends up being the perfect marriage of these two solutions.

What Exactly Is Combined Therapy?

Combined therapy simply means using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine together with a custom-made oral appliance from a sleep dentist. The CPAP device delivers air pressure to keep your airway open, while the oral appliance, which looks similar to a nightguard, gently positions your jaw forward to help prevent your airway from collapsing. Because the two work as a team, each one carries part of the load, making them both more successful!

The Benefits of Combined Therapy

Patients gain several immediate advantages when they begin using a CPAP with their oral appliance, including:

• Since the appliance helps keep your airway open, your CPAP machine may not need to run at a higher setting, which can mean it will be a little quieter and more comfortable to use.
• Many patients also end up using a smaller, nasal mask rather than the traditional full-face one, which makes the machine itself easier to tolerate.
• Studies have consistently shown that combined therapy can bring more effective relief than CPAP alone.

Am I a Good Candidate for Combined Therapy?

Combined therapy may be worth considering if you have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, you aren’t getting enough relief from a CPAP machine or an oral appliance by itself, or you find your CPAP mask too uncomfortable or inconvenient to use. However, the best way to know for sure is by scheduling an appointment with a trusted sleep dentist. After evaluating your airway and discussing your lifestyle and sleep tendencies with you, they’ll be able to determine the best course of action to help you get restful sleep once more.

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Deborah A. Romack, our team here at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine has proudly served patients in the area for years. We offer a wide range of proven sleep apnea solutions, including custom-made oral appliances as well as combined therapy. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re interested in setting up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (817) 594-3806.