A CPAP machine is a medical device that delivers continuous positive airway pressure through a facemask or nasal tube attached to a pump, usually placed next to the bed. The CPAP machine is plugged into any standard electrical outlet and the mask is worn whenever you sleep or nap. Proper adjustment of the CPAP mask and machine are vital to achieving maximum clinical benefit and can only be done in a physician’s office.
While the CPAP is the most effective form of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, the downside is that about 50% of patients that undergo CPAP treatment are unable to tolerate it. For those that aren’t comfortable with CPAP treatment, oral devices can be a perfect alternative to provide symptomatic relief and medical benefit.
- Are a 1st – line option in patients with mild and moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea and for all severities when intolerant to the CPAP mask. Published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
- Significantly lower risk of death from a cardiovascular event in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Cardiovascular Mortality Rate in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated with CPAP or Oral Appliance- Published in Respirology Journal
- Tend to have much higher rates of compliance. This research published in the Journal of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery show a CPAP non-adherence rate of 34.1% after compiling studies done over a 20 year span.
Reasons for CPAP Intolerance include:
- Embarrassment due to appearance or noise
- Noise from the machine disturbs bed partner
- Nasal congestion from the pressure
- Mask leaks pressure
- Pressure causes pain on tissue and teeth
- Difficult to use and inconvenient: requires electricity, parts must be cleaned
- Difficult to travel with (may require additional checked luggage)
- Adjustments or replacement of parts must be done at lab
- Unconsciously remove the mask at night