Seeking A Solution For Sleep Apnea: Snoring Mouthpieces vs CPAP Machines

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition which affects millions of Americans every day – over 18 million, according to the National Sleep Foundation – and the numbers are continuing to rise each year. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed that over the past two decades, sleep apnea has increased from 14 to 55 percent, depending on a person’s age and gender.

The effects of sleep apnea go beyond snoring and disrupting your partner’s sleep. The level of sleep disruption which OSA causes can result in irritability, memory or learning difficulties, and headaches. Because of the prevalence of OSA in society today, a number of devices and technologies like sleep apnea mouthpieces and CPAP machines are being used to alleviate the symptoms of this common health problem.

What Is A CPAP Machine?

CPAP (an acronym for “continuous positive airway pressure” therapy) uses a machine to help an OSA sufferer to breathe more easily while they sleep. A mask or prongs which fit into the nostrils are put in place prior to going to sleep. The machine delivers a flow of air which increases the air pressure in your throat, and this forces your airway to stay open rather than collapse when you breathe – which alleviates snoring and other sleep disrupting symptoms.

The Problems With The CPAP Machine

The CPAP machine is the most common doctor-prescribed method to alleviate OSA, but it is not the ideal solution for many OSA sufferers.

• The mask can be uncomfortable and interfere with sleep despite wearing the correct mask size
• The mask can irritate a user’s skin and irritate the nose
• Poorly constructed or ill-fitted masks can leak air, rendering the device less effective
• More sensitive users may find the pressure of the CPAP bothersome
• The tubing can interrupt ones sleep
• Users may remove the mask during the night without knowing it
• The air may be too cold, too hot or too dry, and cause discomfort
• Some may find using a CPAP for snoring embarrassing as it's a large and clunky piece of equipment
• Those suffering from nasal congestion (which is also a side effect from using the machine) may find using the CPAP device difficult, if not impossible
• The machine may be loud, and interfere with sleep
• Claustrophobic OSA sufferers are not good candidates, unless they have “desensitization training” which may not work

When used correctly and regularly, the CPAP machine is an effective way to reverse upper airway obstruction. Unfortunately, for the issues listed above, and other user difficulties, the adoption and adherence rate to this prescribed therapy is low. One study found that 46 to 83 percent of patients with OSA were non-adherent to treatment (where more than four hours of use was defined as “adherence”).

Snoring and Sleep apnea Mouthpieces As A Viable Alternative

CPAP machines may have a low adherence rate, but according to many studies, oral appliances such as snoring and sleep apnea mouthpieces have a much higher rate of compliance.

• 71 to 75 percent of patients complied with using a dental orthosis 
• 50 to 75 percent of patients complied with using an anterior mandibular positioning (AMP) device to alleviate their OSA 
• 68 to 93 percent of patients complied with mandibular advancement treatment for their OSA

Tongue Stabilizing Devices Vs. Mandibular Advancement Snoring Mouthpieces

There are two general categories which a snoring mouthpiece may fall under:

• Mandibular advancement device (MAD)
• Tongue stabilizing device (TSD). Also known as a tongue retaining device (TRD)

A mandibular advancement device holds a user’s jaw forward, which then prevents gravity from causing their jaw and tongue to sink back and obstruct their airway. The problem with MADs is that:

• Those who use MADs can suffer from excessive pain and soreness in their jaw
• Users with a strong gag reflex may have difficulties using a MAD

TRDs are an alternative to Mandibular Adancement mouthpieces. Typically made of a soft plastic (such as silicone), the TRD can be easily inserted without a user needing to bite down or hold it in place. The device includes a tip which, when placed on your tongue, creates suction. The device is designed to help reduce snoring by gently positioning the tongue forward, which may reduce the tissue vibrations in the throat that can cause snoring sounds during sleep, and thereby promotes a snore-free sleep. TRDs have fewer side effects than MADs and help the user enjoy a more restful sleep. Keep in mind, that you may need to try differfent MADs and TRDs to determine which one works best for you.

With snoring and sleep apnea being so prevalent worldwide, a number of poorly constructed products have entered the marketplace. This makes it all the more important for those suffering from any type of breathing or sleep-related problem do their due diligence and find a device which is backed by studies and scientific evidence – like the Good Morning Snore Solution.

Disclaimer from Good Morning Snore Solution - The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The Good Morning Snore Solution is marketed and FDA-cleared as an aid for reducing snoring in adults 18 years of age and older and is not marketed as a treatment for sleep apnea or other medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have sleep apnea or another medical condition. 

References

https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders-problems/sleep-apnea https://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-and-cpap-adherence https://www.sharecare.com/health/sleep-apnea-treatment/what-disadvantages-cpap-sleep-apnea http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23589584 http://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/pats.200708-119MG#.Vo3DcrYrKkk http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2036819 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8442597 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8143054) Copyscape checked & rechecked