Colin Snow
Sleep apnea is a common condition that causes people to stop breathing for short intervals during sleep, leading to snoring, restless sleep, and repeated wake-ups. While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is often considered the gold standard for treatment, sleep apnea mouth guards or oral appliances are gaining popularity as an alternative, especially for those who struggle to tolerate CPAP machines. These mouth guards work by repositioning the jaw, tongue, or soft palate to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing apnea events and improving sleep quality. However, they may not be suitable for everyone and are generally recommended for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Do Sleep Guardians Work?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Studies suggest that sleep apnea events can be reduced by more than 65% when using a Mandibular Advancement Device. Sleep apnea mouth guards are generally considered safe and effective for mild to moderate cases of OSA. |
| Pros | Mouthguards offer benefits like fewer episodes of apnea, increased blood oxygen levels, and improved sleep quality. They are also quieter, more portable, and easier to use than CPAP machines. |
| Cons | Mouthguards can have side effects like jaw pain and tooth discomfort, especially in the first two months of use. They may not be as effective as CPAP machines for severe cases of sleep apnea. |
| Cost | Custom-made mouthguards can cost upwards of $2500, but may be covered by health or dental insurance. Over-the-counter mouthguards are much less expensive but may not be as effective. |
| Alternative | CPAP machines are considered the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and are recommended for severe cases. |
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What You'll Learn
Effectiveness for mild to moderate OSA
Mouth guards are a safe and effective alternative for treating mild to moderate cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). They are primarily used to treat OSA and sometimes referred to as oral appliances. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a non-invasive method of treatment that does not involve surgery or airway intubation.
Sleep apnea mouth guards are most frequently recommended for people with mild or moderate OSA, although they may improve severe OSA as well. They are also recommended for people who snore but do not have OSA and people with severe OSA who did not respond well to or do not want CPAP therapy. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends CPAP for moderate to severe sleep apnea due to evidence of its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, AASM only recommends CPAP as an option for mild sleep apnea, citing insufficient or conflicting evidence.
The two main types of sleep apnea mouth guards are Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) and Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs). MADs are effective, but less so than CPAP at reducing pauses in breathing and improving blood oxygen levels during sleep. They are also not suitable for people who don't have enough teeth to hold the device in place, have gum disease, or wear teeth realignment devices. TRDs, on the other hand, are less common but are a suitable alternative for mild to moderate cases of OSA. They are a great solution for people whose snoring or sleep apnea is attributed to their tongue falling to the back of their throat while they sleep.
Oral appliances have several benefits over CPAP machines. They create no additional noise, are more portable, easier to use, and are more cost-effective. They are also more comfortable for some people, which may lead to better treatment compliance. However, oral appliances may not be suitable for everyone. For example, people with severe OSA or very sleepy while driving may need immediate treatment, which experts generally prefer to provide with CPAP as it takes less time to be effective.
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Custom-made vs over-the-counter
Sleep apnea is a common condition that can be treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy or a mouthguard. While CPAP machines are considered very effective, they can be bulky, noisy, and inconvenient for travel. As a result, oral appliance therapy is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Custom-made mouthguards are typically created by a dentist or orthodontist who takes moulds of the inside of the patient's mouth. These moulds are then sent to a production company to create the appliance, which is then sent back to the dentist or orthodontist to check the fit. Custom-made mouthguards are generally considered more comfortable, more likely to fit well, and more effective than over-the-counter options. They are also FDA-cleared to treat sleep apnea, while over-the-counter options are only cleared to treat snoring.
Over-the-counter mouthguards can be purchased at most drugstores or online. They are typically made of soft acrylic plastic and are designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution. While these mouthguards may work for some people, they are not as effective as custom-made mouthguards in treating sleep apnea or bruxism (teeth grinding). Over-the-counter mouthguards also do not offer the same level of protection and comfort as custom-made mouthguards and may even affect bite health.
The main advantage of over-the-counter mouthguards is their cost. They are typically much cheaper than custom-made mouthguards, which may be a deciding factor for those on a tight budget. However, it is important to note that custom-made mouthguards may be covered by health or dental insurance, so it is worth checking with your insurance provider before making a decision.
Ultimately, the decision between a custom-made or over-the-counter mouthguard depends on individual needs and preferences. Those with severe sleep apnea may find that a CPAP machine is more suitable, while those with mild to moderate sleep apnea may prefer a mouthguard. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most effective treatment option.
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Side effects and discomfort
While Sleep Guardian can be an effective solution for snoring and sleep apnea, it is not without its side effects and discomforts. The mouthpiece, which is designed to move the lower jaw forward to create more space behind the tongue, may cause some initial soreness and discomfort in the mouth and teeth. This is a common issue with oral appliances, and it typically resolves itself over time as the user adjusts to the device.
One user reported that their mouth and teeth felt sore after using the Sleep Guardian mouthpiece for three nights, but they believed that this discomfort would subside with continued use. Another user mentioned that the mouthpiece hurt their teeth when they moved their mouth a lot while sleeping. However, it is important to note that everyone's experience with the Sleep Guardian may vary, and some people may find it more or less comfortable than others.
In addition to the potential discomfort in the mouth and teeth, there are other general side effects associated with the use of sleep aids and sleeping pills. These can include constipation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring or sleep apnea. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult a healthcare professional if any concerns arise.
Older adults, in particular, may experience additional side effects from sleeping pills, such as confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls and hip fractures. Therefore, it is generally recommended that individuals over the age of 65 first explore non-drug treatments for sleep issues before resorting to sleeping pills.
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Cost and insurance coverage
Sleep studies can be expensive, but they don't have to be if you understand your health insurance coverage and your options. Generally, all insurance payers offer some sort of reimbursement for sleep studies, but the amount covered depends on the insurance provider and the policy.
It is recommended to consult with your insurance provider to confirm that the sleep centre and specialist are "in-network", which would result in lower out-of-pocket expenses. In-network providers can verify your insurance and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, giving you a clear picture of your financial responsibility. Many providers are in-network with most Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO).
Additionally, scheduling your sleep study at the end of the year, after you have paid your deductible, can help maximize your insurance coverage. This is because, after reaching your out-of-pocket limit, insurance companies typically cover all subsequent expenses at 100%.
For those seeking support for sleep apnea, some clinics offer guidance on maximizing insurance plans to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment. This includes understanding the coverage for sleep studies, sleep tests, and home-based treatment options.
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![The Guardian [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BzvjroRfL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Oral appliance therapy alternatives
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a popular alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring. OAT is a non-invasive treatment that uses oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), to treat OSA. MADs work by pulling the lower jaw (mandible) forward, which in turn pulls the tongue forward, creating more space for airflow in the back of the throat.
Oral appliances are custom-fitted by a qualified dentist, who works with an individual's doctor to determine if OAT is an appropriate treatment for them. OAT is a good option for those who have trouble using a CPAP machine, which is considered the gold standard for treating sleep apnea. CPAP machines can be challenging to use every night, and many people stop using them over time.
OAT is a more comfortable, convenient, and compact treatment option. It is also silent, low-maintenance, and easy to travel with. OAT has a higher compliance rate than CPAP, as it is perfectly noise-free and does not require electricity.
It is important to note that OAT may not be suitable for everyone. Oral appliances are not recommended for those with certain dental conditions, such as immobility of the jaw joint or significant periodontal disease. Additionally, OAT may not be sufficient for individuals with low blood oxygen levels caused by OSA.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short intervals while you sleep. It can cause snoring, restless sleep, and repeated wake-ups in the night.
A sleep apnea mouth guard is an oral appliance that is used to treat sleep apnea. It works by repositioning the jaw, tongue, or soft palate to keep the airway open during sleep.
Sleep apnea mouth guards are generally considered safe and effective for mild to moderate cases of OSA. If you have severe sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a CPAP machine or surgery.
You can get a sleep apnea mouth guard from a dentist or orthodontist. They will take a mold of your teeth to make a custom appliance that fits comfortably in your mouth.
