Combined CPAP & Oral Appliance Sleep Apnea Therapy – Las Vegas, NV
Two Treatments for One Lasting Solution.
Sadly, patients who suffer from severe sleep apnea may not be able to achieve the good night of rest they deserve with only a custom oral appliance. However, it’s just as likely that they don’t want to return to using their CPAP machine, which is effective, but dissuades many patients because of the significant pressure and noise involved. Isn’t there an option somewhere in the middle? Here at iSleepSolutions, Dr. Pam West is happy to answer that question in the affirmative. Our Las Vegas, NV practice can provide valuable assistance with combined therapy, a solution to sleep apnea that combines the best elements of both oral appliance therapy and CPAP therapy for a truly exceptional result.
CPAP Therapy
The traditional CPAP method involves a breathing device that forcibly keeps your airway open throughout the night with the help of pressurized air. This device is attached to the face and typically covers both the mouth and the nose. CPAP is generally considered the ideal treatment to combat sleep apnea – so why are so many patients still exhausted and suffering? It’s because CPAP is often thought to be too noisy, uncomfortable, or just plain unpleasant. This results in patients forgoing treatment in favor of a more relaxed resting experience, even if they’re still constantly being roused by their sleep apnea.
Oral Sleep Appliances
Oral appliances, on the other hand, are precisely personalized for each patient, easy to wear, and portable. However, patients with more severe cases of sleep apnea can still experience problems with breathing throughout the night. This is where combined therapy comes in.
How Does Combined Therapy Work?
Combined therapy typically involves an oral appliance being directly attached to a CPAP machine. With this option, the oral appliance handles a lot of the work, allowing the pressure on your CPAP machine to be greatly reduced. Typically, no head straps are even required, and the device is much more stable overall. In fact, you might be amazed by how much your sleep apnea care is transformed with this technique!
Which Sleep Apnea Treatment is Right for You?
Both oral appliance therapy and CPAP therapy are non-invasive solutions for sleep apnea, meaning that surgical care isn’t required. They’re also reversible and can be removed or altered at any time. It’s important that patients choose the option that they will be able to successfully use every single night so that their symptoms are minimized. Here in the Las Vegas, NV area, Dr. West will be happy to walk you through these questions and many more when determining the best plan of action for your unique case. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation!
Combined Therapy FAQs
Will Combined Therapy Reduce My Problems with Dry Lips and a Dry Throat?
Some individuals who need to use higher pressure settings on their CPAP machines may end up experiencing dry lips and a dry throat. In some cases, combined therapy in Las Vegas can potentially reduce the chances of these symptoms occurring. The addition of an oral appliance often makes it possible to use CPAP on a lower setting, meaning less air is blowing into your mouth. Not only is this less likely to cause dryness, but many patients find it to be more comfortable in general.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Combined Therapy?
It can potentially take weeks to fully adjust to combined therapy, though the timeline can vary from patient to patient. Bear in mind that combined therapy involves the use of an oral appliance as well as a CPAP machine; getting used to both devices will take time.
You can count on our team to give you tips that can make adjusting to combined therapy easier. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, we’ll be more than happy to address them. Rest assured that once you’ve made it past the adjustment phase, you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of combined therapy, which can make a significant difference when it comes to the quality of your sleep.
When Should I Consider Combined Therapy?
Combined therapy could be a good choice for you if:
- Your current form of sleep apnea treatment has not proven effective.
- You find your CPAP machine to be too noisy or uncomfortable to use by itself.
- You are searching for a solution to sleep apnea that does not involve surgery.
Of course, you will need to consult with an expert before pursuing any type of sleep apnea treatment. If you think combined therapy may be right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Does Insurance Cover an Oral Appliance Even If I Already Have a CPAP Machine?
If your insurance already covers a CPAP machine, there’s a good chance that it will also help pay for an oral appliance designed to treat sleep apnea. That said, all insurance plans are different, so you will want to review your coverage before you commit to anything. If you reach out to your insurance carrier, they can walk you through the particulars of your plan.
What If I Still Struggle with Sleep Apnea After Starting Combined Therapy?
While combined therapy can be a highly effective option for treating sleep apnea, some individuals may continue to experience notable symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. If this happens to you, the best option is to let our team know as soon as possible. It may be necessary for us to adjust your oral appliance or reconsider the settings on your CPAP machine. Depending on the circumstances, we may also recommend additional steps that can help get sleep apnea under control, such as losing weight.