The two most common ways to treat sleep apnea are a CPAP machine or a sleep appliance. Dr. Williams has helped many patients who suffer from this disorder with an appliance. Although it won’t work for the most severe cases, it provides relief for mild and moderate apnea and offers many benefits over a CPAP:

  • Comfort – A CPAP works by sending pressurized air into your throat to keep your airway clear. Not surprisingly, this can cause you to have a dry mouth and/or throat. The appliance gently shifts your jaw into a position that opens your airway. You’re much less likely to experience uncomfortable dryness.
  • Safety – CPAPs are considered to be generally safe. Still, there are sometimes issues such as the problems that led to a recent product recall by Philips for some of its devices. The FDA has advised users of these devices to check with their healthcare providers to determine if they should keep using them. It also mentioned possible alternative options, “including positional therapy or oral appliances, which fit like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer.”
  • Mobility – An appliance literally fits into the palm of your hand. So it’s not a problem to take it with you when you travel. You can just put it into a pocket or purse! 
  • Hassle-Free Use – To use a CPAP, you’ll need distilled water and batteries or electricity to keep it running. In contrast, the appliance requires no special supplies. It’s easy to use anywhere, even in a tent or on a plane. 
  • Discretion – You and your bed partner may find it a little difficult to adjust to a CPAP, with its mask and tubing that sometimes gets in the way. In contrast, an appliance fits easily into your mouth. 

Dr. Williams can work with you to arrange a sleep test and then discuss your options for sleep apnea treatment in our Tigard, OR office. Call us today at 503-210-9802 to schedule an appointment with him.