Up to 22 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. Untreated sleep apnea has symptoms such as morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability and daytime drowsiness. Patients suffering from sleep apnea can be treated with oral device therapy or CPAP machines. In this article, you will learn more about how an oral device called Continuous Open Airway Therapy (COAT) compares to CPAP therapy.
Sleep apnea can affect a person’s life and health in many ways. Health consequences of sleep apnea include high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, heart disease and acid reflux. By seeking treatments through oral devices or CPAP machines, patients can minimize the risk of health problems and the devastating consequences.
Continuous Open Airway Therapy (COAT) is a sleep apnea oral appliance from SomnoMed. This device, like other oral devices, works by moving the mandible forward. This opens the air passages, removing the restriction of airflow that causes obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
COAT is an alternative treatment to CPAP and can be combined with conservative treatments like weight loss if the patient is overweight. The device is usually recommended after the dentist evaluates the patient's medical and dental history.
Many people prefer the option because of comfort, convenience of travel, easy maintenance and silent operation. Most times, dental professionals suggest oral appliances like COAT as the first line of treatment for people dealing with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device involves a tube and a mask worn over the nose or mouth to deliver air through an obstructed airway. Although it is a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, many patients avoid using them due to the inconvenience of wearing the mask and the noise that the device makes. However, patients who use the device consistently notice an improvement in sleep quality and overall health.
For those with severe sleep apnea, the CPAP machine may be the only solution they have. However, both CPAP and COAT appliances are effective for mild to severe cases of sleep apnea.
If a patient has been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a medical professional, the dentist can start by examining their oral structure to determine the best course of treatment. Patients looking for a comfortable treatment for their condition can discuss it with the general dentist. By using non-surgical treatments like COAT, dental professionals can help their patients sleep better and enjoy higher quality of life.
The COAT device is more comfortable to use than the CPAP machine and with the same functions. Therefore, there is a higher compliance rate with COAT than the CPAP device. Most patients report a significant reduction in sleep apnea symptoms within a day or two of using the oral device.
If you have sleep apnea, you should seek help from a dentist who is a Diplomate of American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
Your teeth play a major role in your life. They help you eat and talk, and they complete your smile. Practicing oral hygiene basics will keep your teeth healthy so that they can serve you well for a lifetime.One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is regular brushing. Do it twice a day.…
Although many people believe that plaque and tartar are the same, they actually have significant differences. Understanding the distinctions between these two dental conditions can help you identify their warning signs and practice oral hygiene basics to avoid them.Plaque is a soft film containing millions of bacteria that build up on your teeth, gums, and…
Dental implants provide a long-term solution for missing teeth, offering a natural appearance and feel that supports both oral health and confidence. However, many patients also consider dentures, which offer a more traditional approach to tooth replacement. Understanding the key differences between these two options can help determine which treatment may be best suited for…
What are the best ways to care for your teeth? Here are some oral hygiene basics.Your teeth are essential to both comfort and health. For example, they are center stage when you smile and break up food when you eat. If you want to keep them sparkly and effective, you need to take good care…
