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.
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