San Francisco and Marin CA
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are commonly prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea, but many patients struggle with CPAP therapy. Research shows that 30–50% of patients discontinue CPAP, placing themselves at risk for serious health issues.
If CPAP isn’t working for you, it doesn’t mean you have to go untreated. Dental sleep medicine offers effective alternatives, such as oral appliance therapy, that are comfortable and convenient. Here are the main reasons people abandon CPAP and how a sleep dentist can help.
Uncomfortable Masks
Many CPAP users find the mask physically uncomfortable. CPAP masks can cover the nose, mouth, or both, and straps may irritate the skin. Some patients simply cannot tolerate any type of mask, leading to disrupted sleep and frustration.
Time-Consuming Cleaning
CPAP machines require consistent cleaning to prevent infections. Daily and weekly maintenance, including disassembling, washing, and drying all components, can be overwhelming and inconvenient, prompting some users to stop therapy altogether.
Increased Risk of Infections
Even with proper cleaning, CPAP use can increase the risk of nasal, ear, and respiratory infections. Some patients experience more frequent colds, sinus infections, or even more serious issues like pneumonia, making CPAP use less appealing.
Difficulty Finding the Right Pressure
The therapeutic pressure required to keep airways open can feel uncomfortable for some users. Although doctors can adjust settings, some patients find the required pressure level intolerable.
Feeling Constrained
CPAP masks and hoses can create a sense of restriction or claustrophobia. Many users feel trapped, especially with full-face masks, which can lead to anxiety and interrupted sleep.
Swallowing Excess Air
CPAP pushes air into the lungs, but sometimes air can enter the stomach, causing bloating, discomfort, burping, and flatulence. This side effect can make the therapy unbearable for some patients.
Lack of Follow-Up Support
Many patients stop CPAP due to unresolved problems. Sleep doctors may provide minimal follow-up, leaving patients without solutions to mask fit, pressure issues, or discomfort.
Skin Irritation
The mask, straps, and tubing can irritate facial skin, leaving red marks or causing acne. This added discomfort often discourages continued CPAP use.
Daily Hassle
Setting up the CPAP every night, filling the humidifier, and assembling the equipment can be tedious. This nightly routine is a barrier for many patients who seek a simpler solution.
Dryness and Throat Irritation
Airflow from CPAP can dry the mouth, nose, and throat, causing discomfort. Even with humidifiers, some users experience persistent irritation, making therapy difficult to maintain.
Comfortable CPAP Alternatives in San Francisco
If CPAP therapy isn’t working for you, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a safe and effective alternative. Custom-fitted oral devices reposition the jaw to maintain an open airway, helping patients breathe easier and sleep better without masks or hoses. Oral appliances are comfortable, portable, and easier to maintain than CPAP machines.
To explore CPAP alternatives and find a solution that works for your sleep apnea, contact Glen Park Dental at (415) 799-3900 in San Francisco, CA. Our dental sleep specialists can create a personalized treatment plan to help you sleep better, improve your health, and regain energy.
