For individuals with a sleep apnea diagnosis, knowing and understanding sleep compliance is an essential part of their treatment. Compliance consists of adhering to the minimum use guidelines of PAP (positive airway pressure) machines or OAT (oral appliance therapy) devices.
Sleep Compliance and PAP Machines
In the case of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, compliance consists of wearing the CPAP mask for at least four hours a night on at least 70 percent of nights. However, current research shows that CPAP machine usage requires at least six hours of use each night to decrease the effects of obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, adjusting to CPAP machine use may take four to six weeks or longer.
For many individuals suffering from sleep apnea, wearing a CPAP mask to sleep is uncomfortable and sometimes doesn’t fit properly. Due to the discomfort of the CPAP machine, or an ill-fitting mask, some people stop using their CPAP machine. When an individual stops using their CPAP machine, without an alternative treatment plan in place, they are at risk of serious health conditions, such as:
In addition to the risk of health complications increasing, symptoms of sleep apnea will reappear or worsen. Adherence to CPAP compliance varies from 40-85 percent. If a person’s CPAP doesn’t fit correctly or is unbearably uncomfortable, speak with a sleep specialist about other treatment options such as oral appliance therapy.
Sleep Compliance and OAT Devices
For individuals who cannot use a CPAP machine due to issues with mask fit, mask leakage, noise complaints from partners, or feelings of claustrophobia, there are other device options to treat their sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy devices are fully adjustable. The adjustability of oral appliances allows individuals to have a custom fit. Moreover, oral appliances keep the jaw stable and prevent the tongue from sliding backward.
Many individuals with OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, find oral appliance therapy devices more comfortable and are more compliant with their treatment. Individuals should wear their oral appliance device every night while sleeping. Reach out to a doctor specializing in treating sleep apnea to discuss which treatment device will provide the desired results.
Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment plan options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice conveniently located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.
We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!
Sleep Compliance and PAP Machines
In the case of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, compliance consists of wearing the CPAP mask for at least four hours a night on at least 70 percent of nights. However, current research shows that CPAP machine usage requires at least six hours of use each night to decrease the effects of obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, adjusting to CPAP machine use may take four to six weeks or longer.
For many individuals suffering from sleep apnea, wearing a CPAP mask to sleep is uncomfortable and sometimes doesn’t fit properly. Due to the discomfort of the CPAP machine, or an ill-fitting mask, some people stop using their CPAP machine. When an individual stops using their CPAP machine, without an alternative treatment plan in place, they are at risk of serious health conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
In addition to the risk of health complications increasing, symptoms of sleep apnea will reappear or worsen. Adherence to CPAP compliance varies from 40-85 percent. If a person’s CPAP doesn’t fit correctly or is unbearably uncomfortable, speak with a sleep specialist about other treatment options such as oral appliance therapy.
Sleep Compliance and OAT Devices
For individuals who cannot use a CPAP machine due to issues with mask fit, mask leakage, noise complaints from partners, or feelings of claustrophobia, there are other device options to treat their sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy devices are fully adjustable. The adjustability of oral appliances allows individuals to have a custom fit. Moreover, oral appliances keep the jaw stable and prevent the tongue from sliding backward.
Many individuals with OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, find oral appliance therapy devices more comfortable and are more compliant with their treatment. Individuals should wear their oral appliance device every night while sleeping. Reach out to a doctor specializing in treating sleep apnea to discuss which treatment device will provide the desired results.
Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment plan options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice conveniently located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.
We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!
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