CPAP and MAD: Two Reliable Solutions for Sleep Apnea

If you’ve heard about sleep apnea in The Woodlands, it probably sounds pretty frightening; not only do you stop breathing during the night, but you could eventually end up suffering from a possibly fatal heart attack. Fortunately, treatment for this disorder exists, and in fact you have a few different options; the question, though is: are they reliable? Read on to learn more about CPAP and MAD – two treatments that could be essential for letting you enjoy a full night of quality rest again.

What are CPAP and MAD?

CPAP is short for continuous positive airway pressure. For this treatment, you’ll wear a special mask that has been connected to an air pump, which will provide a constant stream of oxygen while you sleep. This prevents the airway from becoming blocked, thus stopping sleep apnea episodes.

MADs, or mandibular advancement devices, are often simply called oral appliances. They’re worn like mouthguards, but instead of simply protecting the teeth, their main function is to hold the jaw forward so that the soft tissues in your mouth and throat don’t fall back on the airway and stop the flow of oxygen.

How Reliable are CPAP and MAD?

A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine looked at the long-term effectiveness of these treatments as measured by results, patient compliance, and overall satisfaction after 10 years. Patients who used either CPAP or MAD tended to see a significant reduction in sleep apnea symptoms, meaning both types of therapy could be considered to be highly successful. In general, CPAP machines are considered the “gold standard” of sleep apnea treatment, though nowadays oral appliances are also widely recommended to address sleep disorders and snoring in The Woodlands.

So Which Treatment is Right for You?

Normally, the kind of sleep apnea therapy you receive depends largely on how severe your individual case is in addition to how well you tolerate one treatment over the other. MAD therapy is normally most effective for mild to moderate disorders, and it’s usually a good alternative for those that can’t tolerate the noise of a CPAP machine. However, CPAP will most likely be the better option if you have severe sleep apnea.

In some cases, combined therapy is recommended. You’ll wear an oral appliance while also using a CPAP machine whenever you go to bed. Since the appliance helps keep the airway open, you can put the CPAP machine on a lower setting so that it’s not as noisy, and the required nasal mask will be smaller and more comfortable.  

Whether you need CPAP, MAD, or a combination of the two, the most important thing is to find an appropriate treatment and stick with it. Don’t let sleep apnea stop you from having a refreshing night’s sleep.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Dernick received his DDS degree in 1979 and opened is practice in The Woodlands in 1980. He’s excited to be able to improve his patient’s lives by treating their sleep apnea. He can offer custom-made oral appliances as well as combined therapy to keep you breathing easily throughout the night. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (281) 363-2770.