First, Do No Harm.

Medical clinics led by MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs can now offer a customized, non-surgical alternative solution for managing both habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea through Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Studies suggest that OAT has a compliance rate above 90%, whereas CPAP has a compliance rate as low as 50%. Our oral appliance stands out as the premier choice among competitors due to its exclusive proprietary technology, ensuring unparalleled effectiveness and comfort for patients seeking relief from sleep apnea. It is important to recognize that both CPAP failures and its poor compliance can undermine the benefits of treatment and harm patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is an alternative to CPAP machines and uses custom-made oral appliances to keep the airway open during sleep. These appliances are comfortable, portable, and silent. See why 96% of patients choose OAT over CPAP.

CPAP's Low Compliance Harms Patients with OSA

Medical providers should recommend the affordable self-pay prefabricated oral appliance (above) for a 1-2 week titration period before progressing to the customized lab-made oral appliance (below).  

Also, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) has garnered increased recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) guidelines, OAT is the recommended first-line therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) due to its ability to avoid the generation of aerosols and the ease with which patients can disinfect the appliances, thereby mitigating the risk of COVID-19 transmission. In light of the pandemic, patients are understandably more inclined to prefer a therapy that not only treats their OSA but also minimizes the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Patients who opt for OAT are more likely to adhere to the treatment regimen, confident that their choice does not increase the probability of COVID-19 transmission to household members. This endorsement further validates the crucial role of OAT in providing accessible, efficient, and effective treatment options amid the evolving healthcare challenges posed by the rising prevalence of sleep disorders and the need for patient-centered solutions in today's healthcare. 

96% of Patients Prefer OAT Over CPAP

ALERT

Oral Appliance Therapy Should be Prescribed as a First-Line Therapy for OSA during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

https://www.aadsm.org/docs/COVID_Position_Statement.pdf

It is the position of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) that oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be prescribed as first-line therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recommendation is being made based on the following information:

• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has indicated that PAP therapy potentially exposes individuals, especially those in proximity to the patient, to increased risk of transmission of COVID-19.

• A number of studies have found evidence that COVID-19 can remain suspended in the air in aerosol particles.

• It is unknown whether it is possible for patients to be re-infected from re-using PAP tubing, filters, and/or masks.

• There have been reported shortages of distilled water and other supplies necessary for optimal use of PAP machines.

• Oral appliances do not generate aerosols and can be easily disinfected by patients to kill the COVID-19 virus.

According to the AADSM and AASM clinical practice guidelines, oral appliances should be prescribed for adult patients who prefer alternate therapy to PAP. During this pandemic, it is reasonable to assume that patients would prefer a therapy that both treats their OSA and does not increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for OSA without increased risks for transmitting COVID-19. Patients who prefer OAT may be more likely to adhere to treatment if they are confident that their therapy is not putting those in their household at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure.

Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine Vol 7, Nov 3, 2020

Oral Appliances are Effective Treatments for OSA Without Increased Risks of Transmitting COVID-19 to Family Members, Unlike CPAP