Understanding Sleep Apnea and CPAP Challenges

Many people in the Detroit area live with sleep apnea without realizing how much it’s affecting their daily lives. You may wake up feeling unrested, struggle with morning headaches, experience heavy snoring, or notice gasping episodes during sleep. Others feel constantly fatigued throughout the day, even after what should have been a full night’s rest.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may have been prescribed a CPAP machine. While CPAP is highly effective, not everyone can tolerate the mask, tubing, or steady airflow. Some Detroit patients stop using their CPAP because of discomfort, claustrophobia, noise, leaks, dryness, or the difficulty of traveling with bulky equipment. When CPAP becomes hard to use consistently, sleep apnea symptoms often return—and so does the frustration.

This is why many patients look for safe, proven CPAP alternatives such as oral appliance therapy. These custom dental mouthpieces support your airway comfortably without the complexity of a CPAP machine, allowing you to get the rest you’ve been missing.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive sleep apnea treatment that uses a custom-made dental mouthpiece to help keep your airway open while you sleep. Instead of delivering air pressure like CPAP, the appliance gently repositions the lower jaw or tongue to prevent airway collapse. It looks similar to a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer and is worn only during sleep.

For many individuals in the Detroit area, oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, easy-to-use, and travel-friendly option—making it one of the most popular CPAP alternatives for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Because it avoids masks, hoses, and forced air, many patients find it easier to use consistently.

Two Types of Dental Mouthpieces for Sleep Apnea

A sleep apnea mouthpiece may be referred to as an oral appliance, night guard, or mouthguard. They resemble the athletic mouthguards many Detroit patients are already familiar with, but they are custom-made medical devices designed to keep the airway open during sleep. Although designs vary, all oral appliances fall into two primary categories:

Tongue Retaining Devices

Tongue retaining devices (TRDs) work by gently holding the tongue in a forward position using a soft suction mechanism. This prevents the tongue from relaxing backward—a common cause of airway blockage in obstructive sleep apnea.

Because the tongue is stabilized, the airway stays more open, reducing snoring and breathing disruptions. TRDs may be especially helpful for patients who:

  • Have a large tongue or experience frequent tongue collapse
  • Cannot tolerate devices that reposition the jaw
  • Need a non-jaw-moving option for airway support

TRDs are simple, effective, and uniquely beneficial when tongue collapse is the primary issue.

Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are the most common oral appliances used for obstructive sleep apnea. These custom-fitted devices slightly reposition the lower jaw downward and forward during sleep. This gentle shift tightens the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the airway, increasing airflow and reducing collapse.

MADs help:

  • Create more airway space
  • Reduce or eliminate snoring
  • Support consistent airflow throughout the night

Most Detroit patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea benefit from MADs because they’re comfortable, adjustable, and easy to adapt to. The device can be fine-tuned over time to find the optimal jaw position for maximum effectiveness.

Why Choose Oral Appliance Therapy?

Detroit patients often ask, “Why should I choose an oral appliance instead of a CPAP machine?”

Oral appliance therapy won’t work in every case. Patients with central or complex sleep apnea require CPAP. Severe obstructive sleep apnea is also best treated with CPAP. But for mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy is one of the most comfortable and effective CPAP alternatives available.

Comfortable: Your oral appliance doesn’t require a mask, tubing, or forced air. Many users quickly forget they’re wearing it. CPAP side effects like dryness, irritation, or bloating do not occur with an oral appliance.

Simple: No machine, no complicated setup. Cleaning is minimal—soak it in the morning while you brush your teeth and store it in its case.

Easy for Travel: Especially convenient for Detroit travelers, oral appliances fit into a carry-on, purse, or pocket. Perfect for flights, hotels, or nights away from home.

Effective: For mild to moderate OSA, many people find oral appliances easier to use consistently than CPAP, leading to better long-term results.

Quiet: Zero noise. No air pressure. Plus, the appliance helps reduce snoring, allowing both you and your sleep partner to rest more peacefully.

No Electricity Needed: Ideal for camping, international travel, or any situation where electricity is unavailable or unreliable.

Find the Best Treatment Option for You

The best sleep apnea treatment depends entirely on your symptoms and the way your airway behaves during sleep. At Michigan Head & Neck Institute, we evaluate your sleep study results, airway characteristics, and overall comfort needs to determine whether CPAP or oral appliance therapy is the most effective option for you. If you’re in the Detroit area and struggling with sleep apnea—or searching for trusted CPAP alternatives—we’re here to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Call Michigan Head & Neck Institute at (586) 573-0438 today to schedule your consultation and find out whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.