It can be a challenge to get quality rest if you have sleep apnea. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s not the best solution for everyone. Some people struggle with the mask, find the machine noise, or simply have a hard time using it consistently.
Fortunately, CPAP isn’t the only effective treatment for sleep apnea. SomnoGuard® is a custom oral appliance that offers a comfortable, convenient alternative for many people, helping keep the airway open without a mask or machine.
At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, our sleep medicine specialists, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel, offer comprehensive treatment options for sleep apnea, including SomnoGuard.
Here’s how this oral appliance works and who might benefit from it.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. This interrupts breathing multiple times throughout the night, often without you realizing it.
Common symptoms include:
Untreated OSA affects more than your sleep. Repeated drops in blood oxygen place extra stress on the body and increase the risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
The goal of treatment is to keep the airway open throughout the night so you can breathe normally and sleep soundly.
Unlike CPAP, which uses pressurized air to prevent the airway from collapsing, SomnoGuard gently repositions the lower jaw forward while you sleep. This simple adjustment helps keep the airway open, reducing obstruction and improving airflow.
Because it’s worn like a mouthguard, SomnoGuard is small, quiet, and portable, making it an appealing option for many people.
SomnoGuard is available in three models:
SomnoGuard AP2 is a heat-moldable, two-piece appliance with an adjustable fit that allows for natural side-to-side jaw movement.
SomnoGuard SPX is also a smaller two-piece appliance for people with smaller mouths. It provides a secure fit with slightly less jaw mobility.
SomnoGuard AP Pro is a fully customized appliance created from dental impressions or digital scans. This option is ideal for those who need a more precise fit or have unique dental alignment.
SomnoGuard may be right for you if you have mild to moderate OSA, especially if you can’t tolerate CPAP therapy. It may also make a good choice if you have severe OSA, can’t use a CPAP consistently, and need an effective alternative.
Before recommending treatment, our sleep specialists perform a thorough evaluation and sleep study to determine which options are most appropriate for you.
SomnoGuard is available by prescription only.
If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we can help select the model that best fits your needs. For patients receiving the customized AP Pro, we send your dental impressions or digital scans to the manufacturer so they can create an appliance specific to your mouth.
Once we have your device, you return to the office so we can ensure a comfortable fit, make any necessary adjustments, and show you how to use and care for your appliance.
CPAP remains the most effective treatment for OSA because it can significantly reduce airway blockages when used properly. However, treatment only works if you use it consistently.
If you struggle with CPAP, you may find it easier to wear a well-fitted oral appliance like SomnoGuard. Better comfort often leads to better treatment adherence, improving sleep quality, reducing daytime fatigue, and lowering the risk of long-term health risks.
If you stopped using your CPAP or never adjusted to it, you still have options.
At Respacare, we help you find the treatment that fits your needs and lifestyle so you can sleep better and protect your health.
Contact us today by phone or online to learn more about SomnoGuard and to see if it’s right for you.
