Mild-Moderate Sleep Apnea

by dr. martin bassiur

Mar 16, 2010

One must understand that mild-to-moderate sleep apnea may be successfully treated with a custom made oral appliance. The reported success rate is >85% with one-year compliance @ >85%. Too often an oral appliance is over-looked and only considered when CPAP cannot be tolerated. When in fact, oral appliance therapy should be recommended for the initial treatment of mild-to-moderate sleep apnea.

On the other hand, severe sleep apnea should be treated with CPAP. And, oral appliance therapy used as an adjunct to CPAP therapy or in cases when patients are not compliant with CPAP. Patients who have severe sleep apnea should understand that oral appliance therapy may improve their condition to mild or moderate sleep apnea, but, may not eliminate the apnea all together.

CPAP is an excellent tool for helping to reduce the deleterious effects of sleep apnea. Other therapies must also be considered: Oral Appliances, Weight Loss, Diet and the Sleep Environment should be considered for all patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

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  • Judy

    Thank you, Dr Bassiur. That original local DME provider is still a sheister. I am on Medicare now, I wasn't then. I finally went in for another sleep evaulation in 2006 and was started on CPAP and since 2008 have been switched to a VPAP (bi-level). I have COPD. But I am fortunate to have a good local DME provider this time around. Thank God for these online sleep apnea support forums or most likely I would NOT be where I am today w/xPAP therapy. And I'm fortunate to have a good sleep lab to work with. Altho my impression so far w/their sleep doctors is still up in the air. They are pleasant but so far nothing to rave about. Unfortunately, you will find I am NOT one w/a particularly favorable impression of the sleep profession.

    Mar 17, 2010

  • PATRICK SULLIVAN

    I suspected this was true, even though 'sleep' doctors deny it.
    I've had moderate success with TAP, I think, but just feel there must be better available. Can you suggest a good one? This s/b like buying a car, you take a test drive.

    Jul 6, 2010

  • dr. martin bassiur

    TAP is a fine appliance- there are many appliances available and there are a few exceptional appliances- the selection of an appliance should be made by the provider and the patient - there are some variables in the selection process. You should be abel to discuss your concerns with your provider and together decide on the appropriate applaince for your particular needs.

    Jul 11, 2010