Of all the sleep apnea alternative treatments, oral appliance therapy is probably the most convenient. You’ll simply pop your customized appliance in at night and wait for some REM! It’s no wonder why this sleep apnea treatment is becoming more and more popular, but like with most oral appliances, first-timers can have trouble adjusting. Keep reading for tips that can help you get used to your new appliance.
What You Might Experience
Wearing a new oral sleep appliance every night might feel strange to you – and your subconscious! For the first two to three weeks, you might experience:
- Discomfort. Customized oral appliances are designed to grip your teeth so that they don’t fall out and can properly treat your sleep apnea. But that does mean you could find the tightness uncomfortable.
- Excessive drooling. Your brain is likely to respond to having a foreign object in your mouth by producing more saliva than normal.
- Gagging. Though uncommon, patients with a sensitive gag reflex might have trouble inserting their oral sleep appliance.
- Sleep throwing. No, really! Some patients unconsciously take out their appliance and throw it across the room.
The Best Way to Get Used to Your Sleep Device
The absolute best way to get used to your sleep device is to simply wear it. The more you do, the more natural it will start to feel. Your body and mind will gradually adjust too, so your saliva production will go down and you’ll stop waking up to find your appliance on the opposite end of the room. Until then, you might find it helpful to wear your device for short periods of time during the day or while you nap.
Here are some things you can do to manage discomfort:
- Take OTC pain relievers as needed.
- Cover your pillow with a towel to catch drool.
- Breathe through your nose and try to relax while inserting the appliance.
Talk to Your Sleep Dentist
If three weeks go by and you’re still struggling to get used to your oral sleep appliance, it’s time to talk to your sleep dentist in Baytown. Sometimes, the problem has more to do with the fit of your device, in which case you’ll need a professional adjustment. Your sleep dentist will be able to help you get a good night’s rest!
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto is an experienced sleep medicine dentist in Baytown. He’s worked with some of the most prominent dentists and professional organizations, and is a proud member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you have questions about your oral sleep appliance or would like more tips for getting used to your CPAP alternative, Dr. Hutto is well qualified to assist you! To contact his office for an appointment, call 281-422-8249.