For sleep apnea, why is cpap prescribed more than oral appliances?

Proof: I do not know of any carefully controlled study that suggests that CPAP or bipap is more often prescribed for sleep apnea. The bottom line is that the most common organ that blocks the upper airway when you are paralyzed (asleep) is the base of the tongue. If an oral appliance (made by a dentist) is successful in bypassing that obstruction, then use it. If not, use cpap.

Good question: Sleep apnea occurs because of "oxidative"not "oxygen" deficiency in brainstem where automatic breathing is controlled. I.E. Oxygen has to be consumed to produce cellular energy. Vitamin b1 and magnesium are both vital in this process. So your question is very apt. See my blog "oxygen the spark of life that you can google.

More effective: When controlling sleep apnea, cpap, if used properly, in almost all cases eliminates apneas. This is regardless of airway issues and obstruction. The dental appliance can help, but in studies the appliance does not always eliminate apneas in all patients. In my patients i reserve the dental appliance and surgeries for patients who fail cpap.

Most effective: But compliance rate is poor, about 40 percent. According to 2006 american academy of sleep medicine practice parameters, oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea who prefer them over CPAP and should be completed by a dentist with advanced training in sleep medicine.

Sleep Apnea: Most patients with sleep apnea have several options. Medical management, devices such as CPAP or oral devices and surgery . Check out out website at www.Nwnasalsinus.Com.

Insurance & success: The CPAP or one of its many varieties are the "gold standard" of care for sleep apnea. Also, insurance companies are more apt to pay for CPAP machines than oral appliances. I don't feel that is right since oral mouthpieces are very successful for snoring and mild sleep apnea. Also, many people cannot tolerate wearing the cpap, but it is still prescribed first.

R/O OSA: cpap is more effective for osal. Excess snoring/daytime sleepiness/apneic episodes/ aM headaches. And the Exam obesity/small oral airway/collar size>18. The definitive test is a PSG with split night/CPAP titration. I would request copy of sleep study and get a second opinion if you are not satisfied with the options. You are young CPAP can be difficult to tolerate. ENT FOR UPP