Is cpap the only treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?

No: CPAP is the most accepted treatment for sleep apnea. Some patients benefit from mouth pieces. There is also surgery for sleep apnea but it seems to help for a limited period of time.

No: Oral appliances are also a front-line treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. This small plastic device fits in the mouth during sleep unlike a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer it goes over both upper and lower jaws and positions the mandible forward to open the airway.

No: 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.

NO: The CPAP machine and the many variations of CPAP are the "gold standard" of care for sleep apnea. But many people can't tolerate the machines for a variety of reasons including comfort, claustrophobia, etc. I get a lot of referrals from sleep specialists in the quad cities to make these patients oral mouthpieces, designed to bring the mandible forward and hold it there which opens up the airway.

No: If CPAP machine is intolerable and the apneic episodes pose a lethal danger, then it would be very wise to consult with a plastic reconstructive or maxillo-facial surgeon as they may recommend bimaxillary jaw advancement surgery in concert with an orthodontist who is skilled at this procedure. Bringing both jaws forward can dramatically increase the airway and "cure" the sleep apnea.

No: There are alternatives including negative pressure therapy, theravent, surgical options, oral appliance, etc. It looks like you may live in palo alto, ca. Go to stanford's sleep medicine center for a thorough evaluation!

Alternatives exists: CPAP is usualy used becauses it is noninvasive. Sometimes a dental specialist, prosthdontist, can fabricate a custom appliance to allow you to breath better when you sleep. Surgery to reduce the size of the uvula or to advance your upper and lower jaws to creat more space to prevent sleep apnea are alternatives to CPAC. Consult with your doctor to see if you are candidate for surgical referral.