Understanding CPAP Noncompliance:

CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep. While effective, some patients find CPAP treatment uncomfortable or claustrophobic. They may experience issues with mask fit, air leaks, or noise, which can lead to noncompliance.

The Role of Dental Sleep Medicine:

Dental sleep medicine focuses on addressing sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea. Dentists who specialize in this field can provide alternative treatments to CPAP therapy, with a particular focus on oral appliances.

Making Oral Appliances for CPAP Noncompliance:

• Assessment: The first step is a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s sleep apnea condition. Dentists should gather medical history, conduct a thorough examination of the oral and pharyngeal structures, and possibly recommend a sleep study.
• Customized Design: Based on the patient’s specific needs, the dentist designs a custom oral appliance. These devices are typically made of acrylic and fit comfortably in the mouth, resembling a mouthguard or retainer.
• Adjustment and Fitting: Dentists carefully adjust and fit the oral appliance to ensure it’s comfortable and effective. Patients may require some time to adapt to wearing it during sleep.

Advantages of Oral Appliances for CPAP Noncompliance:

• Comfort: Oral appliances are often more comfortable than CPAP masks, making them a viable alternative for noncompliant patients.
• Non-Invasive: Unlike surgery, which is another option for sleep apnea, oral appliances are non-invasive and reversible.
• Portable: Oral appliances are small and easy to transport, making them suitable for travel.
• Increased Compliance: Many patients find it easier to comply with treatment when using an oral appliance, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Dentists’ Role in Improving Sleep Health:

Dentists who offer oral appliances for sleep apnea treatment play a crucial role in helping patients achieve better sleep health. They can collaborate with sleep physicians, provide patient education, and offer ongoing support.

Noncompliance with CPAP therapy doesn’t mean the end of the road for patients with sleep apnea. Dentists specializing in dental sleep medicine can make a significant difference by providing effective and comfortable oral appliances tailored to individual needs. By taking on this role, dentists contribute to better sleep health and a higher quality of life for their patients.

If your patients or a loved one struggles with CPAP noncompliance, consider adding dental sleep medicine to your dental practice! Call us at 1-888-608-4985 or request a free consultation.

Below are only some examples of celebrities’ whose somnambulant habits were an indicator of something more severe, and how they wound up approaching their condition.

1- Amy Poehler

Emmy nominated comedian and Saturday Night Alum Amy Poehler was diagnosed with Obstructive sleep apnea after finding herself perpetually exhausted since her pregnancy (incidentally, pregnant women are fairly susceptible to developing OSA). She has reportedly started feeling much better since her diagnosis with the regular use of a CPAP.

2- Shaquille O’Neal

Towering at 7’ 11” and at over 300 lbs, this guy may be the least shocking of the bunch as someone who would contract sleep apnea, demonstrating many of the classic physical attributes of someone who would be susceptible to it. He eventually sought out a diagnosis at the Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine, where he was diagnosed with a moderate form of OSA. He has since produced a video in association with the Harvard Medical School about his journey from diagnosis to treatment and is now managing the condition with a CPAP.

3- Adam Savage

MythBusters co-host, editor in chief of Tested.com, and internet darling Adam Savage lost 30 pounds and had most of the negative effects of the sleep disorder clear up after seeking treatment. He has since been very publicly open on the positive health impacts that CPAP treatment has brought him.

4- Rosie O’Donnell

According to her sleep test readings, she had some 200 apneic episodes a night! Unsurprisingly, she suffered a heart attack in 2007, which wound up being the catalyst for treatment. As with many people seeking diagnosis, she felt too uncomfortable taking a sleep test at a clinic, and so opted to have one at home. She reportedly took too treatment like a fish to water, with her first night on a CPAP yielding great results! Since then, she has since done good work on bringing awareness to the condition by discussing her diagnosis and treatment on The View.

5- William Shatner

Cultural icon and Shakespearian trained actor, he has since sought treatment for his diagnosis and is still going strong and taking rolls at 86!

6- Regis Philbin

The former host of Who Wants to be a Millionaire also went on The View and spoke about his experience being diagnosed with OSA (only seeking help after a bunch of complaints from his wife about the snoring, naturally) and is currently using a CPAP machine to manage his condition. Before treatment, the Emmy award winning host was plagued by heart conditions that have forced him to go through several bypass surgeries.

7- Herm Schneider

As a successful Chicago White Sox head trainer since 2010 and having over 30 years of experience in the MLB, this man is known for being a staunch defender of the physical health for both himself and his team. This is evidenced by the fact that one of his many claims to fame is having the lowest record of injured players in the league. Since his diagnosis, he has been a wonderful advocate for sleep apnea awareness and CPAP usage.

8- Roseanne Barr

Comedian and TV host Rosanne Bar documented her journey from diagnosis to treatment on her reality show Rosanne’s Nuts, where she filmed her experience at a sleep clinic. After taking a home sleep test, she sought treatment by both using a CPAP and undergoing surgery for her nose.

9- Randy Jackson

This American Idol Judge and musician had a lucky break when he was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, subsequently revealing that he had sleep apnea. He has since had a gastric bypass surgery, reducing his weight (likely making his condition easier to manage and less severe) and now manages the sleep disorder with regular CPAP treatments.

10- Percy Harvin

The famed wide-receiver for the Florida Gators sought treatment in 2010 after a migraine episode caused him to be carted off the field mid-game. He was soon diagnosed after a hospital stay, with his sleep test showing that his heart stopped beating EIGHT TIMES for up to ten seconds at a time throughout the night. His migraines have reportedly subsided since treatment.

*This is an informational piece of content. No person or persons listed above has endorsed Sleep Group Solutions or our products and we have no intention of implying as such.

Sources utilized for piece:

https://slate.com/culture/2018/03/the-new-roseanne-trailer-has-familiar-faces-familiar-places-and-a-horrifying-sleep-apnea-mask.html

www.findatopdoc.com/Healthy-Living/20-Celebrities-Diagnosed-with-Sleep-Apnea

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/sleep-apnea

http://amatranscripts.com/ama/adam_savage_2016-03-03.html