If you use a CPAP machine—or have been prescribed one—you probably have strong feelings about it. And let’s be honest, most of those feelings aren’t great.
I hear it all the time from my patients:
- “I can’t stand the mask. It’s uncomfortable and keeps me awake.”
- “The air pressure dries out my mouth and throat.”
- “The hose gets in the way, and I end up tangled in it by morning.”
- “It’s noisy, and my partner can’t sleep with it running all night.”
- “Traveling with a CPAP is a pain. I hate lugging it around.”
The worst part? Many people give up on CPAP entirely because they just can’t tolerate it. And that means they’re left untreated—still snoring, still gasping for air at night, and still struggling with poor sleep.
I get it. I really do. CPAP is effective if you can use it consistently, but for so many people, it just doesn’t work. That’s why I want to tell you about a CPAP alternative that has helped hundreds of my patients sleep better—without the mask, hose, or hassle.
How CPAP Problems Affect Your Life
When CPAP is frustrating, many people end up taking it off in the middle of the night—or not using it at all. But sleep apnea doesn’t just go away if you ignore it. It affects more than just your sleep.
Poor sleep from untreated sleep apnea can lead to:
- Constant fatigue – You wake up tired, you struggle through the day, and you feel like you’re in a fog.
- Headaches and irritability – Poor sleep can trigger headaches and make you feel moody or anxious.
- Health risks – Sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.
- Strained relationships – Snoring and poor sleep can affect your partner, too, making both of you exhausted and frustrated.
Ignoring sleep apnea isn’t an option—but suffering through a CPAP machine doesn’t have to be, either.
CPAP’s Side Effects Can Be Worse Than the Machine Itself
Even if you can tolerate wearing a CPAP, it can come with some not-so-great side effects, including:
- Dry mouth, sore throat, or stuffy nose – Forced air can dry everything out, making mornings miserable.
- Bloating and discomfort – CPAP can push air into your stomach, leaving you feeling gassy or uncomfortable.
- Skin irritation – Masks can cause breakouts, redness, or even pressure sores on your face.
- Infections – If not cleaned properly, CPAP machines can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold.
For many people, these side effects make CPAP feel like a battle they don’t want to fight every night. If you’re one of them, I have good news—there’s another way.
A CPAP Alternative That Works – Custom Sleep Appliances
At You First Dental in Airdrie, I’ve helped hundreds of patients ditch their CPAP machines by providing a custom-made sleep appliance instead. These appliances are small, comfortable, and incredibly effective at treating sleep apnea and snoring.
How Do Sleep Appliances Work?
A sleep appliance (also called an oral appliance) is a small, custom-fit device that you wear in your mouth while you sleep. It works by gently repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open, so you can breathe properly without snoring or gasping for air.
Why Patients Love Sleep Appliances
- No more mask, hose, or loud machines – Just a simple device that fits like a mouthguard.
- Comfortable and easy to wear – Custom-fitted for your mouth, so it feels natural.
- No dry mouth, bloating, or irritation – Unlike CPAP, it doesn’t force air into your lungs.
- Perfect for travel – It fits in a small case and goes wherever you go.
- Clinically proven – Sleep appliances are an FDA-approved treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
For so many of my patients, a sleep appliance has been life-changing. They finally get restful, uninterrupted sleep—without fighting with a CPAP machine every night.
Hate Your CPAP? Let’s Talk About an Alternative
If you’re struggling with your CPAP (or have stopped using it altogether), don’t wait. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, and you deserve a treatment that actually works for you.
Let’s find a solution that helps you breathe better, sleep deeper, and wake up refreshed. Schedule a consultation with me at You First Dental in Airdrie, and let’s talk about whether a custom sleep appliance is right for you.
You don’t have to suffer through CPAP. There’s a better way—and I’d love to help you find it!
YOU FIRST DENTAL
Dr. Jennifer Buchanan
