Sleep disorders cause many different problems, and they are more common than most people realize. Dr. Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, at Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville has answers to some of your questions about conditions that prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Question: Is there an alternative to my CPAP for holiday travel?
Answer: Yes – a custom oral appliance made by a trained dentist can be the perfect solution.
As the holidays approach, many people start preparing for travel – packing bags, booking flights and organizing family plans. But for those who use a CPAP machine to manage sleep apnea, travel can add an extra layer of hassle. The machine is bulky, requires special setup, and can make packing or airport security a challenge.
If you’ve ever wished for a simpler way to manage your sleep apnea while traveling, there’s good news: a custom oral appliance, designed and fitted by a dentist with advanced training in dental sleep medicine, can be a highly effective and travel-friendly alternative.
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
A sleep apnea oral appliance is a small, custom-made device – about the size of a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer – that you wear while sleeping. It gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue to help keep your airway open, reducing or eliminating apneas (pauses in breathing) and snoring.
Oral appliances are FDA-approved for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and they can also benefit patients with more severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
However, not all oral appliances are created equal, and not every dentist has the specialized training to provide them safely and effectively.
Why it matters who makes your appliance
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires collaboration between your sleep physician and a qualified dentist trained in dental sleep medicine. Dentists with this background have advanced knowledge of airway anatomy, sleep physiology and appliance design. They take precise measurements, work closely with sleep physicians, and use FDA-approved laboratories to fabricate your custom device.
This expertise ensures:
- Proper fit and comfort
- Optimal airway positioning
- Reduced side effects such as jaw discomfort or bite changes
- Proven treatment effectiveness verified through follow-up sleep testing
When made by a credentialed dentist – ideally one who boarded by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine or is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) – an oral appliance can be a safe and reliable alternative to CPAP.
Why travelers love oral appliances
- Compact and convenient: No bulky machine, tubing, or distilled water. Your custom appliance fits in a small travel case – perfect for carry-on luggage.
- 2. Quiet, comfortable, and discreet: No mask noise, no strap marks, and no power cords. You can sleep comfortably wherever you go – even camping or on long flights.
- 3. TSA-friendly and low maintenance: No batteries, cords, or special cleaning supplies. Just a quick rinse or brushing, and it’s ready for the next night.
Is an oral appliance right for you?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, talk with your sleep physician or a qualified dentist with training in sleep-disordered breathing about whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.
And if you suspect you have sleep apnea – especially if you snore, wake up unrefreshed, or feel fatigued during the day – a sleep evaluation is an important first step.
Rest easy wherever you go
This holiday season, you don’t have to let your CPAP hold you back. With the help of a properly trained and credentialed dentist, a custom oral appliance can give you the freedom to travel lightly – and sleep soundly.
Enjoy the holidays rested, refreshed, and ready for what matters most.
Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. For more, visit the Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville website or call 931-645-8000.