Hate Your CPAP? Here's What You Can Do Instead

Read Time: 3 minutes

If you're like many people in St. Louis who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you were probably prescribed a CPAP machine as the go-to treatment. But what happens if you can't tolerate CPAP? You're not alone. Many patients report discomfort, claustrophobia, skin irritation, dry mouth, and noise issues that make CPAP therapy difficult to stick with long-term.

The good news? You do have options. At Ellis Sleep Center in St. Louis, MO, Dr. Holly Ellis offers a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP: oral appliance therapy.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a custom mouthpiece for sleep apnea. This device gently repositions your lower jaw while you sleep to keep your airway open and reduce snoring and breathing interruptions. Think of it as a mouth guard designed specifically to treat obstructive sleep apnea. It is small, portable, and worn only during sleep.

This type of therapy is part of a specialized field called dental sleep medicine, which combines dentistry and sleep science to address sleep breathing disorders. If you're unfamiliar with dental sleep medicine in St. Louis, you're not alone. Many people are surprised to learn that a dentist can play such a crucial role in sleep apnea treatment.

Why Choose an Oral Appliance?

  • Comfortable & Quiet: No mask, no tubes, no noise. You simply wear a small device that fits like a retainer.

  • Custom Fit: Tailored to your unique bite by a trained sleep apnea dentist in St. Louis MO. This ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness.

  • Easy to Travel With: Small, discreet, and TSA-friendly, making it a great option for those who travel frequently or have an active lifestyle.

  • Proven Effective: Especially for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Even severe cases may see benefit when used in combination with lifestyle changes.

  • Low Maintenance: No electricity, cleaning machines, or complicated parts. Just brush it like you would a retainer or mouthguard.

Who Should Consider This Option?

If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea but feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even defeated by CPAP, you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy. Symptoms such as:

  • Waking up tired or with a headache

  • Feeling sleepy during the day

  • Snoring that disrupts your bed partner

  • Waking up gasping for air or choking

...could indicate that your current treatment isn’t working—or that you're overdue for a new solution.

Patient Success in St. Louis

At Ellis Sleep Center, we've seen patients from all over St. Louis County, including Ballwin, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, and the Central West End, who have regained restful sleep thanks to oral appliances. These patients often say they wish they had found us sooner after years of struggling with CPAP.

Get Help From a St. Louis Sleep Apnea Dentist

Dr. Holly Ellis specializes in dental sleep medicine in St. Louis, combining advanced technology with a personalized approach. She'll take time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your current treatment, and recommend a solution tailored to your needs.

Whether you're looking for a CPAP alternative that works or are simply ready to reclaim restful nights, our team is here to help.

Ready to sleep better without the mask? Schedule a consultation today to see if oral appliance therapy is right for you.


Justin Ellis