How to Get Better Sleep Without a Mask: Success Stories from St. Louis
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may have told you CPAP is the only solution. But here’s what they don’t always say: many patients can’t tolerate CPAP, and there are highly effective alternatives. At Ellis Sleep Center in St. Louis, we help people just like you sleep better without the mask, using custom oral appliance therapy designed to fit your life.
In this post, we’ll share real stories from local patients who said goodbye to their CPAP machines, and hello to deeper, healthier sleep. If you’ve been searching for a CPAP alternative in St. Louis, their stories may inspire your next step.
Life Before Treatment: Struggling in Silence
John from Ballwin: “I was exhausted every day.”
John, a 58-year-old contractor from Ballwin, had been using a CPAP machine for over a year. But between the noise, the hose, and the uncomfortable mask, he barely used it.
“I dreaded going to bed. The machine made me feel like I was tethered to a wall. I kept waking up, and my wife couldn’t sleep either.”
Tired of being tired, John searched online for CPAP alternatives that work, and found Ellis Sleep Center. After a consultation and home sleep study, Dr. Holly Ellis fit him with a custom oral sleep appliance. Within days, John noticed the difference.
“Now I sleep through the night, and I don’t wake up groggy. My wife said I stopped snoring, and I feel like I’m finally myself again.”
A Better Option for Busy Lives
Melissa from Central West End: “I travel for work, CPAP wasn’t realistic.”
As a 44-year-old sales executive, Melissa traveled frequently. Her CPAP machine was heavy, hard to clean, and drew attention in hotels and airports. She struggled with sleep and often felt embarrassed.
“I needed something small, quiet, and portable, but still effective.”
Melissa found Ellis Sleep Center while researching custom mouthpieces for sleep apnea in St. Louis. Dr. Ellis created a lightweight oral appliance designed just for her. It fits in a small case and doesn’t require electricity or tubes.
“It changed everything. I can sleep comfortably anywhere, no stress, no stares, and no missed rest.”
Mild Sleep Apnea? There’s a Comfortable Fix
Sharon from Kirkwood: “I didn’t even know I had sleep apnea.”
Sharon, 38, had no idea her constant fatigue, headaches, and mood swings were signs of mild obstructive sleep apnea. She just thought being a busy mom of three meant always being tired.
After speaking with her primary doctor, she completed a home sleep study and was referred to Ellis Sleep Center. Dr. Ellis fit her with a slim, flexible appliance, no mask, no noise, no wires.
“Within two weeks, I noticed a huge difference. I actually wake up feeling rested. It’s subtle but life-changing.”
Why Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Oral appliance therapy treats obstructive sleep apnea by gently shifting the lower jaw forward during sleep, which helps keep your airway open. Unlike CPAP, which uses forced air and a mask, oral appliances are:
Custom-made for comfort
Silent and compact
Easy to clean
Covered by most medical insurance
Ideal for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who can’t tolerate CPAP
Looking for the best dentist for sleep apnea oral appliance in St. Louis? Dr. Holly Ellis is trusted across St. Louis County for her compassionate approach and expertise in dental sleep medicine.
Serving Patients Across St. Louis
Whether you're from Chesterfield, Clayton, or Central West End, Ellis Sleep Center is your local partner in comfortable sleep apnea treatment. We take the time to listen, assess your symptoms, and find a solution that truly fits your lifestyle.
Is a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard Right for You?
If you’ve been Googling “can’t tolerate CPAP St. Louis” or “sleep apnea help near me,” you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. There’s a better way.
📞 Call Ellis Sleep Center today to schedule your consultation. Ask us how oral appliance therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.