ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Important Note
If symptoms persist while on CPAP therapy, talk to your health professional.
Always read the instructions for use for your CPAP therapy equipment to ensure it is used safely and as intended
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
Is a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) as effective as a CPAP device?
No, it is not. A MAS may be used and may be an option as an alternative to CPAP therapy depending on the severity of the sleep apnea, a persons tolerance to a CPAP device and many other personal and medical circumstances. According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, people likely to gain the most benefit from MADs include: those with mild-to moderate sleep apnea, young people, people with sleep apnea that improves when sleeping on their side, females, those with a receding jaw, structure (also known as a retrognathic mandible). The following people are less likely to see symptom improvement with MADs: older adults individuals with obesity and those with excess fat tissue around the neck, those with a stiff jaw, which makes advancement difficult, people with dental, conditions, such as gum disease, people with central sleep apnea, which is a neurological condition rather than a mechanical one. Speak to your Sleep Therapy Consultant and Sleep Physician to determine which one is suitable for you.
Note: Clicking on the link below will transfer you to a third party website. The information on that website is not controlled by Air Liquide Healthcare.
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/device/mandibular-devices-for-obstructive-sleep-apnoea
What's that little CPAP pump device all about?
To date, micro-CPAP devices aren’t included on the Australian Register of Therpeutig Goods (ARTG). We only offer equipment that is included on the ARTG and has been clinically proven to provide effective treatment for OSA.
Is a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) as effective as a CPAP device?What’s that little CPAP pump device all about?
To date, micro-CPAP devices aren’t included on the Australian Register of Therpeutig Goods (ARTG). We only offer equipment that is included on the ARTG and has been clinically proven to provide effective treatment for OSA.
Note: Clicking on the link below will transfer you to a third party website. The information on that website is not controlled by Air Liquide Healthcare.
How do I know my MAS is working?
You can compare your symptoms before and after treatment to determine its effectiveness. Alternatively you can do a home based sleep study while using the device. Depending on your situation, you may or may not receive a Medicare rebate for the sleep study.
Are mouthguards (MAS) covered by medicare or private health?
No, Medicare do not cover MASs. Depending on your private health insurance, a small portion of the cost may be covered. We recommend checking with your private health insurer as part of considering this option together with your health professional.
How long does a splint last?
We offer 2 MAS devices, the Oniris which is a boil and bite MAS and the Oventus which is a custom fitted MAS. Both come with a 12 month warranty (on the device and not the success of the therapy). The longevity of the devices depend on the usage, cleanliness and if the patient grinds their teeth.
If I lose weight will I still need a CPAP device or any alternative therapies?
Weight loss may decrease the severity of your sleep apnea but we recommend you do a home sleep study to verify wheather your diagnosis for OSA has changed. This shall be done in conjunction with a healthcare professional.
Do you sell pillows instead of CPAP therapy?
We do not offer sleeping pillows and do not recommend using a pilllow to treat sleep apnea.
Why can I not start with the alternate therepy first?
CPAP is more effective overall than MASs for treating sleep apnea. For this reason we start all our patients on CPAP therapy first. We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional to determine if an alternatove therpy may be a suitable option for you. ALH respects and follows all health professional prescriptions for OSA.
Note: Clicking on the link below will transfer you to a third party website. The information on that website is not controlled by Air Liquide Healthcare.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mandibular-advancement-device#mad-vs-CPAP
What are the alternatives to a CPAP device?
Once a diagnosis of OSA is established, ALH recommends talking with your doctor about the need for treatment and the options available for you. The circumstances often vary from person to person, since the underlying causes may be different. Generally speaking, the options can include one or more of the following:
Weight loss – For anyone who is overweight, losing weight is recommended. While this may not necessarily cure the OSA, it usually improves snoring and OSA symptoms, and can help other treatments work more effectively. It also provides general health benefits.
Reduce alcohol consumption – Alcohol usually worsens snoring and OSA due to the throat muscles relaxing. For some people drinking alcohol makes their OSA worse. If this is the case for you then less or no alcohol may be a useful treatment.
Body position during sleep – Snoring and OSA are usually worse when lying on the back. This is because of the effects of gravity on the tongue. Avoiding sleep in this position can improve OSA. In some people it can completely control the problem. This is best achieved by wearing a device that makes it uncomfortable to sleep on your back. Some such devices can be purchased or it can be as simple as sleeping with a tennis ball sewn into a pocket on the back of your pyjamas.
Managing blocked nose – A blocked nose causes mouth breathing, which can lead to snoring and OSA. The blocked nose can be due to different problems, such as allergies, sinus disease, and a deviated septum. Your doctor can assess and provide treatment, depending on the problem. This may involve the use of nasal sprays to relieve congestion. Sometimes surgery is required to correct anatomical problems.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) – This is generally considered to be the most effective way to treat OSA. It involves the use of a special device during sleep, connected to a nose or face mask via tubing. The device gently increases air pressure in your throat holding it open, thus preventing snoring and OSA. See our CPAP link.
Oral Appliances – These are specially made dental plates that are worn during sleep. They push your lower jaw forwards so that your throat opens up, reducing the risk that it will vibrate (snore) or obstruct. The appliances have various names such as Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) or Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) or Mandibular Repositioning Appliances (MRA). Your suitability for this form of treatment is best discussed with your sleep physician, who will then refer you to a trained dentist. See our Oral Appliances link.
Surgery – Surgery may help in cases of OSA caused by a discrete blockage of some part of the nose or throat. There are many types of operations depending on where in your nose and/or throat the problem lies. The decision about whether surgery is right for you may require the expert input of an ENT surgeon. The risks and benefits need to be weighed up in each case. In adults, surgery is often the last resort, after other treatments have been tried first. Nasal surgery may be useful to help CPAP treatment by allowing nasal masks once the nasal blockage is repaired. In children with OSA, surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids is quite commonly done and is often very helpful.
Note: Clicking on the link below will transfer you to a third party website. The information on that website is not controlled by Air Liquide Healthcare.
https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/treatment-options-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa.html
How do I adjust the MAS device?
Each MAS is supplied with a set of advancements straps which attach to the sides of the device. In general, as you get more comfortable, change the advancement strap to the next size up in order to advance your lower jaw forward and relieve the obsruction in your airway. Continue increasing the size of the advancement straps until your snoring is relieved, this may take days or weeks depending on the severity of your sleep apnea. It is recommended you refer to the User Manual supplied with your specific MAS devive for precise instructions on its safe use.
Note: Clicking on the link below will transfer you to a third party website. The information on that website is not controlled by Air Liquide Healthcare.
Can I trial these alternative therapy options?
No, we do not trial MASs for hygienic reasons and the fact that they are customised for you and molded to your teeth.
Will surgery help me with my obstructive sleep apnea?
Surgery may help in cases of OSA caused by a discrete blockage or narrowing of some part of the air passages in the nose or throat. There are many types of operations depending on where in your nose and/or throat the problem lies. The decision about whether surgery is right for you may require the expert input of an ENT surgeon. The risks and benefits need to be weighed up in each case. In adults, surgery is often the last resort, after other treatments have been tried first.
Note: Clicking on the link below will transfer you to a third party website. The information on that website is not controlled by Air Liquide Healthcare.
https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/treatment-options-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa.html