If you’ve been told your snoring sounds like you are sawing down trees, or you wake gasping for air, you might be dealing with sleep apnoea. For many, choosing between a CPAP machine and a mandibular splint for sleep apnoea is a crucial decision. Both are proven to treat sleep apnoea effectively, but the right choice often comes down to what helps you rest easiest.
Understanding the CPAP Machine
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has long been the gold standard for treating moderate to severe sleep apnoea. It works by delivering constant air pressure through a mask to keep airways open during sleep.
While highly effective, CPAP’s main drawback is comfort. Many users report difficulty adjusting to the airflow, mask leaks, dry mouth and disrupted sleep. Travelling with it can also be inconvenient. In fact, studies show that only about half of CPAP users continue long-term, mainly because the equipment feels intrusive and restricts movement.
The Rise of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnoea
Enter the oral appliance for sleep apnoea – a simpler, less invasive option designed for mild to moderate cases. At Absolute Sleep, custom-made oral devices like the mandibular advancement splint gently reposition the lower jaw forward, preventing the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway.
These splints resemble a comfortable sports mouthguard and are compact, portable, and easy to clean. Patients often find them more natural to wear, with mandibular advancement splint compliance rates reaching around 80%, significantly higher than CPAP use.
Comfort, Compliance and Everyday Practicality
The key advantage of a mandibular splint lies in ease of use. No noisy motor, no bulky tubing, just a lightweight device that fits discreetly in the mouth. You can still talk, drink water, or even smile before bed without feeling encumbered.
In contrast, CPAP users often face issues such as CPAP mask pressure sores, feelings of claustrophobia or waking to find the mask has come off mid-sleep. For travellers or partners sharing a bed, the quietness of a mandibular splint is a major plus.
Which One Works Best For You?
If your sleep apnoea is mild to moderate, a mandibular advancement splint may offer equal results to CPAP with far greater comfort and long-term satisfaction. For severe sleep apnoea, however, CPAP remains the most effective treatment.
That’s why Absolute Sleep starts with a simple screening process using the STOP-BANG Test to assess your likelihood of sleep apnoea before recommending the most suitable solution. With a custom-fitted device and expert follow-up, most patients report better sleep, improved energy and reduced snoring within weeks.
FAQs
Is a mandibular splint as effective as CPAP?
For mild to moderate sleep apnoea, studies show similar success rates between CPAP and mandibular splints, with higher comfort and compliance for splint users.
Can I use a mandibular splint if I grind my teeth?
Yes. Custom devices are designed to protect teeth and withstand grinding while maintaining proper jaw positioning for airway support.
Do I need a prescription for an oral appliance?
Yes. Oral appliances should always be prescribed and fitted by trained dental sleep specialists to ensure safety and effectiveness.
What’s the best snoring treatment in Perth for me?
If your snoring stems from airway obstruction or mild sleep apnoea, Absolute Sleep can assess your suitability for a mandibular advancement splint.
Can I use a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) if I have severe sleep apnoea?
It depends. For mild to moderate sleep apnoea, a mandibular advancement splint can be just as effective as CPAP and often more comfortable. For severe sleep apnoea, CPAP is usually the recommended option, but we’ll need to assess your condition first to determine what’s safest and most effective for you.
Experience more comfortable, restful sleep with a mandibular splint for sleep apnoea. Book your consultation today.
