Combined Therapy – Fort Worth, TX
The Best of Both Worlds
For patients dealing with sleep apnea, they basically have three main treatment options: CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, or corrective surgery. Surgery is usually only needed if a patient has a physical blockage in their airway, so for most, it’s a choice between CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy. However, some severe sleep apnea patients aren’t able to get the results they need from either treatment alone, so what are they to do? With Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center there is now another option: combined therapy. This approach uses both of the most popular sleep apnea treatments to help patients get the rest they need without having to undergo surgery or endure an inadequate treatment.
Why Choose Us for Combined Therapy?
- Reliable like a CPAP, comfortable like an oral appliance
- Appliances custom-designed by Dr. Conditt
- Proven more effective than CPAP therapy alone
What is Combined Therapy?
With combined therapy, a CPAP machine and sleep oral appliance are actually used at the same time. A patient sleeps with an oral appliance in their mouth, and they wear a nasal mask connected to a CPAP machine. This approach provides the perfect middle ground for patients who enjoy the comfort of oral appliance therapy but require the reliability of a CPAP machine.
Who is a Good Candidate for Combined Therapy?
- Patients who wear a sleep appliance but still experience sleepiness, snoring, or fatigue
- Patients who use a CPAP machine but still experience sleep apnea symptoms
- Patients who have undergone corrective surgery but still experience sleep apnea symptoms
- Patients who find the CPAP machine on its own uncomfortable and want to try another treatment
The Benefits of Combined Therapy
- Increased Comfort: By far, the biggest complaint with a CPAP machine is that it is uncomfortable to wear and use. The machine is loud, bulky, and the mask makes many people feel claustrophobic! Thankfully, combined therapy helps address all of these problems at once. Because a patient is using an oral appliance, they only need to wear a small nasal mask with their CPAP as opposed to one that covers most of the face. Combined therapy also enables a patient to put their machine on a lower setting, helping reduce the noise as well as the sensation of air being pumped into the mouth and throat.
- Increased Effectiveness: In a study conducted by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, combined therapy was shown to be more effective at reducing apnea events (stoppages in breathing during sleep) than CPAP therapy alone. With just a CPAP machine, patients in the study experienced an average of 4 apnea events an hour. Using combined therapy, the number of apnea events was reduced to just 2, meaning those patients fundamentally got more uninterrupted sleep.
- Increased Convenience: CPAP machines are very hard to travel with, so many patients simply leave them at home whenever they hit the road. For someone using combined therapy, however, they can always easily pack and take their oral appliance with them, ensuring they get a good night’s rest wherever they go.
- Decreased Air Pressure: One of the main complaints with CPAP therapy is the amount of constant pressure forced down the airway to reduce the apneic events. An oral appliance, correctly adjusted, will open the airway allowing the pressure of the CPAP to be reduced.
Is Combined Therapy Right For You?
Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center is committed to finding the perfect treatment for each of our patients so they can rest easy and feel energized day after day. If you’re interested in learning more about combined therapy and what it could do for you, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center today.
Combined Therapy FAQs
Will Combined Therapy Allow Me to Use My CPAP on a Lower Setting?
When you begin combined therapy in Fort Worth, which involves both a CPAP machine and a custom oral appliance, you may experience the benefit of using your CPAP at a lower pressure setting. The oral appliance helps keep your airway open, so the CPAP does not need to work as hard to deliver air. This can make your treatment more comfortable, especially if high pressures have caused discomfort in the past. It can also lead to a quieter nighttime experience.
Will Combined Therapy Reduce My Problem with Dry Lips and a Dry Throat?
Dry lips and a dry throat are common concerns for CPAP users, particularly when higher pressure settings are needed. When you add a custom oral appliance to your sleep apnea therapy, the combined approach may allow lower CPAP pressure. This reduction can decrease the amount of air blowing into your mouth and throat, which often leads to less dryness.
Will My Insurance Cover an Oral Appliance Even if I Already Have a CPAP Machine?
Insurance coverage for oral appliances can vary, especially when you already have a CPAP machine. Many insurance plans recognize the medical necessity of combined therapy for patients who struggle with CPAP alone or who need additional support. It is important to check with your insurance company about specific coverage details and any requirements for documentation.
We are committed to assisting you through the insurance process. Our staff can help you gather the necessary paperwork and submit claims, working on your behalf to maximize your benefits. If you have questions about coverage, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Is It Easy to Adjust to Combined Therapy?
Adjusting to combined therapy may take some time, but many patients find the transition manageable with support and guidance. Using both a CPAP machine and an oral appliance requires getting accustomed to two devices, but the benefits often outweigh any initial challenges. The oral appliance is custom-fitted for your comfort, and lower CPAP pressure can make breathing easier during sleep.
We believe in a collaborative approach to care. Our team will provide detailed instructions, answer your questions, and offer follow-up appointments to track your progress. By working together, we can help you adapt to combined therapy and achieve lasting improvements in your sleep quality.
What if I Still Struggle with Sleep Apnea after Starting Combined Therapy?
If you continue to experience significant sleep apnea symptoms after starting combined therapy, it is important to communicate with our practice. Persistent issues may indicate the need for adjustments to your oral appliance or CPAP settings. Sometimes, additional factors such as weight changes or nasal congestion can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
We are dedicated to finding solutions that work for you and will do all we can to help you get the restful, rejuvenating sleep that your body needs.