11 Nov Positional Therapy vs. Oral Appliance for Mild Sleep Apnea: What Works Best in Winter Park
Living in Winter Park, FL, where winter months are mild but still disrupt routines, many people with mild sleep apnea consider non-CPAP options to improve sleep without bulkier devices.
The two most common alternatives are positional therapy and oral appliance therapy. Understanding how each works and which one is more effective for your situation helps you make a smart choice.
What Is Mild Sleep Apnea?
Mild sleep apnea is defined by fewer breathing interruptions per hour (an apnea–hypopnea index, or AHI, roughly between 5 and 15). It can still cause daytime fatigue, snoring, and increase cardiovascular risks if left untreated.
Mild sleep apnea treatment in Winter Park often starts with lifestyle changes or noninvasive solutions before considering CPAP.
Positional Therapy in Winter Park, FL
Some people’s sleep apnea events occur primarily when they lie on their back (supine). Positional therapy in Winter Park, FL, aims to prevent back-sleeping by using devices like belts, pillows, or alarms that prompt side-sleeping.
It’s simple, low-cost, and noninvasive. For patients whose apnea is strongly position-dependent, positional therapy can dramatically reduce events.
Oral Appliance Therapy as a CPAP Alternative
An oral appliance therapy (mandibular advancement device) gently holds the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. At Healthy Sleep Solutions in Winter Park, FL, Dr. Luis Acosta and his team fit custom devices as an alternative to CPAP in Winter Park.
This option is more comfortable than CPAP for many patients, portable, and quiet. For many with mild sleep apnea, oral appliances offer substantial improvement in symptoms, snoring reduction, and sleep quality. Because they directly alter airway anatomy, they don’t rely on body position.
Which Works Best for You?
- If your sleep study shows apnea events largely when supine, positional therapy might yield excellent results.
- If your apnea continues in multiple positions, or if you can’t maintain side sleeping, an oral appliance is generally more effective.
- Many patients combine both: use positional aids plus an oral appliance for enhanced results.
- Long-term adherence is key—whichever device you prefer, consistent nightly use matters most.
Choosing Treatment in Winter Park
When exploring mild sleep apnea treatment in Winter Park, consult a provider experienced in dental sleep medicine. Healthy Sleep Solutions is a great local option. They specialize in CPAP alternatives, custom oral appliances, and patient coaching to support compliance.
For many cases of mild sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance often outperforms positional therapy, especially when apnea isn’t strictly position-dependent. Still, positional therapy has value for select patients.
Healthy Sleep Solutions in Winter Park can help you test both approaches and determine the solution that best suits your lifestyle.