CPAP Alternatives
in St. Louis MO

At Gateway Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ Therapy, we understand how disruptive sleep apnea can be to your health, energy, and overall quality of life. Many patients come to our St. Louis office feeling frustrated after struggling with CPAP therapy. While CPAP machines are commonly prescribed, they are not the right solution for everyone. Discomfort, noise, mask leaks, and difficulty sleeping through the night often lead patients to abandon CPAP altogether.

Under the care of Dr. Kevin F. Postol, patients have access to advanced CPAP alternatives in St. Louis that focus on comfort, effectiveness, and long-term compliance. Oral appliance therapy offers a proven, non-invasive way to treat sleep apnea without relying on bulky equipment or pressurized air.

Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Impact

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep-related breathing disorder in which airflow is repeatedly reduced or stopped during sleep. These interruptions deprive the body of oxygen and prevent restorative rest. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to chronic fatigue, morning headaches, memory problems, mood changes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke.

Many people are unaware they have sleep apnea until a bed partner notices loud snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing. Others recognize symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, or waking up feeling unrefreshed despite a full night in bed.

While CPAP therapy is often the first treatment recommended, patient compliance is a major challenge. Studies show that a significant number of CPAP users stop using their machines within the first year. For these patients, exploring alternative sleep apnea treatments is essential for protecting long-term health.

Why Patients Seek CPAP Alternatives

CPAP machines work by delivering continuous air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open. Although effective in theory, many patients experience issues that make consistent use difficult, including:

• Mask discomfort or skin irritation
• Claustrophobia or anxiety
• Noise that disrupts sleep
• Dry mouth or nasal congestion
• Difficulty traveling with equipment
• Poor overall sleep quality

When CPAP therapy becomes intolerable, untreated sleep apnea can worsen. That is why Dr. Postol offers CPAP alternatives in St. Louis that are designed to be comfortable, portable, and easy to use.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy is a well-established treatment option supported by clinical research and recommended by sleep medicine guidelines. These custom devices are worn in the mouth during sleep and work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway.

Oral appliances are commonly indicated:

• As a first-line treatment for primary snoring
• For patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea
• As a secondary treatment for moderate or severe sleep apnea when CPAP fails
• For patients who refuse CPAP or cannot tolerate it
• For patients who are not good candidates for surgery

At Gateway Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ Therapy, all oral appliances are custom-fitted and carefully adjusted by Dr. Postol to ensure comfort, effectiveness, and long-term success.

Conditions Treated With Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for patients with:

• Primary or chronic snoring
• Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• Certain cases of severe obstructive sleep apnea
• Poor CPAP compliance or intolerance
• Failed surgical sleep apnea treatment
• Frequent travel needs
• Combination therapy with CPAP

Each patient receives a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment based on anatomy, sleep study results, and symptom severity.

Common CPAP Alternatives Offered in St. Louis

TAP 3 Oral Appliance

The TAP 3 oral appliance, short for Thornton Adjustable Positioner, is one of the most widely used mandibular advancement devices for sleep apnea treatment. It is designed to gently move the lower jaw forward during sleep, preventing the collapse of soft tissues in the throat that block airflow.

The TAP 3 features a two-piece design with an adjustable front mechanism that allows precise control of jaw positioning. This adjustability allows Dr. Postol to fine-tune treatment over time for optimal results.

This appliance is commonly recommended for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, as well as those who cannot tolerate a CPAP mask. Custom fitting and follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper performance and comfort.

Herbst Oral Appliance

The Herbst oral appliance has a long history of successful use in dental sleep medicine. It works by advancing the lower jaw forward using a system of telescoping metal arms attached to upper and lower dental trays.

This design provides stability and durability while maintaining airway patency throughout the night. The Herbst appliance is well-suited for patients who need a reliable, fixed advancement option and who prefer a sturdy design.

As with all oral appliances, the Herbst device requires professional fitting, ongoing monitoring, and periodic adjustments by Dr. Postol.