If you or someone you love has been prescribed a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, you probably have a few complaints.
We hear it all the time from our patients at Meyer Dental Group in Mount Prospect:
- "The mask is uncomfortable and hard to keep on all night."
- "The hose gets tangled, and I wake up feeling like I'm fighting an octopus."
- "The machine is noisy and keeps my partner awake."
- "It dries out my nose and throat, making me feel awful in the morning."
- "I hate traveling with it. It’s bulky and a hassle."
Sound familiar?
For some people, CPAP works well—but for a lot of people, it’s just not the right solution. The problem is, if CPAP isn’t working for you, you’re left with two bad options: struggle through it or risk leaving your sleep apnea untreated.
But what if there was another way?
How CPAP Problems Affect Your Life
Poor sleep doesn’t just make you feel groggy. When your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, it can affect every part of your life.
- Constant exhaustion – Even after a full night’s sleep, you feel drained.
- Brain fog and poor concentration – Making decisions or staying focused becomes a daily struggle.
- Irritability and mood swings – Lack of sleep can make you short-tempered or anxious.
- Increased health risks – Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and even strokes.
- Relationship strain – If you’re snoring loudly or using a CPAP that keeps your partner up at night, it can take a toll on both of you.
Ignoring sleep apnea isn’t an option, but suffering with a CPAP machine doesn’t have to be either.
CPAP Side Effects That Might Be Making Things Worse
Even if you can tolerate wearing CPAP, it can come with some pretty unpleasant side effects:
- Dry mouth and sore throat – The forced air can dry everything out, making mornings miserable.
- Bloating and stomach discomfort – CPAP can push air into your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
- Skin irritation and pressure sores – The mask can cause breakouts, red marks, and even sores on your face.
- Infections – If not cleaned properly, CPAP machines can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
We understand why so many people give up on CPAP. But giving up doesn’t mean giving in to poor sleep—because there’s another solution.
A CPAP Alternative That Works – Custom Sleep Appliances
At The Meyer Dental Group in Mount Prospect, we’ve helped hundreds of patients ditch their CPAP machines by switching to a custom sleep appliance instead.
Dr. Tom Meyer and Dr. Ellie Meyer have worked with patients who were at their wit’s end—tired of CPAP but scared of untreated sleep apnea. The good news? Sleep appliances work, and for many people, they work even better than CPAP.
How Do Sleep Appliances Work?
A sleep appliance (also called an oral appliance) is a small, custom-fit device that you wear in your mouth while you sleep. It works by gently repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open, preventing snoring and apnea episodes.
Why Patients Love Sleep Appliances
- No more mask, hose, or loud machines – Just a simple device that fits like a mouthguard.
- Comfortable and easy to wear – Custom-fitted for your mouth, so it feels natural.
- No dry mouth, bloating, or irritation – Unlike CPAP, it doesn’t force air into your lungs.
- Perfect for travel – It fits in a small case and goes wherever you go.
- Clinically proven – Sleep appliances are an FDA-approved treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
For so many of our patients, a sleep appliance has been life-changing. They finally get restful, uninterrupted sleep—without fighting with a CPAP machine every night.
Hate Your CPAP? Let’s Talk About an Alternative
If you’re struggling with CPAP (or have stopped using it altogether), you don’t have to choose between poor sleep and an uncomfortable machine. There’s another way.
At Meyer Dental Group in Mount Prospect, we specialize in custom sleep appliances that help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and wake up refreshed.
When you really hate your CPAP, it’s time to explore an alternative. Book a consultation today and let’s find a solution that works for you.
Better sleep (and a better life) is just one step away!
MEYER DENTAL GROUP
Dr. Tom Meyer / Dr. Ellie Meyer
