Do I have to try using a CPAP machine before getting an oral device to treat my apnea?

This is a great question that I get asked quite often. And the answer is not a simple yes or no.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is widely recommended by physicians as a treatment choice for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most current standard of care guidelines include that OAT is a suitable choice of treatment for mild to moderate OSA, for severe who cannot tolerate or failed CPAP treatment, or for those who prefer to have an oral appliance. However, in many cases patients are automatically sent through the path of CPAP.

What we have found over the years working with oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is that there are several factors regarding insurance reimbursement for OAT that need be considered.

Whether oral appliance therapy gets covered without attempting CPAP therapy may depend on the following:

• Specific plan of the policy
• Severity of the diagnosis of OSA
• The presence of other symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness
• Occupation restrictions or necessity of treatment usage monitors
• How recent the sleep testing diagnosis occurred
• Medical notes on factors that may contribute to poor CPAP tolerance

For many, CPAP does not need be attempted for medical insurance reimbursement of OAT for the treatment of OSA.

To find out if your medical insurance guidelines dictate CPAP failure prior to OAT, call us at (630) 369-5508 and we can review your particular situation after a general screening is performed.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Lisle, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630) 369-5508.

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