Albertville, AL
We all have seen, heard, and read about the supply chain issues that are affecting access to goods and materials around the world. Did you know that CPAP devices also have been impacted by the supply chain? There currently is a shortage of CPAP machines, which are the most widespread method of treatment for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. If you or a loved one are living with sleep apnea in Albertville, luckily, when it comes to sleep apnea treatment, you have options other than CPAP. And the best part is that this alternative sleep apnea treatment has not been affected by supply chain shortages. That’s why your sleep apnea dentists at Wall Street Dentistry want to tell you about another option to manage your sleep apnea during this shortage of CPAP devices.
Why is there a CPAP shortage?
The supply chain disruption is affecting everything from computers to washing machines to CPAP devices. The shortage of CPAP devices has been hastened by a recent recall notice instituted by Philips. The recall, as of January 2022, had pulled more than 5.2 million devices out of circulation. With new devices hard to come by, many patients with sleep apnea find themselves either having to use devices that already have been recalled or pay out of pocket for a new device (assuming they can find one available.)
The shortage can be attributed to several factors, including the:
- COVID-19 pandemic
- Pandemic’s impact on chip manufacturing
- Limitation in shipping options during the pandemic
Solutions to the CPAP shortage
Mick Farrell, the CEO of ResMed, has issued a call to makers of semiconductors to emphasize the production of medical devices. In the meantime, you should know that there are options to treat your sleep apnea that do not include CPAP. Yes, it’s true. In fact, many CPAP users eventually become non-compliant, meaning they either stop using the CPAP the majority of the time or cease using it altogether because it is inconvenient to use, noisy, bulky, and because replacement parts may be on backorder.
Common patient complaints with CPAP include:
- Discomfort
- Skin irritation and rashes from wearing the mask
- Dry mouth and/or throat
- Your partner is having trouble sleeping due to the noise emitted by the machine
- Impediment to intimacy
- Inconvenient or cumbersome while traveling
- Inconvenient to maintain
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea in Boaz, Albertville, and Guntersville, Alabama
If you suffer from sleep apnea and any of the above issues have made it difficult for you to find relief, then know that you have options. At Wall Street Dentistry, we offer an alternative to CPAP treatment for sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. Our staff of competent and compassionate oral health professionals will fit you with a customized device made to fit your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness. When worn, the oral appliance guides your lower jaw into a forward resting position, minimizing the airway obstructions that can occur for a patient with sleep apnea.
The next step is to schedule a consultation with one of the sleep apnea dentists at Wall Street Dentistry. To find out more or make your appointment, call the office of Wall Street Dentistry today at (256) 878-0525.