
For many people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), CPAP therapy is the first treatment recommended. While CPAP can be effective, it isn’t always comfortable, convenient, or sustainable long-term. If you struggle with your CPAP machine—or you simply prefer a quieter, easier solution—there is an alternative.
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, Dr. Jared Bloxham specializes in providing custom oral sleep appliances designed to keep the airway open naturally, helping you breathe comfortably throughout the night without the noise, hoses, or pressure of a CPAP.
In this article, we’ll explore how oral appliance therapy works, who it can help, and why so many patients are choosing this modern approach to treating sleep apnea.
Why Many Patients Struggle with CPAP Therapy
While CPAP is effective for many, it’s also one of the most commonly abandoned medical treatments. Patients often report:
- Mask discomfort or irritation
- Claustrophobic sensations
- Difficulty sleeping with forced air pressure
- Dry mouth or nasal congestion
- Loud machine noise
- Travel inconvenience
- Trouble keeping the mask on throughout the night
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Over half of CPAP users find long-term consistency difficult. Fortunately, it’s not your only option.
What Is a Custom Oral Sleep Appliance?
A custom oral sleep appliance is a small, comfortable device—similar to a retainer—that gently repositions the lower jaw forward during sleep. This keeps the airway open and reduces airway collapse, one of the primary causes of obstructive sleep apnea.
Unlike over-the-counter snore guards, an appliance designed by a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine is:
- Precision-fit to your teeth and jaw
- Adjustable for optimal airway support
- Comfortable enough for nightly use
- Proven to reduce snoring and mild to moderate OSA
For many patients, it’s a life-changing alternative to CPAP therapy.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Choosing a custom oral sleep appliance can provide major advantages, including:
✓ Greater Comfort
Patients often find an oral appliance easier to wear than a CPAP mask, with no straps, tubing, or air pressure.
✓ Portability and Convenience
Small, lightweight, and easy to travel with—ideal for frequent travelers or anyone who dislikes bulky equipment.
✓ Quiet, Non-Invasive Treatment
No noise. No electricity. No disruptions for you or your partner.
✓ Improved Sleep and Daytime Energy
By keeping the airway open, an oral appliance can reduce snoring, improve oxygen levels, and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
✓ High Compliance Rates
Many patients who cannot tolerate CPAP find they can easily commit to nightly appliance use.
Is an Oral Appliance Right for You?
This therapy is especially helpful for:
- Patients diagnosed with
mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Individuals who
cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a non-invasive option
- Travelers who need a portable alternative
- People seeking a more comfortable, discreet solution
During your visit, Dr. Jared Bloxham performs a comprehensive airway evaluation to determine whether oral appliance therapy is the best choice for your specific sleep apnea needs.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Jared Bloxham for CPAP Alternatives
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, you’ll receive personalized, evidence-based care in a supportive environment. Dr. Bloxham has extensive training in dental sleep medicine, TMJ disorders, and airway-focused dentistry, allowing him to provide advanced solutions for sleep-disordered breathing.
Patients appreciate:
- Customized treatment plans
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technology
- Professional appliance fitting and follow-up adjustments
- Dedicated support for long-term success
Your comfort and quality of sleep are always the top priority.
Tired of CPAP? Discover a Better Way to Treat Sleep Apnea
If your CPAP machine feels overwhelming, uncomfortable, or impossible to use, don’t give up on treating your sleep apnea. A custom oral sleep appliance may be the simple, effective solution you’ve been searching for.
Take the next step toward better sleep and better health.
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Call Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jared Bloxham - (509)581-4456.
Or send a message through our website to request an appointment.
You don’t have to struggle with CPAP—relief and restful sleep are within reach.











