
If you are searching for sleep apnea alternatives to CPAP, Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ offers specialized care right here in the Tri-Cities.
Dr. Bloxham is an Orofacial Pain Specialist, not a sleep physician, who focuses on conservative treatment of TMJ disorders and provides custom oral sleep appliances for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a non-CPAP solution.
Conveniently located for patients in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, the practice also serves surrounding communities including Ephrata, Moses Lake, Hermiston, and Benton City.
What Is an Orofacial Pain Specialist?
An orofacial pain specialist has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex conditions involving the jaw joints (TMJ), facial muscles, bite alignment, and related pain disorders.
Patients often seek care for:
- TMJ/TMD pain
- Jaw clicking or locking
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Facial pain
- Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
- Bite instability
- Sleep-related jaw issues
Dr. Bloxham’s focus is on conservative, non-surgical therapy, helping patients find long-term relief while preserving joint health and function.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea (CPAP Alternative)
While Dr. Bloxham is not a sleep physician, he works with patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are looking for an alternative to CPAP therapy.
Many individuals struggle with:
- CPAP mask discomfort
- Air leaks
- Claustrophobia
- Noise disturbance
- Difficulty traveling with equipment
For these patients, custom oral sleep appliances may provide a comfortable and effective alternative.
How Oral Sleep Appliances Work
An oral appliance is a small, custom-fit device worn during sleep. It works by gently holding the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, which helps:
- Keep the airway open
- Prevent airway collapse
- Reduce snoring
- Improve nighttime breathing
By maintaining proper jaw positioning, the appliance supports a more stable airway throughout the night.
This therapy is compact, quiet, and easy to travel with — making it appealing to patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a less intrusive option.
TMJ and Sleep Apnea: Why Expertise Matters
The jaw joint and airway are closely connected. Improper appliance design can worsen TMJ symptoms if not carefully managed.
Because Dr. Bloxham is trained in orofacial pain and TMJ disorders, he carefully evaluates:
- Jaw joint health
- Muscle function
- Bite alignment
- Existing TMJ symptoms
This ensures that oral appliance therapy is delivered safely and conservatively, especially for patients who already experience jaw discomfort.
Serving Kennewick, Pasco, Richland & Surrounding Communities
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ proudly serves patients throughout:
- Kennewick, WA
- Pasco, WA
- Richland, WA
- Ephrata, WA
- Moses Lake, WA
- Hermiston, OR
- Benton City, WA
Patients across Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon seek care here for specialized TMJ treatment and CPAP alternatives close to home.
Conservative, Patient-Centered Care
What sets Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ apart is a commitment to:
- Conservative therapy first
- Comprehensive TMJ evaluation
- Custom, precision-fit oral appliances
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
- Collaborative care with physicians when appropriate
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with long-term joint health and airway stability in mind.
Looking for a CPAP Alternative in the Tri-Cities?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are searching for:
- “CPAP alternative Kennewick”
- “Oral sleep appliance Pasco”
- “TMJ specialist Richland WA”
- “Sleep apnea mouthpiece Tri-Cities”
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ can help.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bloxham to learn whether oral appliance therapy is right for you and take the first step toward better sleep and relief from jaw pain.











