CPAP vs oral appliance: What ongoing care does each treatment need?

CPAP and oral appliances usually manage obstructive sleep apnea rather than remove its underlying cause. Results vary. Use your prescribed treatment whenever you sleep, including naps, unless your clinician gives different instructions. Symptoms may return when you sleep without it.

For CPAP, follow the maker’s cleaning and replacement instructions for the mask, tubing, filters, and water chamber. Your care team can review use data, leaks, and breathing events recorded by the device. Device readings are useful but do not replace a full clinical review.

For an oral appliance, follow your dentist’s cleaning and storage instructions. Keep scheduled dental visits so the dentist can check the fit, gums, teeth, and bite. Report new jaw pain, loose teeth, cracks in the device, or changes in how your teeth meet.

Tell your clinician about weight changes, new health conditions, or returning symptoms. These may prompt new testing or treatment adjustments. Do not stop either treatment because you feel better. A physician licensed in your state should reassess whether treatment is still needed and appropriate.