Sleep · FAQ
What should I do if I miss a night of Oral appliance therapy?
Short answer
If you miss a night of Oral appliance therapy, return to your prescribed schedule at the next sleep period. Follow your prescribing physician’s directions and the device label. Do not tighten the device or add extra wear time to make up for it. Contact your care team if missed nights become common.
If you forget to wear Oral appliance therapy for a night, resume your usual schedule at the next sleep period. Follow your prescribing physician’s directions and the device label. This device does not have a medicine dose to double. Do not move the jaw setting farther forward or wear it during the day to make up for missed use.
The device is intended to support your airway while it is in place. When you sleep without it, your sleep apnea may remain untreated during that time. Do not drive or use dangerous equipment if you feel sleepy or have trouble staying alert.
If you took the device out because of pain, poor fit, or trouble breathing, contact your dentist or prescribing physician before trying to push through the problem. Repeated missed nights are worth discussing with your care team. They can review fit, comfort, and your treatment plan. If you have a separate backup treatment plan, such as prescribed CPAP use, follow that plan rather than creating your own.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
Related questions
- What is the nightly dose or wear schedule for Oral appliance therapy?
- How do I put in and use my Oral appliance therapy mouthguard?
- What side effects can Oral appliance therapy cause in my teeth or jaw?
- Can Oral appliance therapy interact with medicines, alcohol, or other dental devices?
- How should I clean and store my custom Oral appliance therapy device?