CPAP Alternative

CPAP VS Oral Appliance | Sleep Apnea Treatment | Holland, MI

CPAP changed the game for many people with sleep apnea. Still, its time as the most effective option for treating sleep apnea may be ending soon due to the latest oral appliances, which recent studies suggest outperform CPAP and are at least non-inferior to CPAP.

If you’re struggling with masks, hoses, or nightly compliance, these cutting-edge oral appliances may be the alternative you’ve been hoping for to find your healthy night’s sleep. The latest precision oral appliances are small, retainer-like devices worn during sleep. They gently position your lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open throughout the night. Patients love the comfort, portability, and freedom of these CPAP alternatives. The most recent studies show they are non-inferior to CPAP in overall effectiveness, and they outperform CPAP in various wellness metrics, like improvements in energy, sleep quality, cognition, alertness, hours of sleep/night, and more.

Discover a better way to treat sleep apnea. Call (616) 741-9035 for your free consultation.

Wearing A Custom Oral Appliance: What It Looks Like

While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, it does not work for everyone. Those who use CPAP tend to encounter discomfort with the device’s mouth and nose pieces, along with difficulty changing sleep positions comfortably. Fortunately, there is an alternative to CPAP that works for most patients. Custom oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for many people with sleep apnea and is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom made, mouthguard- like retainer while you sleep that positions the lower jaw forward to open the airway. This allows you to breathe and sleep better at night. Most people strongly prefer this over CPAP. Custom oral appliance therapy is covered by most medical insurances. Only Dentists who have specialized training can provide custom oral appliance therapy. Other treatments for sleep apnea include a combination of custom oral appliance therapy with CPAP or surgery.

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Dr. Vandervelden | Sleep Apnea Treatment | Holland, MI

Dr. Vandervelden Wearing His Custom Oral Appliance

Why Choose a Custom Oral Appliance Over CPAP?

Instead of bulky masks or noisy machines, oral appliances offer a simple, lightweight solution. Many patients prefer them because they’re comfortable, easy to wear at night, and effective at keeping the airway open.

Other benefits include:

Comfort & simplicity: No mask marks, no tubes, no noise. Talk, sip water, and change sleep positions easily.
Travel-friendly: Pack it in your carry-on and sleep anywhere with no outlets or distilled water required.
Better outcomes: The latest research using the newest oral appliances supports these appliances as a first-line option for all levels of sleep apnea and outperforms CPAP on various wellness metrics.
Real-world adherence: Patients stick with appliances at far higher rates than CPAP, which is why many report better energy and quality of life.

Customization & Comfort

Who’s a Good Candidate?

Most patients are candidates, as long as they have enough solid teeth and do not have significant limitations on lower jaw movement. When managed by a Diplomate Sleep Dentist like Dr. Vandervelden, Oral appliance therapy is a safe, proven option for many people who want a simpler alternative to CPAP. Here’s who often benefits most:

Patients with existing sleep apnea
Patients who have failed CPAP and who do not want surgery
Patients who snore
Truck Drivers and Airline Pilots who require documented compliance (DOT-compliant options available)

Side Effects and How We Minimize Them

Most side effects, like jaw muscle tenderness or bite changes, happen when the jaw is set too far forward. We have patients undergo multiple nights of home sleep testing at multiple different lower jaw positions to find just the right spot for the lower jaw, where the jaw is forward enough to open the airway, but not so far forward as to cause side effects or to prevent future advancement. This keeps you comfortable now and leaves room to adjust later if needed. That way, your treatment stays safe and sustainable over time.

Want freedom from hoses and masks? Call (616) 741-9035 today to learn more about oral appliance therapy.

Dr. Vandervelden’s Comprehensive, Data-Driven Process

The appliance matters, and Dr. Vandervelden only uses the latest and most effective appliances, but any appliance is only as good as its fit and setting. Dr. Vandervelden’s protocol uses multiple nights of home sleep testing at several jaw positions to find the most conservative, effective position for your airway, reducing side effects and protecting your bite while maximizing results. It’s a level of precision most providers don’t offer, and it’s why our patients experience outstanding comfort, durable results, and long-term success.

Expertise You Can Feel, From Someone Who’s Been There

Dr. Vandervelden has sleep apnea himself. He struggled with CPAP and moved to an oral appliance, which is why he’s so passionate about delivering an option that works in real life and not just on paper. You’ll feel that empathy in every visit and follow-up with Dr. Vandervelden.

Take Back Your Nights (and Days)

Ready to ditch CPAP drama? Schedule with our office now, and call (616) 741-9035. We’re at 31 East 8th Street, Suite 330, in downtown Holland, just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids.

Take the next step towards restful, CPAP-free sleep. Call (616) 741-9035 to schedule your free CPAP alternative consultation.

CPAP Alternative FAQs

What Is The Difference Between Concierge Oral Appliance Therapy with Dr. Vandervelden And A Mandibular Advancement Device Purchased Online?

Concierge Oral Appliance Therapy provided by Dr. Vandervelden is markedly different from Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) available online. Unlike MADs, which are offered with minimal or no professional oversight and lack comprehensive pre- and post-treatment sleep testing, concierge care with Dr. Vandervelden entails rigorous sleep assessments in multiple jaw positions to determine the optimal therapeutic setting—one that is effective yet minimizes side effects. This individualized fitting process, combined with ongoing monitoring, ensures both safety and clinical effectiveness. In contrast, MADs purchased online, including over-the-counter snore guards, are not FDA-approved for the treatment of sleep apnea and have been demonstrated to be substantially less effective than professionally managed, custom oral appliances.

What is the difference between concierge oral appliance therapy with Dr. Vandervelden and other appliance providers?

Dr. Vandervelden is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and specializes exclusively in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike most providers, he requires extensive sleep testing—typically 30 nights total over the course of 5 years—to determine the optimal lower jaw position, tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs and adjusting as sleep apnea progresses. Regular follow-up testing at 3 and 5 years ensures ongoing effectiveness, with further adjustments made as necessary. This comprehensive approach minimizes complications and reduces the likelihood of patients needing to return to CPAP or consider surgery, distinguishing Dr. Vandervelden’s care from that of other providers.

I’m Interested In Concierge Oral Appliance Therapy by Dr. Vandervelden, What Should I Do Next?

When considering treatment for sleep apnea, it is crucial to recognize the significant impact untreated sleep apnea can have on one’s overall health—especially the brain and heart. Additionally, evidence shows that treating sleep apnea is not only beneficial for your well-being but also cost-effective in the long term. Proactive treatment leads to improved health outcomes and financial savings compared to leaving the condition unmanaged. Take the first step toward better health and peace of mind by scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Vandervelden to determine if you are a candidate for concierge oral appliance therapy.

Are oral appliances as effective as CPAP?

The most recent studies using the newest precision oral appliances that Dr. Vandervelden uses suggest that these oral appliances outperform CPAP and are at least non-inferior to CPAP in clinical effectiveness. So yes, they are likely to be as effective, and possibly even more effective than CPAP.

Are oral appliances comfortable to wear?

Yes. Most patients adjust within days, and multi-position testing helps us find the setting that balances comfort with effectiveness.

Can I travel with an oral appliance?

Absolutely. They fit in a small case, require no power, and are ideal for frequent travelers.

Does insurance cover oral appliances?

Coverage varies, and cost depends on the type of appliance that would work best for you. While we’re out-of-network, many patients find the convenience, precision, and results worth the investment. We provide clear cost information upfront.

Will an oral appliance stop my snoring?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. Snoring is often completely resolved or reduced significantly with the latest precision oral appliances.