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Custom-designed CPAP alternatives that help you sleep better without machines or masks.

At Sleep Healthy PA in Jenkintown, Dr. Andrew Cohen provides custom oral appliance therapy as a comfortable, effective, and CPAP-alternative treatment for sleep apnea. These devices are FDA-approved, Medicare-accepted, and designed specifically for your anatomy—never prefabricated. With advanced appliance systems like Panthera, SomnoMed, and EMA, our approach helps patients throughout Philadelphia sleep better and breathe easier without relying solely on machines or surgery.

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What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Custom-made, dental-based treatment that repositions the jaw or tongue to keep your airway open during sleep.

Designed to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy uses specially designed devices to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring by maintaining an open airway throughout the night. Dr. Andrew Cohen offers this proven treatment option, which many patients find more comfortable and convenient than traditional CPAP therapy.

How It Works

These devices gently shift the lower jaw or tongue forward, preventing airway collapse during sleep. Unlike CPAP machines, there’s no noise, no hose, and no mask to manage. The oral appliance repositions your jaw or tongue during sleep, while mandibular advancement prevents the airway collapse that characterizes sleep apnea.

Key benefits over CPAP:

Silent operation for you and your partner
No electricity required for travel convenience
Compact and portable design
Used to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea effectively

Custom Fit, Maximum Comfort

Every device is custom-fabricated to fit your unique anatomy, using either 3D scans or detailed impressions. Sleep Healthy PA never uses boil-and-bite devices or prefabricated appliances that can cause discomfort and poor treatment outcomes. Dr. Cohen avoids prefabricated sleep appliances because a precise fit reduces side effects and increases compliance.

Why custom matters:

Custom oral devices offer superior fit and comfort
Precise calibration ensures maximum effectiveness
Reduced risk of TMJ complications
Better long-term compliance and results

Who Should Consider Appliance Therapy in Jenkintown?

Ideal treatment for patients throughout the Philadelphia area seeking personalized, in-person care.

CPAP-Intolerant Patients

For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP machines due to noise, discomfort, claustrophobia, or compliance issues, oral appliances often provide a preferred alternative. CPAP intolerance leads many patients to seek appliance therapy, which typically increases adherence and satisfaction compared to traditional machine-based treatment.

Perfect for patients experiencing:

Mask discomfort or claustrophobia
Sleep disruption from CPAP noise
Difficulty traveling with CPAP equipment
Dr. Cohen offers personalized alternatives to CPAP right here in Jenkintown

Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea Cases

Appliance therapy serves as a first-line or adjunct treatment for patients with mild or moderate OSA and no contraindications. Mild sleep apnea is effectively managed with dental appliances, particularly for patients with an AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) of 30 or less.

Ideal candidates include:

Patients with AHI between 5 and 30 events per hour
Those seeking non-surgical treatment options
Patients wanting to avoid CPAP therapy
Combination therapy is possible for more severe OSA cases

Patients Seeking Travel-Friendly or Maintenance-Free Options

Oral appliances are compact, quiet, and require no electricity—making them ideal for travel or simplified sleep routines. Many patients prefer quiet, non-electric therapy options that don’t disrupt their lifestyle or require ongoing maintenance and cleaning protocols.

Lifestyle advantages:

Sleep appliances used as portable sleep apnea treatment
Perfect for frequent travelers and active lifestyles
Appliances simplify sleep treatment while traveling
No power sources or distilled water required

Why Sleep Healthy PA Doesn’t Use Prefabricated Devices

Mass-produced appliances can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, induce bite changes, or provide inadequate airway support.

Risks of Over-the-Counter or Boil-and-Bite Devices

Prefabricated oral devices often lead to poor treatment outcomes because they lack the precision and customization necessary for effective sleep apnea treatment. Over-the-counter appliances lack the clinical calibration and professional oversight essential for safe and effective therapy.

Problems with mass-produced devices:

Poor fit causes jaw discomfort and TMJ problems
Limited durability leads to cracks or breakage
No professional calibration results in ineffective treatment
Can worsen existing TMJ symptoms
Sleep Healthy PA customizes all oral sleep devices for optimal results

Advanced Appliances We Offer

FDA-approved systems from trusted partners with proven effectiveness and durability.

Panthera Digital Appliances

State-of-the-art CAD/CAM fabrication creates thin, durable, lightweight appliances designed for optimal comfort and jaw stability. These Medicare-approved devices represent the latest in digital appliance technology.

Pantera advantages:

Advanced digital design and manufacturing
Superior comfort and long-term durability
Lightweight construction for better compliance
Medicare coverage available

SomnoMed Devices

Clinically tested appliances specifically designed for moderate OSA with precision titration features that allow fine-tuning for optimal results. Patients consistently report high comfort levels with these durable, biocompatible devices.

SomnoMed benefits:

Proven effectiveness in clinical studies
Precision adjustment capabilities
High patient satisfaction rates
Biocompatible materials for long-term wear

EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement)

Innovative flexible elastic strap design that’s particularly effective for patients with jaw sensitivity. Custom fit provides room for natural tongue mobility while maintaining effective jaw positioning.

EMA features:

Gentle elastic advancement system
Ideal for patients with TMJ concerns
Allows natural tongue movement
Custom fabrication for a precise fit

Sleep Healthy PA partners with Pantera, SomnoMed, and EMA to ensure patients receive FDA-approved appliances that guarantee safety and effectiveness. These durable oral devices improve long-term sleep quality and patient satisfaction.

What to Expect: Evaluation, Fitting, and Follow-Up

Comprehensive care pathway from diagnosis through long-term monitoring.

Sleep Study and Diagnosis First

Appliance therapy requires a confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnea through proper sleep testing. We work with sleep physicians to get a proper diagnosis and review all treatment options. Sleep apnea diagnosis precedes appliance therapy to ensure the selection of appropriate treatment. Sleep Healthy PA accepts referrals and external sleep studies, ensuring that proper diagnosis guides the best device selection.

Diagnostic requirements:

A recent sleep study confirming OSA diagnosis
Review of existing sleep studies or referral for testing
Assessment of apnea severity and type
Medical clearance when appropriate

Custom Appliance Design and Fitting

Dr. Cohen uses detailed impressions or 3D digital scans to design your custom appliance, selecting the best device for your specific anatomy and sleep study results. Precision fitting leads to improved sleep and airway function, while appliance therapy is tailored to each patient’s jaw anatomy.

Custom fitting process:

3D scans for accurate appliance fabrication
Detailed bite registration and jaw movement analysis
Device selection based on individual anatomy
Precise calibration for optimal effectiveness

Adjustment and Monitoring

Follow-up visits are scheduled to make precise titrations and ensure both comfort and airway improvement. Appliance settings are titrated for optimal breathing during sleep while ongoing monitoring improves treatment success rates. Patients receive supported care with regular follow-up appointments right here in Jenkintown.

Follow-up care includes:

Initial adjustment visits for comfort optimization
Progressive titration for maximum effectiveness
Long-term monitoring with repeat sleep studies when indicated
Ongoing support and appliance maintenance

FAQs About Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Yes, clinical studies consistently demonstrate that oral appliances significantly reduce apnea events in mild to moderate OSA patients. Success rates are particularly high when devices are properly fitted and titrated by experienced providers like Dr. Cohen.

Absolutely. Combination therapy is increasingly common—especially for severe apnea cases or patients who use CPAP part-time. Many patients find this approach provides flexibility and improved overall compliance.

Sleep Healthy PA accepts Medicare for qualifying durable medical equipment devices. Many private insurance plans also provide partial coverage for FDA-approved oral appliances when medically necessary.

Custom-fitted appliances minimize this risk significantly. Dr. Cohen uses precise designs and regular monitoring to avoid long-term bite changes while ensuring effective treatment.

With proper care and regular maintenance, most high-quality appliances last 3-5 years or longer. The durability depends on the device type, usage patterns, and patient care habits.

Ready to Sleep Better

Without CPAP?

Discover how custom oral appliance therapy can transform your sleep and improve your quality of life.

Whether you’re CPAP intolerant, seeking a travel-friendly solution, or simply want a more comfortable approach to sleep apnea treatment, oral appliance therapy offers proven results with superior convenience and comfort.

Call Sleep Healthy PA Today to Schedule Your Appliance Consultation

Monday	7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday	7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday	7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursday	7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friday	By Appointment Only

Oral Appliance Therapy

For Sleep Apnea in Jenkintown, PA