OAT vs. Positional Therapy: Which Is the Best Treatment for Your Sleep Apnea?

When it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), patients often explore various options to find the most effective solution that fits their lifestyle. Two common treatments are Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) and Positional Therapy. As a company specializing in custom oral appliances for sleep apnea, we believe it’s essential to provide a clear understanding of how OAT compares to Positional Therapy to help patients make informed decisions.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?

Oral Appliance Therapy involves wearing a custom-fitted oral device designed to reposition the lower jaw forward during sleep. This forward positioning helps keep the airway open, preventing the obstruction that leads to apneas (pauses in breathing). OAT is recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as an effective treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Our custom oral appliances are designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Unlike some other treatments, they are easy to wear, highly portable, and don’t require any electrical power or special maintenance. For many, this makes OAT an appealing long-term solution.

What Is Positional Therapy?

Positional Therapy aims to reduce sleep apnea episodes by encouraging patients to sleep in positions that minimize airway obstruction. For many people with positional obstructive sleep apnea, symptoms worsen when lying on their back (supine position). Positional therapy involves using various devices, such as specially designed pillows or wearable monitors, to help patients avoid back-sleeping and maintain side-sleeping positions throughout the night.

While positional therapy is less invasive and doesn’t require the use of a medical device like OAT or CPAP, its success depends on the patient’s ability to maintain certain sleep postures. Many patients find it difficult to consistently sleep in one position, which can affect the therapy’s effectiveness.

OAT vs. Positional Therapy: Key Differences

Comfort and Usability

OAT is a straightforward solution. Once fitted with a custom oral appliance, patients only need to wear it while sleeping, with no need to worry about changing sleep positions or using external devices. Positional therapy, on the other hand, requires constant monitoring of sleeping positions and often involves the use of external tools that can be uncomfortable or restrictive.

Effectiveness

OAT works by directly addressing the root cause of OSA—airway collapse—regardless of sleeping position. For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, our custom oral appliances have been shown to significantly reduce or even eliminate apneas.

Positional therapy is most effective for patients with positional OSA, but its success depends on strict adherence to side-sleeping. Patients who move around in their sleep or cannot tolerate the restrictions of positional aids may not achieve consistent results.

Convenience

Oral appliances are compact, portable, and easy to travel with, making them ideal for patients who need a solution that fits seamlessly into their lives. In contrast, positional therapy devices can be cumbersome, especially if they involve wearable monitors or pillows that restrict movement during sleep. Many patients find it challenging to maintain positional therapy over time.

Long-Term Compliance

One of the most significant challenges with positional therapy is long-term compliance. Many patients initially try positional aids but eventually discontinue use due to discomfort or frustration. OAT, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable and low-maintenance solution, which often leads to higher compliance rates. Once patients are accustomed to wearing their custom oral appliance, it becomes an easy, routine part of their bedtime process.

Why Choose OAT?

If you’re looking for a non-invasive, comfortable, and effective solution for sleep apnea, Oral Appliance Therapy may be the ideal choice. Our custom oral appliances are tailored to fit your specific needs and are designed for long-term comfort and convenience. Unlike positional therapy, OAT does not require constant monitoring or behavioral changes—it simply works by keeping your airway open throughout the night, regardless of how you sleep.

For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who find other treatments difficult to tolerate, OAT offers a proven, user-friendly alternative that helps you achieve better sleep and improved health outcomes.

Conclusion

While both OAT and Positional Therapy can be effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea, OAT offers significant advantages in terms of comfort, convenience, and long-term success. If you’re considering treatment options for sleep apnea, we encourage you to explore how a custom oral appliance could be the best solution for your needs. Our team is here to help you understand all your options and provide a tailored treatment plan to improve your sleep and overall well-being.

Let us help you breathe easier and sleep better with a custom oral appliance designed just for you.