Stage 6: Seeking Alternatives

You've Done Your Research. Now Let's Get You the Right Treatment.

You know oral appliance therapy exists. You know it's FDA-cleared. You know it's covered by insurance. Now you need to know: Will it work for MY case? Is it covered by MY insurance? And what does the process actually look like?

Check If You're a Candidate — FreeVerify Your Insurance Coverage

Free 15-minute candidacy review with a 39-year sleep medicine veteran. No obligation.

39 Years Experience·Former CPAP Company Founder·Medicare & Major Insurance Accepted·Southern California

This Page Is for You If…

  • You have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are actively researching alternatives to CPAP
  • You know about oral appliance therapy and want to understand cost, insurance, and whether you are a candidate
  • You are comparing providers and trying to decide who to trust with your treatment
  • You are ready to take action and want to know exactly what happens next

Not quite? Stopped using CPAP? Go to Stage 5 · Still struggling with CPAP? Go to Stage 4

Let's Cut Through the Noise

You have done your homework. You know CPAP is not your only option. You have read about oral appliance therapy, maybe even the Inspire implant. You have compared costs, looked at success rates, and tried to figure out what your insurance will actually cover.

Now you are trying to answer the questions that matter most: Which treatment is right for my specific case? Which provider can I trust? And what is this actually going to cost me?

This page is designed to answer all of those questions — with clinical data, transparent pricing, and no sales pitch. Because at this point in your journey, you do not need to be convinced that alternatives exist. You need the specifics to make a confident decision.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Works — The Complete Guide

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted medical device that you wear in your mouth during sleep — similar to a clear retainer or a thin sports mouthguard. The device works by gently advancing your lower jaw forward a few millimeters. This forward positioning tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, which prevents the throat collapse that causes obstructive sleep apnea.

It is not a generic mouthpiece you buy online. A medical-grade oral appliance is:

  • Custom-fabricated from digital impressions of your teeth — precision-fitted to your mouth
  • Titratable — the jaw advancement can be adjusted in small increments to find the optimal position for your airway
  • FDA-cleared — there are over 100 FDA-cleared oral appliance devices available today
  • Prescribed by a physician and fitted by a dental sleep medicine specialist trained specifically in airway management

What the Clinical Evidence Shows

Oral appliance therapy is not new or experimental. It has been studied extensively for decades and is recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and as the recommended alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

  • Reduces sleep apnea severity (AHI) by more than 50 percent in approximately 70 percent of patients
  • Completely resolves sleep apnea in 33 percent of patients
  • Approximately 90 percent compliance rate — patients actually wear it every night
  • 80 percent of patients prefer oral appliances over CPAP
  • A 2-year randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in treatment success between OAT and CPAP for mild-to-severe OSA
  • The Vivos CARE device received the first FDA 510(k) clearance specifically for severe OSA — 80 percent improvement in AHI, 26 percent full resolution

The key advantage is simple: a treatment only works if you use it. With CPAP compliance around 50 percent and oral appliance compliance around 90 percent, the real-world effectiveness of OAT often matches or exceeds CPAP — because people actually wear it.

Comparing Your Options: OAT vs CPAP vs Inspire

An objective, data-driven comparison to help you determine which treatment fits your specific situation.

Most Chosen

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted oral device

  • Non-invasive — no surgery required
  • ~90% compliance rate
  • No mask, hose, or electricity
  • Silent — no machine noise
  • Travel-friendly — fits in your pocket
  • Covered by medical insurance & Medicare
  • 165% less cost than CPAP at 3 years

Best for: Mild, moderate, and severe OSA (when CPAP is not tolerated). Most patients start here.

CPAP Therapy

Pressurized air via mask

  • Gold standard for severe OSA
  • Most studied treatment
  • ~50% compliance rate
  • Requires mask, hose, and power
  • Machine noise and air leaks common
  • Ongoing supply costs (masks, filters, hoses)
  • Covered by medical insurance & Medicare

Best for: Patients who tolerate CPAP well and have severe OSA with significant oxygen desaturation.

Inspire (Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator)

Surgically implanted device

  • No mask or external device
  • High compliance (implanted)
  • Requires surgery under general anesthesia
  • Strict eligibility (BMI, AHI, anatomy)
  • Battery replacement surgery every 11 years
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Covered by most insurance with prior auth

Best for: Patients who have failed both CPAP and oral appliance therapy and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Not sure which is right for you? That is exactly what the free 15-minute candidacy review is for. Thomas will help you determine the best option for your specific case.

From First Call to First Night — How It Works

The entire process from consultation to sleeping with your custom appliance typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Here is exactly what to expect.

Step 1

Free Consultation

15-minute call with our Sleep Director. He reviews your diagnosis, CPAP history, and determines candidacy.

Step 2

Sleep Study

If needed, a home sleep test — done in your own bed. No overnight lab required.

Step 3

Insurance Verification

We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization. You know your exact cost before committing.

Step 4

Custom Fitting

Digital impressions taken by a dental sleep medicine specialist. Your device is precision-fabricated.

Step 5

Delivery & Adjustment

Your appliance is fitted and calibrated. Most patients notice improved sleep within the first week.

Step 6

Follow-Up & Verification

A follow-up sleep study confirms the device is effectively treating your sleep apnea. Ongoing support included.

Insurance Coverage & Cost — Complete Transparency

This is one of the most common sources of confusion, so let us be completely clear: oral appliance therapy is a medical treatment billed under your medical insurance DME benefit — not dental insurance. It is classified and covered the same way as CPAP.

What Your Insurance Covers

  • Medicare Part B: Covers oral appliance therapy under the DME benefit. CMS retained this coverage for 2026. Medicare pays 80 percent after your Part B deductible.
  • TRICARE: Covered for active duty, retirees, and dependents. TRICARE For Life coordinates with Medicare for retirees 65 and older — often resulting in zero out-of-pocket cost.
  • Major medical insurance: Most PPO and HMO plans cover oral appliance therapy with a sleep apnea diagnosis and physician prescription. Prior authorization is typically required — we handle this for you.
  • Kaiser, Optum, and managed care: Coverage varies by plan. We verify your specific benefits before you commit to anything.

What It Costs

  • With insurance: Most patients pay zero to 300 dollars out of pocket
  • Without insurance: Typically 1,800 to 3,500 dollars depending on the device
  • Compared to CPAP: OAT costs 165 percent less at 3 years and 220 percent less at 5 years — no replacement masks, filters, hoses, or machine upgrades

We verify your specific insurance benefits before you commit to anything. You will know your exact cost upfront — no surprises, no hidden fees.

Why Patients Choose Solve Sleep Apnea

You are not just choosing a treatment. You are choosing who guides you through it. Here is what sets our practice apart:

39-Year Sleep Medicine Veteran

Thomas D'Acquisto founded America's first CPAP-exclusive DME company. He has guided thousands of patients through every treatment option available.

Board-Qualified Specialist Network

Our partner dental sleep medicine specialists are trained specifically in airway management and oral appliance therapy — not general dentists offering it as a side service.

Southern California Locations

Convenient offices in San Diego, Temecula, Irvine, Vista, and surrounding areas. You are never far from expert care.

Insurance Handled for You

We accept Medicare, TRICARE, Kaiser, Optum, and most major medical insurance. We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization — you focus on getting better.

Find Out If You're a Candidate

In 15 minutes, Thomas will review your diagnosis, your medical history, and your insurance to tell you exactly whether oral appliance therapy is right for your situation.

Call (619) 880-8774Or verify your insurance coverage first

How to Determine Which Treatment Is Right for You

There is no single “best” treatment for sleep apnea. The right treatment depends on your specific diagnosis, your anatomy, your lifestyle, and — critically — what you will actually use every night. Here is a framework for thinking about it:

Oral appliance therapy may be your best option if:

  • You have mild, moderate, or severe OSA and cannot tolerate CPAP
  • You want a treatment that is silent, portable, and requires no electricity
  • You travel frequently and need something pocket-sized
  • You have claustrophobia or anxiety with masks
  • You want a treatment with the highest compliance rates

CPAP may still be your best option if:

  • You tolerate CPAP well and use it consistently
  • You have severe OSA with significant oxygen desaturation and respond well to positive airway pressure
  • Your sleep specialist has confirmed CPAP is providing optimal results

Inspire may be worth discussing if:

  • You have failed both CPAP and oral appliance therapy
  • You meet the specific BMI, AHI, and anatomy requirements
  • You are willing to undergo a surgical procedure

If you are not sure where you fall, that is exactly what the free consultation is designed to answer. Thomas has 39 years of experience across every treatment modality. He will give you an honest assessment — not a sales pitch.

What Happens During Your Free Candidacy Review

This is a 15-minute phone conversation — not a sales call. Thomas D'Acquisto personally reviews your situation and gives you a straight answer about your options.

Free · No Obligation

Your Free 15-Minute Candidacy Review

In one focused phone call, our Sleep Director will tell you exactly whether oral appliance therapy is right for your specific situation — and what your insurance covers.

15 Minutes

A focused candidacy review — not a sales pitch. He respects your time and your intelligence.

39-Year Sleep Expert

Thomas built CPAP, studied every alternative, and now helps patients find the right fit — not the default one.

Complete Clarity

You will know: Am I a candidate? What does my insurance cover? What are the next steps? No ambiguity.

Check If You're a Candidate — FreeVerify Your Insurance Coverage

No pressure. No obligation. Just clarity from someone who has been in sleep medicine for nearly four decades.

Common Questions About Oral Appliance Therapy

Detailed answers about cost, insurance, candidacy, and what to expect

With medical insurance, most patients pay between zero and 300 dollars out of pocket for oral appliance therapy. The device is classified as Durable Medical Equipment and billed through your medical insurance — not dental insurance. We verify your specific benefits before you commit to anything, so you know your exact cost upfront. Without insurance, oral appliance therapy typically ranges from 1,800 to 3,500 dollars depending on the device. Even at full price, OAT costs 165 percent less than CPAP at the 3-year mark and 220 percent less at 5 years when you factor in replacement supplies, filters, and mask replacements.
Yes. Medicare Part B covers oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea under the Durable Medical Equipment benefit. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services retained this benefit for 2026. You will need a sleep apnea diagnosis confirmed by a sleep study and a prescription from your treating physician. Medicare typically covers 80 percent of the approved amount after your Part B deductible. If you have a Medicare supplement plan, your secondary insurance often covers the remaining 20 percent, resulting in zero out-of-pocket cost. TRICARE For Life also coordinates with Medicare for eligible military retirees.
Most adults with obstructive sleep apnea are candidates for oral appliance therapy. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends OAT as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea and as the recommended alternative for severe sleep apnea when CPAP is not tolerated. Good candidates generally have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, have most of their natural teeth or adequate dental structure, and do not have severe temporomandibular joint disorders. A free 15-minute consultation with our Sleep Director can help determine whether you are a candidate based on your specific diagnosis and medical history.
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fitted device worn in your mouth during sleep — similar to a clear retainer — that gently advances your lower jaw to keep your airway open. It is non-invasive, reversible, and requires no surgery. Inspire is a surgically implanted device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to keep the tongue from blocking the airway. It requires outpatient surgery under general anesthesia, has specific BMI and AHI eligibility requirements, and is typically reserved for patients who have failed both CPAP and oral appliance therapy. Both are FDA-cleared and covered by most insurance. Oral appliance therapy is generally tried first because it is non-surgical, less expensive, and effective for the majority of patients.
From your initial consultation to receiving your custom-fitted oral appliance typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. The process includes a free 15-minute phone consultation with our Sleep Director, a home sleep test if you need a current sleep study, digital impressions of your teeth taken by a dental sleep medicine specialist, fabrication of your custom device, and a fitting appointment to ensure proper fit and jaw position. Most patients notice improved sleep within the first week of wearing their appliance. A follow-up sleep study is performed after 30 to 90 days to verify the device is effectively treating your sleep apnea.
Yes, in many cases. While CPAP has traditionally been the default treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliance therapy for patients with severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP. Studies show that oral appliances reduce the apnea-hypopnea index by more than 50 percent in approximately 70 percent of all patients, including many with severe disease. The Vivos CARE device received the first FDA 510(k) clearance specifically for severe OSA, demonstrating 80 percent improvement in AHI and 26 percent full resolution. The key principle is that a treatment only works if you use it — and with compliance rates of approximately 90 percent for oral appliances versus 50 percent for CPAP, the real-world effectiveness is often comparable even for severe cases.

Your Journey Doesn't End Here

It Begins

You have spent months — maybe years — dealing with sleep apnea. Researching treatments. Struggling with CPAP. Wondering if there is something better. The 15-minute call that could change everything is free. No charge. No obligation. Just an honest conversation with someone who has dedicated 39 years to helping people in exactly your situation.

Start With a Free 15-Minute ReviewBack to Stage 5

Ready to find out if you are a candidate? The consultation is free.

Call (619) 880-8774orVerify your insurance coverage

Serving Southern California: San Diego, Temecula, Irvine & Surrounding Areas · Covered by Medicare & Major Medical Insurance · TRICARE Accepted