Trips become a project
Hotels, flights, campsites, cruises — you’re planning around outlets, distilled water, and TSA.
CPAP Alternatives & Oral Appliance Therapy in Southern California
Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine serving San Diego County.
Why People Stop Using Their CPAP
Most patients who abandon treatment don’t stop because they stopped needing it. They stop because of the machine. If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone.
The mask is uncomfortable
Pressure points on the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and forehead that you feel all night.
The straps leave marks on your face
Red lines and creases that are still there at breakfast.
Getting up at night means starting over
Unhook, go, come back, re-seat the mask, re-establish the seal. Some nights you don’t put it back on.
Pressurized air causes bloating and gas
Aerophagia — swallowed air — leaves you with stomach pressure and discomfort in the morning.
The seal breaks when you move
Air escapes out the sides, into your eyes, and across the pillow next to you.
If you’ve stopped using your CPAP — or you’ve never been able to start — there is another option your physician can consider.
Oral Appliance Therapy: The Same Airway, a Different Approach
A custom oral appliance is a device worn only during sleep that fits over your teeth like a retainer. It holds the lower jaw in a forward position so the airway stays open — no mask, no hose, no motor, no electricity. Dr. Rappaport is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and works alongside your physician, using convenient at-home sleep testing to screen patients throughout San Diego and Southern California.
What Changes Night to Night
| Feature | CPAP | Custom oral appliance |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Machine, hose, mask, headgear, power cord. | Fits in a case about the size of a retainer. |
| Travel | Carry-on space, an outlet, a water supply. | Goes in your bag. |
| On your face | A mask and straps over the nose and mouth. | Nothing on your face — it sits over your teeth. |
| Getting up at night | Unhook, return, re-seat, re-seal. | Get up, come back, go to sleep. |
| Sound | A motor and moving air, running all night. | Silent. |
| Air leaks | The seal can break when you shift position. | No airflow, and no seal to break. |
| Bloating and gas | Pressurized air can be swallowed. | No pressurized air. |
| Daily maintenance | Refill with distilled water, empty and wash the humidifier chamber, wash the mask cushion, wipe the tubing, reassemble — plus filters, cushions, and hoses on a replacement schedule. | Brush it and rinse with water. Soak it weekly. |
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliance therapy for adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. CPAP remains the right treatment for many patients. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, and we confirm your appliance is working with a follow-up sleep test.
About
Erela Katz Rappaport, DMD, is experienced in treating obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep disorders. Dr. Rappaport is dedicated to serving patients throughout
San Diego and Southern California.
Diplomate of
ABDSM
Qualified Dentist by
AADSM
Treatment Process at
Complete Health Sleep SoCal
Our sleep apnea treatment process is simple:
Step 1
Schedule a consultation
Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and improve your sleep.
Step 2
Meet with Dr. Rappaport
Meet with Dr. Rappaport to assess your condition and guide your next steps.
Step 3
Take an at home sleep test
Take a simple at-home sleep test to monitor your sleep and gather key insights.
Step 4
Meet with your physician
Your physician reviews your results, confirms the diagnosis, and prescribes treatment.
Step 5
Get custom fitted for a device
Receive a custom oral device designed to fit comfortably and support your specific condition.
Step 6
Optimize your sleep with ongoing adjustments
We continuously monitor and adjust your oral appliance to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness, helping you achieve the best possible sleep quality over time.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
I was looking for an alternative to the CPAP which had become a nightly struggle. … I now sleep peacefully through night with my new mouth apparatus - best of all a sleep test showed my oxygen levels are now 97%.
★★★★★
My husband had the worst sleep apnea for years; we slept separately… Enter our wonderful Dentist, Dr. Erela Rappaport & her solution to custom fit him with the ProSomnus appliance. VOILA! No more snoring, return to normal breathing & both of us are very happy to wake up together!
★★★★★
My oral appliance has been a game changer! … Now, with the appliance, I finally sleep deeply, and wake up with more energy throughout the day. … The entire process is easy, including taking care of insurance billing without any issues.
★★★★★
Dr Rappaport … recommended treatment that resolved my issues and suits my lifestyle. Between appliances and easily made behavior changes - I'm feeling so much better and well rested - truly life changing.
★★★★★
Dr Rappaport made me a sleep appliance and I sleep so well. Thank you!
Read Our Google Reviews
See what patients say about Complete Health Sleep SoCal.
I Don’t Want to Use a CPAP Machine
Many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable or difficult to use, which can make it hard to stay consistent with treatment. For those seeking an alternative, oral device therapy offers a non-invasive and effective solution for managing sleep apnea. These custom-made appliances are worn during sleep to gently reposition the jaw and keep the airway open, improving airflow and overall sleep quality.
We provide a range of custom-fitted oral devices designed to meet your unique needs and preferences. Focused on both comfort and effectiveness, these appliances offer a reliable alternative to CPAP and support long-term improvement in sleep and overall health.
Is Sleep Apnea Really That Serious?
Many people ignore snoring, but it can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea. Early screening can help identify potential concerns and guide the next steps. We screen for sleep-disordered breathing and collaborate with physicians for diagnosis and treatment, helping you move toward better sleep and long-term wellness.
It’s Just Snoring… Right?
Snoring may seem harmless, but it can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Ignoring it can lead to poor sleep quality and long-term health concerns. Identifying the cause of snoring allows us to provide targeted treatment and help you sleep more soundly.
All Major Insurance and Credit Cards
Financing Options
No Insurance? No Problem!
You deserve to find the treatment you need, regardless of your financial situation. Our team is proud to offer flexible financing through CareCredit and will work with you to get the treatment you need at an affordable out-of-pocket cost.
Schedule Today with
Complete Health Sleep SoCal
We’re here to help you
Get in Touch
Reach out today and let’s discuss how we can help you.
15706 Pomerado Road Suite 205, Poway, CA 92064