Quick Takeaways

• CPAP supplies are an ongoing cost. Cushions need replacing every 1–3 months and masks every 3–6 months. A new mask alone runs about $100–$250 in Canada.

• Oral appliance therapy treats sleep apnea with no mask, no hose, and no monthly supplies. It's a custom device, similar to a mouthguard, worn while you sleep.

• It's a recognized alternative to CPAP. Sleep medicine guidelines support oral appliances for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who can't tolerate CPAP or prefer another option.

• Many people stick with it. Oral appliances are quiet, comfortable, and easy to travel with, which helps people use them every night.

• Get fitted in SW Calgary. Dr. Saleema Adatia at BreatheWell Sleep and Airway is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Tired of Searching for CPAP Supplies?

If you're searching "CPAP supplies near me," you already know the routine. Cushions flatten, straps stretch, tubing wears out, and the costs keep coming. Calgary CPAP clinics, pharmacies, and online retailers all sell replacements.

But for many people, the bigger problem isn't finding supplies. It's that CPAP is hard to use night after night. Mask leaks, dry mouth, noise, and bulky travel gear are common reasons people give up. When CPAP sits unused, sleep apnea goes untreated.

That's where oral appliance therapy comes in.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) uses a custom-made dental device to keep your airway open while you sleep. It looks like a sports mouthguard or retainer and fits over your upper and lower teeth.

The appliance gently holds your lower jaw slightly forward. That keeps your tongue and the soft tissues of your throat from collapsing into your airway. The result is less snoring, fewer breathing pauses, and more restful sleep.

Unlike CPAP, there's no air pressure, no mask, and no machine.

Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP

CPAP remains a highly effective treatment when it's used consistently. For people who can't use it every night, an oral appliance they actually wear can be the better option. Some patients with severe apnea combine both.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Oral Appliance?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have been diagnosed with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea

• Have severe sleep apnea and can't tolerate CPAP

• Snore loudly and want a quiet, comfortable solution (see our snoring treatment options)

• Travel often, camp, or sleep away from home regularly

• Have enough healthy teeth to support the appliance

A sleep study and diagnosis are needed before treating sleep apnea.

What to Expect at BreatheWell Sleep and Airway

1. Consultation: Dr. Adatia reviews your sleep study, symptoms, and CPAP history.

2. Airway and jaw assessment: We check your bite, jaw joints, and airway. When it's relevant, this includes a craniofacial evaluation.

3. Digital impressions: Your appliance is custom-made to fit your teeth and jaw.

4. Fitting: We fit and adjust your appliance for comfort.

5. Fine-tuning and follow-up: We gradually adjust the jaw position and confirm results, often with a follow-up sleep test.

For even better results, some patients add myofunctional therapy or breathing re-education to strengthen the airway muscles and support nasal breathing.

Cost and Insurance for Oral Appliance Therapy in Calgary

An oral appliance is a one-time device with occasional check-ups, not a monthly supply bill. Many extended health benefit plans cover part of the cost when you have a sleep apnea diagnosis and a prescription. Alberta Health Care generally doesn't cover CPAP or oral appliances for most adults.

We can help you understand your coverage before you start. Visit our sleep apnea cost and insurance page for details.

Caring for Your Oral Appliance

• Brush or rinse it each morning, and let it air dry in its case.

• Bring it to your follow-up visits so we can check the fit.

• Mild jaw or tooth tenderness in the morning is common early on and usually fades within minutes.

• With good care, a custom appliance typically lasts several years.

Book an Oral Appliance Consultation in Calgary

BreatheWell Sleep and Airway is located inside Symmetry Dental at #150, 10601 Southport Road SW, Calgary. We serve patients across Calgary, including Southwood, Haysboro, Acadia, Lake Bonavista, and Willow Park. Learn more about our CPAP alternatives and sleep apnea treatment.

Ready to stop buying CPAP supplies? Request an appointment online or call (403) 225-4459.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy CPAP supplies near me in Calgary? CPAP clinics, respiratory therapy providers, pharmacies, and Canadian online retailers sell CPAP supplies. If you're tired of ongoing supply costs, ask whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.

Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP? CPAP is more effective at reducing breathing events in a sleep lab. Oral appliances often deliver similar real-world results because people wear them more consistently. They're a recognized first-line option for mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Can an oral appliance replace my CPAP? For many people with mild to severe sleep apnea, yes. People with severe apnea who can't tolerate CPAP may also benefit. A follow-up sleep test confirms the appliance is working.

Does an oral appliance need replacement supplies? No. There are no masks, cushions, tubing, or filters. A custom appliance typically lasts several years with proper care.

Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance in Alberta? Alberta Health Care generally doesn't cover it for most adults, but many extended health plans cover part of the cost with a diagnosis and prescription. We can help you check your benefits.

Is an oral appliance the same as a store-bought anti-snoring mouthguard? No. A custom oral appliance is made from impressions of your teeth and adjusted by a trained dentist. Over-the-counter devices aren't designed or monitored to treat sleep apnea.

Does an oral appliance hurt? Most people adapt within a few weeks. Mild jaw or tooth tenderness in the morning is common at first and usually fades quickly.

Do I need a referral to book at BreatheWell? No referral is required to book. Dentists and physicians can also refer patients through our referrals page.