- No noise from machines or in-mask breathing
- Easy to clean
- Small and portable
- Convenient for travel
- No electricity required
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Reduce or prevent bruxism (grinding)
- No hoses to get tangled in during sleep
- No mask to cause skin irritations
- No feelings of claustrophobia
CPAP not working?
You’re not alone. Approximately 83% of CPAP patients quit or are inconsistent in their therapy.
When a patient cannot tolerate CPAP, they neglect to use it. This non-compliance is referred to as CPAP intolerance or CPAP failure.
CPAP failure is often caused by issues outside of your control:
- Seasonal allergies or ongoing congestion
- Nasal, sinus or upper palate issues (such as a deviated septum)
- Skin irritation on face
- Nasal irritation, dryness or bleeding
- Claustrophobia or sensation of suffocation
- Respiratory infections
- Abdominal bloating & gas
- Machine disturbs sleep (or partner’s sleep)
These and other issues make CPAP failure common for many obstructive sleep apnea sufferers.
Hate traveling with CPAP?
Added Stress
Whether it’s for vacation or work, travel can be stressful. Traveling with a CPAP machine is an added inconvenience. The additional weight of the machine and getting through security checkpoints can make traveling with a CPAP frustrating.
Added Challenges
Plus, once you arrive at your destination you’ll need to find distilled or deionized water for your humidifier. Then hope there’s an electrical outlet close to your bed. And, if traveling internationally, you’ll need the correct adapter.
Added Failure
Traveling during inclement weather or to remote surroundings can lead to problems with power reliability. These scenarios require you to choose between carrying a back-up battery or going without your treatment. This also contributes to higher failure or non-compliance rates.
What’s the process?
The process is simple. First, come in for a free consultation, together we’ll determine if this is the right option for you. If it is, we’ll coordinate with your insurance company for coverage.
Second, we’ll custom fit your new oral appliance.
Third, you enjoy a good night’s rest.
At-Home Sleep Test
A comfortable alternative
If during your consultation it is determined that you should undergo a second sleep test, we will assist you in ordering a convenient and accurate home sleep test. In the comfort of your own bed, you’ll wear the testing device while sleeping. A Board Certified Sleep Physician will interpret the data and we will contact you to discuss your results.
Michigan Dental Sleep Center
Serving this Michigan area since 1983.
Dr. Mark Williamson
Dr. Mark Williamson has been practicing dentistry in Flushing for more than 30 years. He is a member of The American Dental Association (ADA), Michigan Dental Association (MDA) and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). For the last few years, Dr. Williamson has changed his focus from practicing traditional dentistry to treating patients who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
More about Dr. Williamson
Dr. Williamson learned about the role that a dentist can play in the treatment of OSA through his daughter, a Physician’s Assistant who treats OSA herself. She explained to her father that there was a void in the treatment of OSA because there were not enough qualified dentists with the understanding of how to treat these patients.
Dr. Williamson, who suffers from OSA himself, understands the devastating effects that this disease can have on a person’s quality of life. After following the route of traditional diagnosis and treatments including Home Sleep Tests, Laboratory Sleep Tests, CPAP and Bi-pap therapy, Dr. Williamson became very motivated to help himself as well as others who are stricken with this disease.
Dr. Williamson currently has over 140 hours of continuing education in Dental Sleep Medicine and has been recognized by the AADSM as having the “Qualified Dentist Designation”.
Dr. Chad Witkow
Dr. Chad Witkow received his Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree in Physiology from the Michigan State University- Lyman Briggs College of Natural Sciences in 1997. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2002. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Genesee District Dental Society.
More About Dr. Witkow
He regularly advances his dental knowledge through continuing education with a recent focus on the field of sleep dentistry. He received an Obstructive Sleep Airway Certification from O.S.A. University after being a DentalSleep Medicine Team Member. This coursework provides him with the opportunity to keep his skills at the highest level and learn the latest techniques available from the best dental clinicians in the world.
Dr. Witkow spends his time away from the office with his wife Jen and son Elijah. He enjoys music, going up north to vacation, cooking out in the summer, relaxing with family and friends, and keeping up with all the Michigan sports teams.
Reviews
For Michigan Dental Sleep Center
I have struggled for years with being tired during the day. I went to every doctor/specialist I could. I would get frustrated and just stop; it would get worse and I would try again. I had several sleep studies and was told it was barely "mild" sleep apnea so that couldn't be why I couldn't get up in the morning or why I was falling asleep at my desk or why I was falling asleep while driving. They basically had no idea because I was "close to mild." Then about two years ago I had another sleep study done because I had crossed lines while driving (due to almost falling asleep at the wheel). This study did confirm that I had sleep apnea. The doctor was in the room with me for about five minutes and didn't explain anything. All he said was that he was writing an order for a machine and to go next door to pick it up. I still didn't understand how this would help me because everyone downplayed my condition by saying it was "mild." I tried the machine (which was a full mask), and I just couldn't do it. I gave it back and just continued to try everything I could think of to stay awake. Then my friend told me about some sort of "mouth guard" that was supposed to help and that her previous dentist could help me with it. I set up a consultation with Dr. Mark Williamson at Michigan Dental Sleep Center. He explained my previous sleep study in detail so that I completely understood what it meant. He also told me that "mild" should not have been used to describe it because when it is said that way, you don't take it seriously, which is what I did. He stressed all of the dangers and death related situations that could happen. It's been about a year now since I got my device, and I feel so much better! I sleep all thru the night and not while I am driving. I get to work on time and am not falling asleep. I just feel better all over. Dr. Williamson is always there to help. If I have any questions or concerns, he will bring me in and discuss them thoroughly, so I really understand what is going on.
I used to fall asleep at my desk around 2-3pm a couple times a week. Since I've gotten the appliance, I have not fallen asleep again at the office until, my appliance broke & I was without it for 2 days. I fell asleep at my desk at 2:30pm the second night I was without it!!! It Works!!
I had suffered from sleep apnea for over a decade. I tried all kinds of masks but was constantly at war with them.I felt like I was suffocating. My sleep deprivation continued until I discovered the Dr Mark specialized in dental appliances for sleep apnea. He worked closely with me to get just the right positioning for my appliance to adequately open my airway. My quality of life has improved immensely. I sleep restfully and face each day with renewed energy. Thank you Dr. Mark and Staff!!!
I've been going to Michigan Dental Sleep Center for several months and feel great: no more waking at night, much more energy and more alert during the day, no afternoon drowsy feeling, etc. The process has been incredibly simple: at home sleep study (no in-hospital/overnight stays) and Dr Williamson has been phenomenal to work with. (My wife thinks so too, she is also a patient!!!)
I am so pleased with the oral appliance and so happy I don't have to drag my CPAP all around with me when I travel anymore.
Dr. Mark was my dentist ever since he began private practice. Then he began his journey into helping patients with sleep apnea. He approached me, knowing I had been diagnosed with mild apnea years before, and asked if I was interested in trying a dental appliance instead of a CPAP. He made me an appointment for a sleep study. Thank God. As it turns out, my sleep apnea had become "triple severe" and I could have died. He saved my life.
Common Questions
Regarding Sleep Apnea
If I snore, do I have sleep apnea?
Is it possible that I have sleep apnea even if I don't snore?
What causes sleep apnea?
What is the difference between a CPAP and an oral appliance?
How do you confirm the effectiveness of the oral appliance?
Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?
What if I don't have insurance?
How long will it take to adapt to the oral appliance? Will it hurt my teeth?
How often will the appliance need to be replaced?
Will the appliance change my bite?
Are there any side effects of the appliance?
How long will I have to use the oral appliance?
Can’t I just order a boil and bite device off the internet?
Schedule Your Complimentary
Sleep Apnea Consultation
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