MAS vs CPAP: Which Sleep Apnoea Treatment IsRight For You?
If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), two main treatments are on the table: a CPAP machine or a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) — a custom oral appliance worn at night. Both work. The right choice depends on the severity of your sleep apnoea, your medical needs, and what you can realistically wear every night for years.
This page is a plain-English comparison from a Melbourne dentist who fits oral appliances. Your treating sleep physician will have the final say on what is medically appropriate for you.
At a glance
| MAS (Oral Appliance) | CPAP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Custom nylon splint worn over the teeth at night, advances the lower jaw | Mask + tube + machine that pushes pressurised air into the airway |
| Best for | Mild to moderate OSA; severe OSA in some cases | Severe OSA; complex medical needs |
| Effectiveness | Very high for mild–moderate; good for many severe cases | Gold standard — most effective when worn consistently |
| Comfort | Thin, quiet, no straps or hoses | Mask can feel claustrophobic; air dryness common |
| Travel | Pocket-sized case | Bulky machine + power |
| Noise | Silent | Quiet hum + airflow |
| Partner impact | Can sleep in the same bed comfortably | Some couples sleep separately due to noise/bulk |
| Cost (Australia) | ~$2,350 one-off | ~$1,000–$3,000 + ongoing consumables |
| Compliance (people who actually use it long-term) | High — easier to wear nightly | Variable — many CPAP users abandon within 12 months |
| Side effects | Possible jaw soreness, tooth movement, dry mouth — usually mild and managed at reviews | Mask marks, nasal dryness, aerophagia (swallowed air), claustrophobia |
When CPAP is the better choice
CPAP is usually recommended when:
- You have severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30) and complex cardiovascular or pulmonary disease and you can tolerate a CPAP
- You have central (not just obstructive) sleep apnoea
- You have already trialled CPAP successfully and tolerate it well
- Your sleep physician specifically recommends it after reviewing your sleep study
CPAP is the most effective treatment available — when it is actually worn. The issue is real-world compliance. For many patients their CPAP machines remain in the cupboard rather than being used daily.
When a MAS is the better choice
A mandibular advancement splint is often the better fit when:
- You have mild to moderate OSA (AHI 5–29)
- You have severe OSA but cannot tolerate CPAP
- You want a silent, portable, partner-friendly option
- Your snoring is the main complaint, with or without diagnosed OSA
- Your teeth and jaws are healthy enough to support the appliance (we assess this at your consultation)
Recent research shows MAS can also be effective for some patients with severe OSA, particularly when CPAP has been abandoned.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many patients use CPAP at home and a MAS when travelling. Some use a MAS as a “stepping stone” while adapting to CPAP. Your sleep physician and dentist can coordinate.
The honest trade-off
CPAP is more effective when used for severe sleep apnoea patients. However a Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is more likely to actually be used. The best sleep apnoea treatment is the one you will wear every single night for the next 10+ years. And for mild to moderate OSA a MAS is an extremely effective treatment modality.
Next step
Book a free 15-minute consultation at Snore Dentist. We will review your sleep study, assess whether your teeth and jaw are suitable for a MAS, and give you an honest recommendation. If we think CPAP is the better option for you, we will say so.
We offer interest-free payment plans for snoring solutions.
Ask us how to get started!
Reusable Account
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Flexible Payments
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We accept all health funds for sleep apnoea treatment!
but we are preferred providers for the following health funds.
Want to findout more ?
We are more than happy to answer any questions you have – simply give us a call to talk to one of our friendly staff or book in for a sleep consultation. Or alternatively use this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
