Sleep apnea is a worldwide epidemic affecting over 22 million people in the U.S., according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. Those figures also estimate that 1 in 5 middle-aged men and 1 in 10 middle-aged women have sleep apnea.  Often, people who suffer from sleep apnea may be prescribed a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure) by a physician. However, many patients find they are unable to wear such a device or maintain the hourly requirements for it. In these cases, oral appliance therapy can help maintain the airway so the patient can get a good night's sleep.