Captain Mike C. had always been passionate about flying. For decades, he’d soared through the skies, feeling more at home in the cockpit than anywhere else. But when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, his world threatened to come crashing down. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required him to undergo a sleep study, a prospect that filled him with dread.
“I never gave much thought to sleep apnea,” Mike recalled. “No way did I ever consider I would be affected by it.”
To his shock, the study revealed he had Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The diagnosis hit him hard. Mike knew the FAA’s strict regulations could ground him indefinitely if he didn’t find an acceptable treatment. But the thought of using a CPAP machine, with its mask and hoses, seemed unbearable for a man used to the freedom of the skies.
Determined to find an alternative, Mike began researching his options. That’s when he discovered oral appliance therapy and remembered his long-time dentist, Dr. Mason, had recently opened begun providing sleep solutions through Best Sleep Today.
“I’d been a patient of Dr. Mason since the late 80s,” Mike explained. “I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I would be in good hands at Best Sleep Today.”
Despite the unknown, Mike was immediately put at ease by the beautiful, comfortable office. Dr. Mason and his team welcomed him warmly, their expertise and compassion evident from the start.
“Initially, I thought this was just to satisfy the FAA requirements to keep my medical certificate current,” Mike admitted. But as he was fitted for his oral appliance and began using it, he experienced an unexpected transformation. “I am absolutely astounded by how much better I am sleeping!”
The oral appliance not only treated his OSA effectively but also served as a night guard, providing additional benefits. Mike was thrilled to find a solution that allowed him to continue his flying career without the inconvenience of a CPAP machine.
Chelsea Mize, a staff member at Best Sleep Today, went above and beyond to help Mike navigate the complex FAA paperwork. “She did a crash course on dealing with the FAA and made sure my paperwork was in good shape and ready to submit prior to the deadline,” Mike said gratefully.
Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Mason and the dedicated team at Best Sleep Today, Mike was able to maintain his FAA medical certificate and return to the skies. More importantly, he rediscovered the joy of restful sleep, improving his overall health and quality of life.
“If you’re considering an oral appliance for treatment of OSA, look no further,” Mike now tells his fellow pilots. “Best Sleep Today will do you right!”
Mike C.’s story is just one example of how Best Sleep Today is helping working professionals, especially pilots, overcome the challenges of sleep apnea. By offering oral appliance therapy as a top alternative to CPAP, they’re ensuring that even those in the most regulated professions can find effective, comfortable treatment without risking their careers.
