Most patients that have been diagnosed with OSA are told by medical doctors that the only solution to their symptoms is the CPAP. Even if they don’t like to wear the mask at night, they may feel there is no other alternative to treat their OSA symptoms. That’s why as a dentist who treats sleep apnea patients, it’s important to add an element of education in your marketing to make people aware that you too can help treat symptoms with oral appliances.
Here are three tips that will help you target the sleep apnea audience and help them become aware of oral appliances as an alternative treatment to the CPAP:
- Watch your language – The language you use to attract and engage with sleep apnea sufferers looking for treatment beyond the CPAP should be specific to their problems. Highlighting the pain points of the CPAP, such as a cumbersome mask, loud noise and dry nose and mouth are details that CPAP wearers are intimately familiar with. Follow up with introducing oral appliances as an alternative solution.
- Asking questions in your marketing is another way to target sleep apnea sufferers. “Have you been diagnosed with OSA?” and “Do you wear a CPAP regularly?” let OSA patients immediately identify that you are speaking to them.
- Showing compassion can provide patients with relief, too. Sleep apnea can be isolating and awkward to bring up with friends and families. Including messages in your marketing that show you care, and empathize with these patients can be just as much support as the treatment itself. By showing new patients that they are not alone and that you care could literally be a breath of fresh air for sleep apnea sufferers who are often left wondering if the CPAP is their only hope.
Use these tips to speak directly to sleep apnea sufferers as well as their sleep partners who are affected by their snoring and the CPAP. Educating your audience that you offer a solution will not only improve their OSA symptoms but their overall life, as well.