It's prescription from a physician, but it is fitted by a dentist. First you have to get your physician to order a sleep study. Then depending on the results of the sleep study, the dentist will have to determine if you're a good candidate for this device. It depends on your sleep index from the study and BMI. Yes the CPAP is the "most effective" method of treating sleep apnea, but it's hardly the most convenient. If you don't have severe sleep apnea, and your BMI is less than 30-35, it might be a good solution. I'm planning on traveling to Europe this summer, and the mouth piece is much lighter and takes less space than a CPAP, which adds another piece of carry on to take.
Great thread...