Do you have a CPAP machine that’s sitting idle in your closet? If so, an Oral Airway Appliance may be the answer.
Loud snoring can be a symptom of bigger problems!
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea / OSA
Loud snoring is a frequent sign of a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious condition where a person stops and starts breathing several times an hour.
Symptoms of OSA can also include:
- daytime sleepiness,
- awakening with a dry mouth,
- sore throat, or headache
OSA can contribute to serious health problems for the individuals who suffer from it, including:
- hypertension
- heart disease
- strokes
- diabetes
If you think you or someone in your family may suffer from a sleep disorder, the first step is to get diagnosed by a qualified sleep medicine physician. For our Dental patients here in Eugene Oregon and Springfield Oregon, the Sacred Heart Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center performs evaluation and testing for all sleep disorders.
The CPAP-Machine, a common treatment for OSA:
When a person has been diagnosed with OSA, the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is the standard treatment. The CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of compressed air through a hose to either a nasal pillow, nose mask, or full-face mask. Because of the discomfort and hassle of wearing a mask of some sort, and being attached to a hose attached to a machine, fully one-quarter to one-half of people who are prescribed CPAP machines have difficulty tolerating the device.
Can’t handle your CPAP? An Oral Airway Appliance might be right for you!
An Oral Airway Appliance can be an effective and more comfortable alternative in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. It can also be an alternative for people whose employment may make it difficult for them to use a CPAP machine.
Talk to a Eugene Oregon Dentist about an Oral Airway Appliance:
Contact ArDent Care to find out if you are a candidate for this important and potentially life-saving device.
More information on sleep and related disorders can be found on the National Sleep Foundation website.