Is snoring keeping you or someone in your house awake at night? Do you have a CPAP machine that’s sitting idle in your closet? If so, an oral airway appliance may be the answer.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious condition where a person stops and starts breathing several times an hour. Loud snoring is a frequent sign of OSA. Symptoms can also include daytime sleepiness and awakening with a dry mouth, sore throat or headache. OSA can contribute to serious health problems in the individuals who suffer from it including hypertension, heart disease, strokes and diabetes. If you think you or someone in your family may suffer from a sleep disorder, the first step is to have a diagnosis made by a qualified sleep medicine physician. The Sacred Heart Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center performs evaluation and testing for all sleep disorders. More information on sleep and related disorders can be found on the National Sleep Foundation website.
When a person has been diagnosed with OSA, the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is the standard treatment, however between 25-50% of people prescibed the CPAP have difficulty tolerating the device. 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.
There are several types of oral airway appliances available. Which is best for an individual depends on their dental health, bite relationship and any history of jaw joint problems. After evaluation, we can recommend and provide the appliance that would be best for you. Follow-up adjustments to the appliance and a follow-up sleep study should be made to ensure it is working effectively. If you think you may be a candidate for this important and potentially life-saving device, call us to schedule a consultation.
Full Breath Appliance
TAP Appliance