Snoring can be extremely disruptive to a good night’s sleep, especially if the person snoring is near or right next to you. But if the cause of the snoring is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s more than a nuisance: it could be a threat to the snorer’s health.
People with OSA are at greater risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and heart problems. The reasons for this aren’t known for sure, but may be because OSA raises the heart rate and increases blood pressure, which puts stress on the heart.
The most common therapy for OSA is a device called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP for short. It’s a mask that is worn b the sleeper, and it blows a steady stream of humidified air into the airwaves.
It’s a safe and effective treatment, and it’s brought relief to countless sleep apnea patients. But it’s also clunky to wear, and a lot of people can’t stand having it on. Many have stopped using it altogether, simply because it is so uncomfortable.
There are alternatives to CPAP, such as:
- Positional therapy. Some patients have less airway obstruction, and better sleep, by sleeping on their sides.
- Surgical procedures, like a tonsilectomy or UP3 (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) can minimize airway obstruction.
- Weight loss. Excessive weight is associated with sleep apnea, and patients who have undergone medically supervised weight loss have seen good results.
- A mouth device that moves the jaw forward to increase the size of the upper airway.
At Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions, we can customize treatment plans that may include a customized oral appliance. Unlike CPAP, these appliances don’t cover the entire face. Instead they fit into the mouth, similar to an athlete’s mouth guard.
At Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, we have had high success rates with these appliances. If you or a loved one is coping with sleep apnea, contact us today.
