Sleep Apnea Device

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects a person’s ability to breath. It is a serious condition as people with untreated sleep apnea often stop breathing while sleeping. Sufferers stop breathing because the airway either collapsed or constricted. Sleep apnea is a serious condition so must be treated as soon as possible. There are sleep apnea devices that can help people suffering from moderate sleep apnea. If you are wondering about the efficiency of sleep apnea devices or just interested to learn more, read on.

Sleep apnea has two types, the central and obstructive sleep apnea. What is obstructive sleep apnea? It is a condition caused by partial airway blockage. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the most common sleep disorder had a hard time keeping the airway open. Their chest muscles and diaphragm work harder to keep up with pressure to open the airways. Normal breathing resumes with a body jerking and a loud gasp. With Central apnea, the brain fails to send a signal to the muscles to breathe.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder so must be treated as soon as possible. What happens if sleep apnea remains untreated? Sufferers of sleep apnea can experience stroke, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, heart attacks, diabetes and arrhythmias. Those who seek immediate help are treated with CPAP the most effective solution to severe apnea. But not all people who used CPAP prefer it, because of the treatment discomfort. Most sufferers prefers sleep apnea device to CPAP to treat their problem.

Why Some People Prefers Sleep Apnea Device?

Some sleep apnea sufferers dissatisfied with CPAP treatment often look for an alternative solution. The second most popular apnea treatment is the use of sleep apnea device. Oral appliances therapy offers a more comfortable and less invasive treatment through.

People who prefer comfortable treatment for sleep apnea chooses oral appliances therapy. Oral appliances therapy is a popular treatment for obstructive airway blockage. What causes obstructive airway blockage? Floppy or large tongue, obesity causes blockage as well as enlarged tonsils or uvula.

Why Sleep Apnea Device An Alternative Solution to CPAP?

People with severe sleep apnea need more extensive treatment. CPAP or Continuous Positive Airways Pressure is the best treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP treats sleep apnea but the discomfort of the treatment forces some people to turn to alternative solution. Oral appliances therapy is another solution offered to people diagnosed with apnea. But not all people with apnea can take advantage of this less invasive treatment.

Oral Appliances is a good solution for people with mild apnea. Many patients consider oral appliances because of the ease of the therapy unlike with CPAP. With oral appliances therapy you only need to wear a device on your mouth. The device is akin to a mouth guard. It helps improve the airway and even prevent the upper airway from collapsing. The sleep apnea device comes in different brands or styles and available online and offline. The mouth guard designed to help people stop their sleep disorder and even snoring.

It Is Safe to Use Oral Appliances without Dentist Advice?

No, only trained and qualified dentist and individual should fit the sleep apnea device. Improper fitting of dental devices can lead to discomfort and minor side effects. So, it is wise to consult with your dentist to get evaluated and treated in an approved manner.

What Are The Different Sleep Apnea Devices that Works?

Oral appliances also known as dental devices should only be fit by trained orthodontist or dentist. What are the devices?

• Mandibular Advancement Device

MAD is the most used sleep apnea device. The dental device looks like a mouth guard, the one use for sports. Mandibular Advancement Device is believed to be the most effective device for sleep apnea since it forces the jaw to open. The lower jaw force forward as well as down to maintain the airway open.

• Tongue Restraining Device

Tongue Restraining Device or TRD is a splint that only holds your tongue in place so the airway will not be blocked. It holds the tongue to keep the airway open for a few hours.

People who used either MAD or TRD required regular dentist check up to find out if the device is working as it should be. The check-up is necessary to see if the device needed replacement since they are susceptible to wear and tear. Check up also advised so dentist can make the necessary correction when needed.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Sleep Apnea Device?

Using sleep apnea devices are beneficial this is because the devices can help improve sleep. People who use devices can sleep either on their stomach or backs without a problem. But not all people suffering from sleep apnea can use dental devices. This is because people diagnosed with severe apnea will not gain relief from oral appliances therapy. More often than not, the sleep apnea device does not treat the problem but only improve the airflow. The rate of success to people with severe sleep disorder is not as good in comparison to those who are just experiencing mild apnea.

Dental devices are safe to use. In fact, no serious complications recorded yet, from undergoing oral appliances therapy. But there are few minor problems associated with the use of dental devices. What are the minor side effects? Dry lips or mouth, nighttime pain, excessive salivation and occasional tooth discomfort.

There are devices that produce fewer side effects because the mouth guards or TRD made of softer materials. When it comes to pricing the cost of sleep apnea devices vary but the most expensive device cost about $2000. If you have a medical insurance you have no problem.

Between sleep apnea devices and CPAP the latter is cheaper. You may use both CPAP and apnea device to treat your sleep disorder. CPAP maybe be use at home and the device for travelling. Treating sleep apnea with dental devices is not a bad idea. The most important thing is that you treat the problem early on to avoid serious complications.