Sleep Apnea Treatment - Sleep Apnea Appliance
San Diego, Poway and La Jolla, CA
What is Sleep Apnea?
The word apnea means without breath. It’s cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds and at least five times per hour, because of an airway obstruction. The throat collapses, and the throat muscles fail to keep the airway open. It happens while you sleep, and you may not know that it happens. You might wake up repeatedly during the night, gasping for breath, and this reduces the rest of your night’s sleep. You would become chronically sleepy, short-tempered, and inattentive to daily work. You may not remember in the morning that you were repeatedly waking during the night.
The most common type of Sleep Apnea is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and is caused by a breathing obstruction, something stopping the air flow between the nose and the lungs. It is a separate issue from snoring, but often goes along with it.
Possible causes of Sleep Apnea
- A smaller-than-average airway
- Certain anatomical structures such as a deviated septum, small, receding chin, large tonsils, or extra-large tongue
- Obesity - more than half of people with sleep apnea are obese
- Use of a sedative or alcohol at bedtime, which relaxes the throat and tongue muscles too much
Health hazards of Sleep Apnea
Reduced oxygen blood levels and increased carbon dioxide levels can lead to high blood pressure, strokes, and heart problems. Reduced flow of oxygen to the brain can lead to impaired mental functioning.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
This term refers to a mask which applies pressure to the throat, preventing it from collapsing while you sleep. The mask is connected to a pump and the pressure can be adjusted according to the person’s needs. Many companies make CPAP machines, with differing assortments of features, such as remote controls, a humidifier, gradual pressure increases and portability.
The essential feature for success with a CPAP machine is the comfort of the mask. There are the standard masks and gel-filled masks which seal over the nose; and the Adam Circuit mask which fits each nostril separately. One type might be more comfortable for you than the other.
Other Sleep Apnea Treatments
There are many FDA-approved Sleep Apnea Appliance which is an oral appliance which help minimize the effects of Sleep Apnea and promote sound sleep. They are worn in the mouth and prevent the soft tissue in the throat from collapsing. We would fit you with an appliance which was most comfortable and effective for you.
Read about CPAP Alternatives.
For some, behavioral therapy is more effective, such as:
- Limiting alcohol intake near bedtime
- Giving up smoking
- Losing weight
- Eating less near bedtime
- Avoiding any use of sleeping pills or antihistamines
- Avoiding intake of dairy products, as they increase mucous production
- Using a humidifier in the bedroom
- Sleeping with the head raised
For more information, see Sleep Apnea Treatments.
Click here for Frequently Asked Sleep Apnea Questions
Please contact our office at Carmel Creek Dental to arrange for a free sleep apnea appliance consultation if you are suffering from snoring or sleep apnea, or if you think your sleep partner may be. Each case is different, and San Diego Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Loye can ask productive questions, examine the mouth and throat areas, and explain how possible treatments might work.
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3830 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 702
San Diego, CA 92130
