TYPES OF SLEEP APNEA
Obstructive, Central, and Mixed Sleep Apnea are the three types, with the most prevalent being obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- OBSTRUCTIVE: This is where the upper airway is partially or fully obstructed during sleep. The diaphragm and chest muscles struggle to open the airway during an apnea episode as the pressure rises. With a loud gasp or a body jolt, breathing generally restarts. These episodes can disrupt sleep, limit oxygen delivery to essential organs, and create heart rhythm issues. Thankfully, it can be treated with an oral appliance
- CENTRAL: Here, the airway remains open, however, the brain is failing to communicate with the muscles. This causes instability in the respiratory system. This type of apnea is connected to the central nervous system therefore it can not be treated by an oral appliance.
- MIXED: Just as it sounds, mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central.
CAUSES OF SLEEP APNEA
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat compresses during sleep, blocking the airway. Patients with central sleep apnea, however, are likely to have a condition related to their nervous system and brain. An example is patients who have a neuromuscular illness or had a stroke. Those who have experienced heart failure and other forms of pulmonary disease are also at risk.
WHO GETS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
Obstructive sleep apnea affects approximately 25% of males and nearly 10% of women. OSA affects all ages, including infants and kids, however, adults over 40 and people who are overweight are more likely to be diagnosed with OSA. In fact, OSA patients Patient’s with obstructive sleep apnea share several physical and clinical characteristics: excessive weight, a big neck, and anatomical anomalies that reduce the opening of the upper airway, such as nasal blockage, a low-hanging soft palate, swollen tonsils, or a small jaw with an overbite.
SYMPTOMS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Typically, the patient doesn’t recognize their symptoms or troubles during sleep, it’s their partner in bed next to them. It’s likely a person with OSA will experience:
- Fatigue throughout the day.
- Waking up suddenly, gasping for breath.
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Trouble concentrating, crankiness, and forgetfulness.
- Headaches
- Night sweats
- Sexual disfunction
It’s often more difficult spotting OSA in children, especially those who have their own room. Additional symptoms parents can watch out for include:
- Grades are dropping and in-class participation is decreasing.
- Sluggishness, and extra tiredness in the morning.
- Dry mouth may present as difficulties swallowing.
- When inhaling, the ribcage moves inward
- New, sometimes strange sleeping positions such as sleeping on the hands and knees.
- Excessive night sweats
LONG TERM EFFECTS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to a variety of health issues, including arrhythmias, hypertension, stroke, cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart muscle tissue), congestive heart failure, and diabetes if left untreated. In addition, untreated sleep apnea can lead to job loss, work-related accidents, and car accidents.
TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Once diagnosed with OSA, your doctor will offer information on treatment options. Many patients start by treating OSA with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. These devices forcefully blow air into your mouth or nose (depending on which machine the patient chooses). It can be effective but can also be very uncomfortable and for some, the CPAP machine causes more sleep disturbances than the OSA. That’s when doctors decide to try an oral appliance.
SOMNOMED ORAL DEVICES TREAT SLEEP APNEA IN LETHBRIDGE
SomnoMed Canada provides treatment solutions for sleep-related disorders including obstructive sleep apnea, and snoring. SomnoMed was commercialized on the basis of extensive clinical research. Supporting independent clinical research, continuous innovation and instituting medical manufacturing standards has resulted in the SomnoDent line of oral devices becoming the state-of-the-art and clinically proven oral device for obstructive sleep apnea. At London Road Dental, we provide custom, adjustable SomnoMed oral devices to help you sleep better and breathe easier. These devices are made with high quality materials that offer premium comfort for patients who want to improve their sleep quality.
OPTING FOR AN ORAL APPLIANCE
Oral Mandibular Advancement devices… also known as oral appliances look a lot like mouthguards athletes use. They’re ideal for patients with mild to moderate OSA. The device makes it difficult for the tongue to block the airway and can help adjust the lower jaw, moving it forward slightly.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS WITH AN ORAL APPLIANCE?
As with most treatments, there is the potential for minor risks, we suggest discussing them with your sleep specialist and dentist. Risks include:
- Minor changes in your bite.
- Pain in the jaw or teeth.
- Excessive drooling while sleeping.
- Dry mouth.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN ORAL APPLIANCE
Many patients find the benefits outweigh any potential risks they currently face. These benefits include:
- Improves symptoms of OSA while sleeping
- Improves the side effects of OSA during the day such as increased cognitive function and a better mood.
- Travels easily and doesn’t require electricity.
- A more comfortable option than the CPAP.
A quiet, peaceful fix, often preferred by spouses.