What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a condition that affects breathing while you are sleeping. A partial or complete blockage of the airway occurs during sleep. When you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissue located at the back of the throat relaxes and blocks your airway. Your brain will send you a jolt to awaken you when it happens. This helps you restart breathing. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms like:

·  Very loud snoring

·  Gasping for air while you are asleep

·  Disrupted sleep patterns

Those with OSA often feel sleepy and tired the next day because of the disruptions to their sleep. Having OSA can also increase your risks for certain conditions such as stroke, depression, heart attack, and high blood pressure.

What if the CPAP doesn’t work for me?

The CPAP is generally effective at treating OSA. But since it doesn’t work for everyone, some alternatives are available. There are also a few lifestyle changes you can try to see if they make a difference. Here is a brief look at some of the things you can try.

·  Weight loss. If you are obese or overweight, fat often settles around the neck or throat. This extra pressure can cause sleep apnea. Those who lost just 10% of their body weight may be able to improve sleep apnea symptoms.

·   Sleep on one side. By sleeping on one side instead of on your back, it can be easier for your lungs to get air.

·  Avoid alcohol. Having alcoholic beverages before bedtime can cause your upper airway muscles to relax making it more difficult to breathe. This can interrupt your sleep.

·  Regular exercise. Exercising regularly can help you lose weight and for some people, at least reduces the severity of sleep apnea.

·  Don’t smoke. Smoking can cause airway swelling plus it has other harmful effects on your health.

Using Oral Appliances Instead of the CPAP

Along with lifestyle changes, Dr. Bogrow recommends the use of an oral appliance to treat sleep apnea and is trained in how to properly fit this device for the patient to ensure it is successful. There are different styles of oral appliances, but they work to move the jaw forward enough, so the muscles stay tight. By keeping them tight, they do not collapse or block the airway. Also called a mandibular advancement device, an oral appliance helps open the airway to prevent sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliances have different styles and designs. Dr. Bogrow can determine which is would be the most effective for you based on your personal characteristics and how your symptoms are presenting.

Advantages of Using Oral Appliances

There are numerous benefits for patients who use oral appliances as a CPAP alternative. Here are just a few of them.

·  Minimizes claustrophoba. Wearing an oral appliance, in most cases is about the same as wearing a sports mouthguard. There is no mask covering your mouth and nose. While wearing an oral appliance, your nose and mouth are free to breathe room air.

·  Promotes more comfortable sleep positions. If you move around a lot during your sleep, you may have gotten tangled up in the CPAP hosing. Maybe the mask moved out of place while you were turning in your bed. Oral appliances don’t get in your way and there are no hoses to become tangled.

·  Portable. Oral appliances are small. It is just one piece and it comes with its own case. It’s easily slipped in a pocket or purse, or you can just carry it in a hand. The small size makes it highly portable and easy to travel with.

· No nighttime noises. Unlike CPAP machines, that blow air continuously all night, an oral appliance makes no noise. Even light sleepers and your bed partner will appreciate the noiseless device.

Contact Michigan Sleep Apnea Center

If you suffer from sleep apnea but the CPAP just hasn’t worked for you, contact Dr. Bogrow. He can help you determine if an oral appliance is a suitable CPAP alternative for you. Call today to schedule your free consultation.

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Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder requiring professional medical help. Dr. Bogrow treats patients who suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. His goal is to find patients effective and comfortable solutions that help improve their quality of life by getting longer, better sleep. At Michigan Sleep Center, patients are treated using oral appliance therapy.

What is oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is worn only during sleep and fits somewhat like an orthodontic retainer. The appliance helps keep the jaw in a forward position, so the upper airway remains open. This can be effective for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. After an evaluation and diagnosis of sleep apnea, Dr. Bogrow will discuss your options and prescribe a custom-made oral appliance.

What are the advantages?

A CPAP can be noisy and burdensome to deal with. In some instances, it can prevent a good night’s sleep. Oral appliances, on the other hand, are non-invasive and can more easily be fit into a busy lifestyle. Patients comment that oral appliance therapy provides benefits such as:

• Being more comfortable
• Easier to wear
• Much quieter
• Very portable
• Make it easier to travel
• Easier to care for

How does an oral appliance treat sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea and Dr. Bogrow prescribes the use of an oral appliance, he will make sure it fits you well. They come in a variety of designs, but it’s most important that it fits you. The main purpose of using them is to keep the airway open while you are sleeping. This will prevent it from collapsing and blocking free airflow. An oral appliance will do three things:

1. The oral appliance will hold the airway open by bringing the lower jaw forward slightly.
2. It holds the tongue in position so it cannot fall backward and cause airway obstruction while you are sleeping.
3. It may do one or both of these actions at the same time.

How effective are these devices?

The most popular treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP. But after more research, oral appliances are being prescribed more frequently. They often provide an alternative to the use of a CPAP or sleep apnea surgery. An oral appliance is less expensive and less invasive. In cases where a patient is suffering from sleep apnea and being overweight, an they may be used along with an appropriate weight loss program. Oral appliances help reduce snoring as well by reducing airway turbulence. It is important to work with Dr. Bogrow at the Michigan Sleep Apnea Center to determine the best treatment course for you.

Will insurance pay for oral appliances?

In most cases, medical insurance, not dental insurance, will pay for at least part of the costs of obtaining an oral appliance. Medicare and sometimes Medicaid will pay for the device, especially if the CPAP was not effective. At Michigan Sleep Apnea Center, initial costs include the appliance, the exam, and an entire year of follow-up visits and adjustments. Dr. Bogrow works diligently to minimize patient costs.

What’s it like to live with oral appliance therapy?

When oral appliance therapy is effective, it can make you feel like a brand new person. It will reduce your interrupted sleep and associated symptoms. This can improve your quality of life dramatically. You may be able to sleep better and feel better throughout the daytime.

How do I get an oral appliance?

Your first step, after receiving a medical diagnosis of sleep apnea from a physician, is to schedule an initial complimentary consultation with Dr. Bogrow, to confirm that appliance therapy is an appropriate treatment for your situation. We will review your history and discuss your symptoms and lifestyle. At that time we will also discuss your medical insurance and how your coverage will be used to cover the cost of the appliance. 

If you are ready to sleep better and feel better, call us today to schedule a visit with Dr. Bogrow.

The post How can oral appliance alternatives to CPAP help you with sleep apnea treatment? appeared first on Bogrow & Sherbel.

Are sleep apnea patients more at risk for the coronavirus?

There are two factors linked to serious complications from the coronavirus. These are age and chronic health conditions. Coronavirus can be more serious for those who have chronic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory diseases like COPD and sleep apnea, and diabetes. Older patients also seem to be more susceptible to developing pneumonia which can be fatal. Since sleep apnea is more common in patients who are over the age of 65, patients may have a higher risk factor.

How CPAP Users can Prevent Infection and Stay Healthy

In addition to following the CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, people with sleep apnea can also take some extra precautions.

Get adequate amounts of sleep.

Research indicates sleep is important to maintaining a strong immune system so your body can fight off illness. Sleep also helps the body recover when it has been ill. Go to bed early and get plenty of quality rest.

CPAP Compliance

Sleep apnea causes sleep to be disrupted. Managing your symptoms effectively by using your CPAP appliance is critical. Sleep apnea treatment can help you stay healthy and helps decrease the likelihood of getting sick. Now is not the time to stop using your CPAP machine.

Continue to Practice Good Hygiene

CPAP users need to refrain from touching their face so that pathogens don’t have the opportunity to enter the body via the eyes, mouth, or nose. Properly washing your hands and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your house are essential. The WHO suggests part of respiratory hygiene is covering your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of used tissue immediately.

CPAP Device Maintenance

Before cleaning or handling your CPAP device, make sure you wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure to clean your CPAP machine thoroughly and often according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can clean it daily. This includes cleaning the mask, water chamber, and tubing. Wash your face and hands prior to putting the mask on. Check the instructions for cleaning and replacing the filter and make sure to do it as directed by the manufacturer. Remember to use distilled water in the humidifier or water chamber to keep it clean.

Know the Common Symptoms and Don’t Ignore Them

Since CPAP users might be at a higher risk for developing COVID-19 complications, closely monitor symptoms. If you notice a dry cough, difficulty breathing, or if you start running a fever, contact emergency services or your primary care physician.

Contact Bogrow & Associates

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have questions about sleep apnea and the coronavirus or would like to explore how a sleep appliance can help address sleep apnea that has been diagnosed by a physician, please reach out to the team of sleep professionals at Bogrow & Associates. Dr. Earl Bogrow has been providing care for patients in Southfield, Michigan since 1981. He makes patient’s needs a priority.

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