What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common classification of sleep apnea. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you repeatedly stop and start breathing while you are asleep. Apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax and block your airway. You may find that you wake up during the night feeling like you are gasping for air. Snoring is another common symptom of OSA.

What Treatment Options are Available?

For many years a CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device was the only treatment option available. It is worn while sleeping and forces air into the airways to keep them open. The CPAP is effective, but many patients do not wear the device because it makes them uncomfortable. The CPAP also requires daily cleaning which can be a hassle to fit into a busy schedule. Today, a mandibular advancement splint, also called an oral appliance, is an available alternative to CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

This oral appliance is designed to improve the airflow in the upper airway and prevent its collapse by changing the position of the jaw and tongue. The mandibular splint can enlarge the upper airway space while fitting comfortably in the mouth. The mouthpiece is worn only while sleeping and helps you get a better night’s sleep.

Is the alternative to CPAP for OSA as Effective?

The CPAP is effective, but many people cannot adjust to its noisiness or the way it feels. While the CPAP is effective, it’s not always the best treatment option and it’s certainly not the only option. Oral appliance therapy by a trained, certified dentist like Dr. Bogrow has shown great effectiveness. Studies at the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health have shown oral appliances to be as effective as the CPAP for reducing the symptoms of OSA. Also, patients in the studies were more likely to wear the oral appliance than they were to use the CPAP device.

Studies demonstrate that oral appliances effectively reduce snoring and obstructive breathing events. Because of their effectiveness, common health concerns that stem from snoring, lack of oxygen during sleep or interrupted sleep are reduced. Oral appliances help patients get a better night’s sleep, so they do not experience daytime grogginess. Additionally, the risk of developing serious health conditions caused by lack of sleep is greatly reduced. Other benefits of using an oral appliance to treat OSA include:

·  Fewer morning headaches

·  Lower blood pressure readings

·  Improved mood (less depression, irritability, and fewer mood swings)

·   Increased libido

Schedule your Appointment with Dr. Bogrow Today!

If you suffer from sleep apnea and would like to discuss an oral appliance as an alternative to CPAP for OSA, call our offices to schedule an appointment. At Michigan Sleep Apnea Center, we want to help you get a good night’s sleep! Dr. Bogrow is happy to answer any questions you may have about the use of oral appliances as an alternative to CPAP. He will work with you to find the best treatment option for you.

The post What alternatives to CPAP are available to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea and what is their effectiveness? appeared first on Bogrow & Sherbel.

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 Position

One major factor that can contribute to snoring is your sleep position. If you tend to sleep on your back, it may be one of the reasons you snore. When you sleep on your back, your tongue can collapse to the back of your throat, interfering with your breathing and causing you to snore. Some may find relief from snoring by sleeping on their side. Others may snore in any position.
Heavy snoring, regardless of your sleeping position, is a sign that you should get tested for obstructive sleep apnea.

Weight

Your weight is another factor that may be contributing to your snoring. Obesity can cause extra tissue to develop around your neck which can then constrict your throat and lead to snoring. Weight loss is definitely part of the answer for treating this kind of snoring. That said, losing weight is easier said than done and those that snore due to being overweight are at a higher risk of also having a sleeping disorder like sleep apnea.
While losing extra weight should be the goal in the long term, seeking treatment to treat snoring and sleep apnea should not be put off. Improving sleep quality will not only help you reduce other health risks, it can even help you lose weight. Getting the quality sleep you need will help you to think more clearly and it can improve your metabolism.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products can lead to problems that impede sleep quality. When you smoke, it can cause tissue inflammation in your throat. According to a study performed by Dr. Karl Franklin from the University Hospital in Umeå, Sweden, both smokers and ex-smokers were more likely to suffer from habitual snoring than non-smokers. Additionally, non-smokers were more likely to suffer from habitual snoring if they were exposed to daily smoking from someone else in their home.
There is a multitude of health benefits for those that are able to quit smoking. It’s no easy task to quit smoking. That being said, quitting will not only improve your sleep quality, it may even help your housemates snore less as well.

Alcohol

For many Americans, it’s completely normal to enjoy an alcoholic beverage. A glass of red wine can even have a positive effect on your cardiovascular system. But alcohol can also have many detrimental effects, especially when consumed in excess. Alcohol is classified as a depressant and can work as a muscle relaxer for your throat. When alcohol is consumed before going to bed, your throat can relax more than normal. These relaxed throat muscles constrict the airway and can cause you to snore.
This can cause people that would not normally snore to do so and can create a potentially serious health risk for those that already habitually snore. If you suffer from habitual snoring, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. Getting diagnosed and treated can have major positive effects on both your quality of sleep and your quality of life,

Your Sleep Apnea Dentist in Southfield

At Bogrow and Associates Dental Center for Sleep Apnea and Snoring, we understand the importance of quality sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to major health complications including hypertension and heart disease.

Schedule Your Visit Today!

If you habitually snore, you may have sleep apnea. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Bogrow today and he will work with you to find the treatment that’s best for your specific needs. Call us today or visit our website to learn how Bogrow and Associates can get you the sleep you deserve.

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