Is a sleep disorder characterised by having one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. Each pause in breathing, called an apnea, can last from a few seconds to minutes, and may occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram, or a “sleep study”.
Snoring Defined
When the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, the airway narrows forcing air through the smaller opening. This creates vibration in the throat known as snoring.
How is Sleep Apnea treated?
Mild Sleep Apnea is usually treated by some behavioral changes. Losing weight, sleeping on your side are often recommended. There are oral mouth devices (that help keep the airway open) on the market that may help to reduce snoring in three different ways. Some devices (1) bring the jaw forward or (2) elevate the soft palate or (3) retain the tongue (from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing). Sleep Apnea is a progessive condition (gets worse as you age) and should not be taken lightly.
Moderate to severe Sleep Apnea is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive airway pressure). C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. For more severe apnea, there is a Bi-level (Bi-PAP) machine. The Bi-level machine is different in that it blows air at two different pressures. When a person inhales, the pressure is higher and in exhaling, the pressure is lower. Your sleep doctor will “prescribe” your pressure and a home healthcare company will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance.
The Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Sleep Apnea Side-Effects include the following:
- Snoring up to 100 decibels and hearing loss
- Heartburn or headaches painful enough to wake you up
- Bed wetting or frequent toilet stops (up to seven per night)
- Night restlessness, including unconscious kicking, slapping or punching during sleep
- Sleep drunkenness, amnesia or even hallucinations
- Personality changes, including aggression, rage, jealousy or suspicion
- Waking up with a feeling of dying or choking during sleep
- Sexual problems, including decreased sex drive or even impotence. People with Sleep Apnea are six times more likely to suffer road accidents.
Is the SomnoDent® MAS the right treatment option for me?
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or snore, the SomnoDent® MAS should benefit you. It will almost certainly put an end to your snoring and will most likely eliminate or significantly reduce your OSA. For your bed partner this means peace and quiet again and a better night’s sleep. For you, it will mean better quality sleep. As a result, you will be less likely to suffer from headaches and daytime sleepiness and your ability to concentrate will improve.
If you have tried CPAP and found it uncomfortable, wake up to a brilliant alternative treatment for OSA. The difference in comfort and tolerance will astound you.
Silent Nite
The special connectors position the jaw to keep the airway open and prevent snoring
The Silencer
An airway dilators work by brining the lower jaw forward, by holding the tongue forward and by lifting the drooping soft palate.