Getting your beauty sleep back is now easier than ever with all the different sleep apnea treatments available. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that constantly interrupts the patient’s sleep. When you fail to breathe during your sleep, your body, and more importantly, your brain, do not get enough oxygen.
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. This is when your airway is blocked by soft tissue from the back of your throat. Central sleep apnea is less common and is when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles to breathe.
Positive airway pressure devices
These devices that come in the form of a mask are secured over the patient’s nose and mouth during sleep. This allows pressurized air to flow continuously or intermittently into the sleeper’s throat. It is one of the most widely used treatment options for minor or moderate cases of sleep apnea. As stated earlier with obstructive sleep apnea, the airway is blocked. These pressurized devices increase the air pressure to ensure that the airway does not collapse.
Some people find these devices troublesome or hard to adjust to. The straps on the mask may not allow a comfortable and secure fit. You may need to try on multiple masks to find the best option. There are also other airway pressure devices available that apply more or less pressure as needed when you exhale.
Oral appliances
Oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea continue to increase in popularity. Over 100 different oral appliances have been approved for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliances hold the lower jaw forward to help prevent the tongue and muscles in the airways from collapsing. This helps keep the airway open. In addition, oral appliances are also a great way to treat snoring.
Since an oral appliance is worn in the mouth like a mouthguard or sports guard, it is comfortable and easy to wear. Unlike the mask, an oral appliance is quiet and portable as well. This means that they are convenient for travel and easy to care for. This is also great news for people who may sleep in the same room as others, since it helps stop snoring. There are also custom oral appliances that may be purchased at retail drug stores or online shops. However, these appliances are not approved and can cause side effects such as additional jaw problems and unwanted tooth movement.
Upper airway stimulation therapy
If you see no improvement to your sleep apnea, you may want to try upper airway stimulation therapy. This new form of therapy works inside your body and treats more severe cases of sleep apnea. A small generator with a sensor and stimulator are connected to a monitor and correct your breathing patterns while you are asleep. A small handheld remote controls the stimulation.
There are so many different options when treating sleep apnea. Oral appliances work for many and totally stop sleep apnea. For more intense cases, you may want to invest in upper airway stimulation. Get your beauty sleep with sleep apnea treatment today!
Request an appointment here: https://lincroftvillagedental.com or call Lincroft Village Dental Care at (732) 842-5005 for an appointment in our Lincroft office.
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