Sleep Apnea Therapy

Not always, but it is one of the most common side effects of sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when air moving through the nasal passages or throat vibrates against tissue. For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, this vibrating tissue may be preventing them from breathing or inhaling deeply enough to receive adequate oxygen. Patients with sleep apnea typically experience loud snoring with periods of silence between. The snoring is typically restarted with a gasping or wheezing sound that occurs when the body wakens itself to begin breathing again. Snoring that is not caused by airway obstruction is usually a consistent volume without long breaks between snores. Both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea may be treatable with oral appliance therapy, so don’t hesitate to ask our skilled dentists and team about oral appliance therapy to treat snoring.

Not all sleep apnea sufferers can be treated with oral appliances. Those who are suffering from central sleep apnea will not be able to use this form of treatment. Central sleep apnea occurs when the mind fails to trigger the body to breathe in or out. CPAP may be effective for these patients as it forces air into the system, but many central sleep apnea patients need advanced surgical treatments. Additionally, patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea may not receive adequate relief with an oral appliance alone. Instead, these patients may benefit from combined CPAP and oral appliance therapy or just CPAP treatment.

Today, at-home sleep studies are becoming much more common and reliable diagnostic options for sleep apnea sufferers. Traditional in-office sleep studies offer greater sensitivity to track instances of apnea (complete cessation of breathing for ten or more seconds) and hypopnea (shallow breathing or cessation for less than ten seconds). However, many patients report they were unable to sleep comfortably, so these studies may not represent an accurate picture of your actual sleep cycle. At-home tests are slightly less sensitive than the in-office studies. Patients are able to sleep more soundly in a place they’re used to, so these tests may offer a more accurate representation of actual sleep cycles. You can talk to our team or a trusted local sleep physician about your sleep study options to find the solution that best fits your needs.

Central sleep apnea is a much more serious health risk. Because the cessation of breathing is caused by the brain’s failing to trigger the body to inhale and exhale, patients are in serious danger, and for some patients, central sleep apnea can be fatal. If you’re diagnosed with central sleep apnea, it’s essential that you work closely with a trusted sleep doctor to create a treatment plan that will safely and effectively treat your condition. Most patients with central sleep apnea will not be candidates for oral appliance therapy. However, if you struggle to adapt to the sounds and sensations of CPAP treatment, combining an oral appliance with your CPAP may be a viable option. The oral appliance opens the airway, so your CPAP can be used at lower levels, which many patients adjust to more readily.

Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea. However, there are some patients who are considered higher risk, including those who:

• Have a BMI greater than 25
• Have a neck circumference greater than 16 inches for women or 17 inches for men
• Are 50 years of age or older
• Are male
• Suffer from high blood pressure
• Have a family history of sleep apnea

Many patients who are suffering from sleep apnea in Los Gatos will place humidifiers in their room to help reduce dryness and open their airways while they’re sleeping. Some common symptoms that patients who have sleep apnea experience are nasal congestion and dry mouth and throat. With the addition of a heated humidifier, you’ll add moisture into the air and eliminate these issues. If you’re using a CPAP machine in combination with your oral appliance, a humidifier will allow you to eliminate any excessive dryness you experience from the continuous air being pumped through your airways.

Cleaning your sleep apnea after each use is important. Be sure to avoid rinsing it under any kind of hot water, because this can warp the customized shape of the appliance and affect the way it fits in your mouth. Always store it in a hard, protective case and dry it off thoroughly to keep bacteria from breeding on it.

Every morning when you take out your appliance, be sure to brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle circular motions. Make sure not to use regular toothpaste because it could damage and scratch your appliance. Instead, try a clear antibacterial soap. Make sure to never let saliva dry onto your appliance.

Properly fitted oral appliances from your sleep dentist in Los Gatos are the most comfortable treatment you can purchase because they’re specially made to securely and easily fit in your mouth. However, it can still be difficult to adjust to sleeping with it. While your appliance may be slightly uncomfortable, it should never be painful to wear. If your jaw begins to ache, be sure to contact our dental office right away. If you have TMJ disorder, you may not be able to use an oral appliance.

If you’re not sure whether your health insurance will pay for your oral appliance, be sure to contact them directly. Most policies will cover a portion of the cost for this treatment for patients who have failed to benefit from using a CPAP machine, have had a surgery that didn’t help treat their condition, or are a healthy weight.