Types of Sleep Apnea
- Central sleep apnea (CSA), describes breathing which stops because the muscles involved don't receive the proper signal from the brain.
- The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat.
- Mixed/complex sleep apnea is a combination of CSA and OSA.
- Loud snorers may have a serious case of blocked air passages, known as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). In these cases, the blockage of air is so great that no air can get through, causing repeated awakenings throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea can contribute or lead to many other conditions, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and depression, so it is important to be diagnosed by a medical professional if you experience any sleep-related symptoms.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
- Insomnia
- Loud snoring
- Choking sounds during sleep
- Headaches upon waking
- Sleeping / drowsiness during the day
Risk Factors Associated with Sleep Apnea
- More common in males
- More common in adults over 40
- Family history
- Obesity
- Smoking / Drinking / Medication
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Neuromuscular disorders
Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
- Fatigue can cause problems at work or school
- Fatigue inhibits your ability to operate a car
- Causes general grumpiness
- Can lead to high blood pressure
- Can lead to stroke
- Can cause heart failure
- Can lead to complications with sedation for medical procedures
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Dr. Bunnag is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Our team can help in the screening process and work with your doctor and insurance companies for a no stress process in filing claims. Most medical insurances and Medicare cover part of the dental appliance in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Treatments for sleep apnea vary widely depending on the severity and type of sleep apnea a person suffers from. Suggested treatments can include:
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking / drinking
- Eating healthy and controlling blood pressure
- Sleeping on your side
- Oral appliance therapy
- Breathing machines
- Surgery in extreme cases
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that maintains an open, unobstructed airway in the throat when worn during sleep. Custom-made oral appliances are proven to be more effective than over-the-counter devices, which are not recommended as a screening tool nor as a therapeutic option.
The initial evaluation phase of oral appliance therapy can take several weeks or months to complete. This includes examination, evaluation to determine the most appropriate oral appliance, fitting, maximizing adaptation of the appliance, and the function.
Ongoing care, including short- and long-term follow-up is an essential step in the treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy. Follow-up care serves to assess the treatment of your sleep disorder, the condition of your appliance, your physical response to your appliance, and to ensure that it is comfortable and effective.