Oral Appliances and Sleep Apnea
If you’ve got sleep apnea, obtaining proper treatment is an important part of taking care of your health. Untreated sleep apnea is life-threatening: it causes high blood pressure, an increased risk of stroke, and can even lead to diabetes. For many, the idea of being attached to a continuous positive airway pressure machine to treat their condition is intimidating. CPAP machines take some time to get used to and some people just aren’t sure they’re up for the challenge. Is there a way to treat your sleep apnea without participating in CPAP therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy
You can try other options before using a CPAP machine. An oral appliance is sort of like a mouth guard used in sports but rather worn only at night when asleep. Some studies have shown that the use of an oral appliance may be as effective as CPAP therapy in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Usually, you’ll get your oral appliance made at a dentist’s office where an impression of your teeth will be created. The piece will then be adjusted so that when it’s worn, your jaw aligns in a way that allows for an unobstructed airway. This stops snoring and works to prevent those dangerous health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Patients enjoy this treatment method because it’s easy to use and makes traveling a breeze. It’s comfortable for most and easy to take care of by yourself. Your physician will likely take a look at your oral appliance before treatment and may have a few follow-up appointments afterwards in order to ensure that your treatment is going effectively.
Winx Sleep Therapy
While Winx Sleep Therapy method is also considered an oral appliance for sleep apnea treatment, it works differently than the mouth guard variety. Winx is a small device connected to a light vacuum which promotes the shifting of the soft palate forward in order to keep the windpipe from obstructing during the night.
Which Treatment is Best For You?
If you’re not sure which treatment method is best for you, feel free to contact the sleep experts at Advanced Sleep Therapy. We’ve got a team of dedicate respiratory healthcare professionals ready to help you all along your journey to better sleep and improved health.
