Stop Snoring / CPAP Alternative
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
It’s crucial to understand the severe health consequences of snoring, particularly when it results from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when the muscles responsible for keeping the upper airway open relax during sleep, causing the airway to become obstructed. This can lead to snoring or a pause in breathing (apnea) that can last for several seconds to over a minute. These interruptions may happen several times per hour, resulting in a fragmented sleep pattern. As a result, you may feel tired and mentally foggy during the day. Furthermore, OSA is linked to various health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, anxiety, depression, memory loss, focus issues, and erectile dysfunction. If you’re worried about OSA, a sleep test can help determine the frequency of your breathing interruptions per hour.
How to recognize OSA?
Symptoms associated with OSA in adults include one or more of the following: snoring, daytime sleepiness, acid reflux, difficulty focusing, daytime tiredness, drowsiness, and a tendency to make mistakes due to less alertness. Dozing while reading, watching TV, or driving a vehicle is common in patients suffering from OSA but not always. Other symptoms are frequent trips to the bathroom during sleep time and or profuse perspiration while sleeping. OSA symptoms in children are different and are frequently mistaken for ADHD since the symptoms are very similar.
What are some effective ways to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
The gold standard for treating OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, compliance with CPAP therapy is often low. Oral appliances are an alternative for patients who are intolerant or unwilling to use CPAP. Research has shown that the long-term effectiveness of oral appliances is similar to CPAP, especially in cases of mild to moderate OSA. These appliances resemble mouthguards that position the jaw downward and forward, allowing for better breathing during sleep. Compliance with oral appliances is generally higher than with CPAP, making them a more convenient option for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or need a portable option for managing their OSA during traveling or camping.
We can assist you in managing your OSA. We work closely with your physician to ensure the best possible outcome when using an oral appliance. If you are experiencing constant tiredness during the day, waking up unrefreshed, or frequently needing to take a short nap, you may have a sleep-breathing disorder such as OSA. In this case, it would be wise to consult with your physician. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a good screening tool to determine the need for further evaluation and to screen for excessive daytime sleepiness. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is another screening tool designed specifically for the likelihood of having OSA. You can find these screening tools in the links below.
If you suspect you might be suffering from OSA, complete the screening form by clicking on the link below. You can then bring the results to our office for further evaluation or take them directly to your physician.
If you have any questions please contact us at (909) 987 5522
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Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions! We’re here to help!
Location:
10064 Arrow Rt
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: 909.987.5522
Fax: 909.987.5532
Email: office@arrowdentalarts.com