Sleep Apnea Appliances

WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal medical disorder that affects around 10% of American men over the age of 40, and 6% of American women of the same age.  Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night. Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day and can ultimately lead to serious medical problems. Sufferers are 3 times more likely to develop heart disease and face the risk of stroke 4 times greater than individuals who have been treated successfully. 40,000 Americans actually die each year from complications associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Approximately 90% of all people with OSA go undiagnosed and untreated.

WHAT CAUSES THE AIRWAY TO COLLAPSE DURING SLEEP

Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as the soft pallet or large tonsils.
Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open.
The tongue falling back and closing off the airway.

 WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Restless sleep
Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
Poor judgement or concentration
Irritability
Memory loss
Depression
Sexual dysfunction
High blood pressure
Morning headaches
Obesity
Large neck size
Bruxism

 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY HAVE OSA

Consult with Dr. Rappaport
Have a sleep study done. A sleep study can provide Dr. Rappaport with information about how you sleep and breathe. This info will help him to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL TREATMENTS FOR DIAGNOSED OSA

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Oral appliances
Surgical intervention
Any treatment plan should include weight loss if needed, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.

CPAP - CPAP is a machine that treats obstructive sleep apnea by providing positive air flow through a mask to force open the airway that closes during sleep.

ORAL APPLIANCES- An oral appliance is a small devise that is worn in the mouth while sleeping to prevent soft throat tissue from collapsing and obstructing the airway. The vast majority of these devises are called mandibular advancement appliances. Oral appliance therapy is the most effective method for treating people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. Dr. Rappaport is trained and fully adept at determining which appliance is right
for you.

WHAT HAPPENS IF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IS LEFT UNTREATED

Possible  increased risk for:
High blood pressure
Heart disease and heart attack
Stroke
Fatigue related motor vehicle and work accidents

Dr. Paul Rappaport is committed to saving the lives of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rappaport today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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