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What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized by an interrupted breathing pattern when you sleep. During sleep, the breathing stops and starts involuntarily due to the upper airways getting blocked, leading to individual gasps for air resulting in frequent waking. This condition is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is more prevalent in adult men and affects around 39 million people in the U.S. alone. Globally, it is estimated that it affects more than 936 million. On the other hand, there is another type of it called central sleep apnea (CSA). In this, the muscles and nerves fail to activate fully when one sleeps, causing pauses in breathing.
Whatever the type is, fortunately, a sleep apnea treatment tailored to an individual’s needs can help one get rid of this unwanted disorder and enjoy a peaceful sleep.
What Are the Causes of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can develop due to a variety of factors, with aging, obesity, and anatomical structure playing major roles. In men, the risk increases with age, while obesity is strongly linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to excess tissue around the airway. Other contributing factors include:
Jaw Position & Sleep Apnea:
The position and structure of the jaw play a crucial role in airway function. A retruded (backward-positioned) lower jaw or small/narrow upper jaw reduces airway space, making it more likely to collapse during sleep—one of the leading causes of OSA.
Tongue Position & Airway Blockage:
Proper tongue posture is essential for maintaining an open airway. When the tongue falls back into the throat instead of resting against the palate, it can partially or fully block airflow, leading to sleep apnea. Additionally, a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) may restrict tongue movement, further increasing the risk of airway obstruction.
Weak & Fatigued Muscles in the Airway:
The muscles of the throat, tongue, and soft palate help keep the airway open during sleep. However, weak or fatigued muscles can collapse more easily, obstructing breathing. Aging, obesity, and poor muscle tone are major contributors to this issue.
Similarly,
- Smoking & alcohol consumption, which can relax airway muscles and worsen obstruction.
- Family history of sleep apnea, indicating a possible genetic predisposition.
- Large tonsils, which can block airflow during sleep.
When treated on time, sleep apnea can help reduce the risk of serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, stress, and heart disease.
How To Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
At Euromed Clinic, we use a variety of methods, including a home sleep study test, to monitor a person’s breathing pattern, oxygen availability, and sleeping position to understand the prevailing reason behind sleeping disorders.
Once the diagnosis is complete, our healthcare providers incorporate different treatments tailored to individual requirements. In mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, they employ sleep apnea oral appliances and myofunctional therapy to keep the airways open in bed. Moreover, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is provided, which keeps your airway open and controls snoring and apnea when you sleep.
What Are the Treatments for Sleep Apnea?
There are numerous treatments for sleep apnea available, with each treatment designed for a specific case. In order to provide a steady yet pragmatic solution, custom-made dental appliances are provided to people suffering from mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. These devices improve sleep quality by keeping the airway open during sleep and can also help treat snoring, TMJ disorder, and bruxism.
Below is an overview of the sleep appliances we use to treat sleep disorders.
1. The Silensor
The Silensor is a mandibular advancement device (MAD) designed to treat both sleep apnea and snoring. It functions by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open while the patient sleeps.
This custom-made mouthguard fits perfectly in the patient’s mouth, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. By preventing airway obstruction, the Silensor improves sleep quality and reduces the risk of breathing complications during the night. Patients can wear this device throughout the night without worrying about interruptions caused by snoring or apnea episodes.
2. Dorsal Sleep Appliance
The Dorsal Sleep Appliance is another effective solution for managing sleep apnea and snoring. This custom-fitted oral device resembles a mouthguard and works by holding the lower jaw in a slightly forward position while the patient sleeps, keeping the airway unobstructed.
Made from materials like acrylic or dual laminate, the Dorsal Sleep Appliance is designed to be worn at night for optimal results. Its primary function is to enhance breathing and minimize sleep interruptions caused by airway blockages.
3. GNeuromuscular (GNM) Orthotic
The GNM Orthotic is a specialized TMJ appliance that also serves as a critical tool in treating sleep apnea. This device works by repositioning the jaw forward, creating more space in the airway and allowing for improved breathing during sleep.
What makes the GNM Orthotic unique is its versatility—it can be worn both during the day and at night. By relaxing the muscles and relieving tension in the jaw, this appliance not only enhances breathing but also reduces discomfort in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
4. Prosomnus [CA] LP Continuous Advancement Sleep Device
The Prosomnus [CA] LP Continuous Advancement Sleep Device is one of the most innovative appliances used to treat sleep apnea and snoring. It is designed to reposition the jaw forward, thereby opening up the airway and reducing sleep interruptions.
What sets this device apart is its low-profile design and continuous advancement capability. It offers greater tongue space and more flexibility compared to traditional devices, making it one of the most comfortable and effective dental appliances for managing sleep apnea.
5. Prosomnus Evo Sleep and Snore Device
The Prosomnus Evo Sleep and Snore Device represents a significant advancement in the treatment of sleep apnea. It is the first oral appliance developed using robotics, artificial intelligence, and medical-grade materials to ensure the highest level of comfort and effectiveness.
This device is BPA-free, hygienic, and easy to use. By gently repositioning the jaw to free up the airway, it helps patients breathe more easily during sleep. The Prosomnus Evo is designed to provide a flexible, reliable solution for those suffering from sleep apnea and snoring.
MyoFunctional Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Myofunctional therapy offers an effective way to address mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by improving breathing patterns and strengthening the muscles responsible for maintaining open airways during sleep. This non-invasive approach employs a series of exercises to enhance tongue posture, throat stability, and nasal breathing.
Do Oral Appliances Work for Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliances for sleep apnea will usually improve your sleep and provide you enough air at night. Generally, CPAP is provided to people to correct sleeping disorders. However, people untolerable to CPAP can resort to oral appliances.
What Is the Success Rate of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?
According to the statistics of NIH, approximately one-third of patients undergoing MAD therapy show a complete resolution of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), achieving an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of less than 5 per hour. Another third of patients experience a significant decrease in AHI, with a reduction of 50% or more in the severity of their condition.
Consultation
To find more about your sleep apnea and the oral appliances suitable for your case, please call Euromed Clinic at +971 4 394 5422. You can also reach out to us via WhatsApp using the same number.
