135 Cumberland Road, Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-367-0367

Patient Education:

Sleep Apnea

Warning Signs for Sleep Apnea:

  • Do you snore heavily?
  • Does your snoring disturb your partner?
  • Has your partner observed you not breathing while you sleep?
  • Do you have high blood pressure?
  • Do you fall sleep at inappropriate times?
  • Are you irritable?
  • Do you wake up with a headache or sore throat?
  • Do you have acid reflux disease?
  • Do you notice a decrease in your sex drive?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions you may be at risk for Sleep Apnea.

Bed

Normal Breathing

During sleep you should mainly breathe through your nose. This allows the air to be of better quality and you will actually get more oxygen, which can lead to a better and more restful night’s sleep.

What is Snoring?

Snoring is the sign of a breathing problem. It occurs when the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back or the throat causing the airway to narrow and forcing air through the smaller opening. This creates sound vibrations in the throat known as snoring. Snoring can seriously affect your quality of life. It can be embarrassing and inconvenient, and can cause problems in relationships. In some cases, snoring is a red flag for a more serious medical problem called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is when the airway is completely blocked and air is unable to flow through the airway.  This is also known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  The obstruction may occur from the area of the soft palate to below the base of the tongue, causing one to awaken during the night with coughing or a gasping sound, attempting to restore breathing.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

  • Snoring
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Falling asleep while reading, watching TV or driving
  • Poor Sleep
  • Morning Headhaches
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Wake from sleep coughing, choking or gasping


Disorders associated with Snoring/Sleep Apnea:

  • Diabetes
  • Mood Swings
  • Grinding of the teeth
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Gastric Reflux
  • Heart Attack/Stroke

 

How Do Oral Appliances Help?

Oral appliances are the devices worn in the mouth while sleeping that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to help open the airway.  This is accomplished by tensing the muscles that support the airway, which in turn opens or dilates the airway so air can freely move in and out without resistance or obstruction.

Advantages of these appliances:

  • Posterior support to protect the TMJs
  • Ability to manage teeth grinding
  • Freedom of jaw movement with use
  • Easily modified to accommodate dental work
  • Does not lock or hold the jaw in a set position
  • Helps keep the airway open by preventing the jaw and tongue from falling back during sleep
  • Improves nasal breathing

Good Air Oral Appliance