13 Sleep Apnea Signs. Do YOU Have it?

Sleep apnea is a devastating disorder that robs people of their sleep and much more.  Sleep apnea is an large component in the insufficient sleep public health epidemic in the United States as stated by the Center for Disease Control ("CDC"). Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and as many of 90% of individuals with sleep apnea have never been diagnosed.  So what's the problem?  Why is sleep apnea such a deadly disorder that needs to be treated?  Let's start with some statistics...  

If you have sleep apnea you are: 3x more likely to have heart disease, 6x more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident, and 4x more at risk of dying from a stroke.  Oh there's more...  Sleep apnea is attributable to a number of health conditions including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke, depression, diabetes, and sexual dysfunction.  Furthermore, sleep apnea spares no one - anyone can have sleep apnea, regardless of gender, age, or body type.  Adults, children, male, female, large, or small - you may be at risk for sleep apnea.  

1. DAYTIME SLEEPINESS or LACK OF ENERGY (Hypersomnia)

2. LOUD SNORING

3. WAKING UP with a DRY MOUTH or SORE THROAT

4. MORNING HEADACHES

5. RESTLESS SLEEP

6. WAKING UP FREQUENTLY TO URINATE (Nocturia)

7. DIFFICULTY STAYING ASLEEP (Insomnia)

8. ATTENTION PROBLEMS

9. SLEEPINESS WHILE DRIVING

10. FORGETFULNESS, IRRITABLE, and a DECREASED SEX DRIVE

11. OBESITY

12. DIABETES

13. CHOKING OR GASPING WHILE YOU SLEEP

“Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and as many of 90% of individuals with sleep apnea have never been diagnosed.”

— American Association of Sleep Apnea

If you think you may have sleep apnea, get tested.  Treatment is necessary to avoid heart problems and other complications.

Your Guide to Oral Appliance Therapy

WHAT IS ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY?

Oral Appliance Therapy utilizes devices that can be used to treat mild or moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring.  There are more than 100 different oral devices on the market but most are varieties of Mandibular Repositioning Appliances (MRA's), which move the lower jaw forward, and Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD's).  Both varieties aim to reposition the tongue so that it doesn't fall back far enough to obstruct the airway.

Oral appliances are provide a treatment alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP Therapy.  Compared to CPAP's, oral appliances are touted as being more comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, and portable.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?

Research shows that Oral Appliance Therapy can be an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  However, CPAP Therapy is widely regarded as the gold standard for treating sleep apnea.  Oral Appliance Therapy is typically most effective in treating mild or moderate sleep apnea.  Additionally, effective oral appliances are almost always custom fit and adjusted over time to ensure optimal therapy.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The costs for Oral Appliance Therapy devices vary greatly.  Dentists, oral surgeons, and ENT's all charge different prices for the initial consultations and fabricating the device.  You can expect to pay between $500 - $3,000 depending on the quality of the device.  However, Oral Appliance Therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans so be sure to discuss your policy with your health professional.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO USE IT?

You should use your oral appliance on a nightly basis for the best results according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

WHAT ARE THE BEST DEVICES?

There are so many different devices to choose from so how can you possibly know which one will be the best for you?  First, talk with your dentist, oral surgeon, or ENT who will be fitting you for your device.  They will have a good idea about which device will be best suited for helping you with your condition.  However, there are a few standout devices that are worth considering in treating sleep apnea.  The three devices listed below have been long-time patient favorites for good reason.

Narval CC by Resmed

The Narval CC is made of a highly resilient and durable biocompatible polymer material and manufactured through selective laser sintering to allow the device to be strong yet supple as well as flexible yet highly resilient.  It is the first computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) appliance on the market.  The Narval is metal-free, flexible, and lightweight.

Somnodent Flex by Somnomed

The Somnodent Flex is a premium comfort devices that comprises upper and lower dental trays with a patented fin-coupling component, allowing normal mouth opening and closing.  The Flex is a soft polymer that is heat-cured, packed, and pressed to create a hard and reliable polymer bonding of all the layers.  This device utilizes a surgical grade stainless steel adjustment mechanism.

the SUE 2G by Strong Dental

The SUE 2G is designed to allow an increase in tongue space and airflow volume.  This device is fabricated out of a solid thermoflex material and all metal components are made with medical grade stainless steel and the casted framework is made using chromium cobalt.  Additionally, the SUE 2G's occlusal surface reduces the occurrence of jaw discomfort.

Your Guide to CPAP Therapy

WHAT IS CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (CPAP) THERAPY?

CPAP Therapy is a treatment that uses various levels of air pressure to keep the patient's airways open and help them breathe more easily during sleep.  CPAP Therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea and includes a small machine that supplies constant air pressure, utilizing a hose and mask to supply the air from the machine to the patient.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?

CPAP Therapy is considered the gold standard in treating sleep apnea and is nearly always the first recommended medical treatment for sleep apnea.  The American College of Physicians declared that CPAP therapy is the best treatment for sleep apnea and there are countless studies that back their decision.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

CPAP Therapy typically costs between $1,000 - $1,500 depending on the machine, mask, and accessories that are purchased.   CPAP machines are typically around $1,000, masks are between $100 - $200, and accessories such as filters, tubes, and mask liners can add up to around $100 in total.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO USE IT?

It is recommended that you use your CPAP on a nightly basis for the entire duration of your sleep.  CPAP compliance is typically defined as undergoing therapy for an average of 4 hours per night for 70% of the nights - that's at least 5 nights a week.  To maximize the efficacy of your treatment and realize all of the positive effects of CPAP therapy it's imperative that you are compliant.

WHAT ARE THE BEST CPAP MACHINES?

There are dozens and dozens of CPAP machines that are flooding the market.  However, there are three in particular that have separated themselves from the pack.  The three devices listed below have the most cutting edge technology coupled with ergonomic design that has made them favorites among CPAP users.

AirSense 10 Autoset by Resmed

The AirSense 10 is the newest line of auto-titrating CPAP's by ResMed.  For those of that don't know, auto-titrating CPAP's have algorithmic technology that allows the machine to supply the ideal air pressure when you need it on a breath by breath basis!  The AirSense line is the first line of devices that have internal cellular modems, which make it easy to track and share your CPAP therapy data in real-time.  This feature helps patients work with healthcare professionals to review their CPAP data and make any remote adjustments necessary to maximize the efficacy of their therapy.  This line of "smart" CPAP's has users raving and has set the bar in terms of CPAP functionality and performance.

z1 Auto CPAP by Human Design Medical

The Z1 is the ideal CPAP for travelers as it is the smallest and lightest CPAP on the market.  The Z1 is an auto-titrating CPAP and uses its Z-Breathe algorithm to provide the ideal pressure by adapting to the patient's breathing patterns.  However, arguably the most impressive aspect of the Z1 is its size...  The Z1 weighs a mere 10 ounces.  This makes this machine functional and extra portable!  Put this in your carry-on or take this with you on your next road trip excursion.

Transcend Auto miniCPAP with EZEX by Somnetics

Another small CPAP, the Transcend Auto miniCPAP with EZEX is the first auto-titrating model from the popular Transcend line of machines.  At less than a pound, this machine can easily be packed and carried for travel.  It's small stature isn't the only thing small about this machine... the Transcend Auto minimizes noise, achieving a very quiet level of just 26.6 dB.  Another key feature of this high-performance machine is its data tracking capability.  The Transcend Auto holds up to 13 months of CPAP data that can be reviewed, emailed, and shared.