cpap machine

According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) (which Dr. Bruce Kanehl is a member), more than 18 million Americans experience sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by the interruption in one's breathing as they sleep. What's scary, however, is that many people are living with the condition and not receiving treatment for it. This is problematic, as if sleep apnea is left untreated, the brain and body may not receive enough oxygen. Other effects associated with sleep apnea include high blood pressure, a greater likelihood of suffering a stroke, heart failure, diabetes, depression and poor performance in everyday activities.

There are two types of sleep apnea - obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. The former is the more common type of sleep apnea, characterized by a blockage of the airway, where the latter is characterized by issues in the respiratory control center where the brain fails to alert the muscles to breathe.

As either type of sleep apnea can come with severe health issues, it's important to seek treatment immediately for the disorder. Here's a look at the various types of treatment options for sleep apnea:

Sleep Apnea Treatments

Lifestyle changes: If the case of sleep apnea is minor, all that may be needed to correct the issue are a few lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking.

CPAP: CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a treatment best intended for those with moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. Specifically, CPAP consists of a mask that you wear over your nose as you sleep, which delivers air pressure via a connected machine. The air pressure delivered through the nose is great enough to keep the upper airway passages open. CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, but not always the most well-liked. That's because many people find it uncomfortable and have a hard time adjusting to wearing the apparatus.

Adjustable airway pressure devices: An alternative to CPAP, there are other adjustable airway pressure devices available for use, which work by automatically adjusting pressure as you sleep.

EPAP: EPAP, or expiratory positive airway pressure, are small, one-use devices placed over each nostril that allow air to move in and increase air pressure. EPAP is a newer type of treatment, only recently approved by the FDA, and said to be an alternative for those who can't tolerate CPAP.

Oral apparatus: One other way to correct sleep apnea is by administering a custom fitted oral device into the mouth that is to be worn at night with the purpose of bringing the jaw forward and opening the throat up. Best intended for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea (and those severe who can’t tolerate a CPAP), these devices are created by your dentist. Regular follow-ups are required every six months during the first year and then once a year after that to determine if adjustments need to be made.

For more information on sleep apnea treatments, and which one might be best for you if you experience the sleep disorder, contact Kanehl Dental today.