What Causes Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders?
Sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea are normally caused by a blocked airway. This might result from oversized tonsils, the tongue, a receding jaw, soft tissues in the mouth, or the throat closing down and blocking airflow. Loud snoring and literal gasps for air are usually the first signs of sleep apnea.
You might be at risk if you
- Snore loud enough to be heard through closed doors
- Are male
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a neck circumference greater than 16 inches
- Are over 50 years old
- Are often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the day
- Are being treated for high blood pressure
- Your spouse or bed partner has observed you stop or pause breathing in your sleep
How We Help
Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) is the traditional treatment for sleep apnea. This system consists of a machine that pumps air continuously into a nasal mask strapped to the patient’s head during sleep. CPAP is a highly effective way to manage sleep apnea, but it can be uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate for some patients.
For many patients, a custom oral appliance provides a comfortable, easy-to-use alternative to CPAP. It works by holding the lower jaw in an open, precise, forward position. This prevents the soft tissues in the neck and throat from collapsing and causing lapses in breathing. Your device is custom-made to fit your mouth specifically. For many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance offers a less restrictive, lightweight alternative to CPAP.
Oral appliance therapy is good for individuals
- With primary snoring.
- With mild to moderate apnea or people with severe apnea who are unable to tolerate or refuse to try CPAP
- Who cannot tolerate the high pressure of CPAP
- With healthy, disease-free teeth
- Who want to travel without having to bring a CPAP machine
There are also a few surgical options designed to reduce or remove excess tissue in the airway. If indicated, our doctor will review and discuss these options with you.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our practice uses the Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer/Rhinometer system to test the nasal and oral airways. This device uses sound waves to measure how big the airway is.
These systems are FDA cleared and are a highly effective tool to identify the severity and site of the airway collapse related to sleep-related breathing and snoring problems.
An overnight sleep test is required to diagnose an individual with sleep-related breathing disorders. To increase patient comfort, our practice uses the ARES Apnea Risk Evaluation System. This take-home system is comfortable and records detailed information about sleep-related breathing events and sleep quality to provide a diagnosis.
Book Today!
At the office of Jeff Corbet DDS, we take great pride in helping our patients restore their health and well-being. Contact us today to make an appointment.
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