Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions: Part I
November 11, 2007 1:16 am Sleep Apnea and Snoring SolutionsDoes your partner’s rumbling snore keep you awake at night? Do you hear them stop breathing or gasp for air in their sleep? What you may think is just an irritating sleep habit may in fact be a serious medical condition called Sleep Apnea.
Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated.
Treatment:
Four years ago I became involved with the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). As I observed and trained it became apparent to me that there were few treatment options and most had limited success. So I set out to find the best method of helping people with this condition. I found I could believe in two treatment approaches. The CPAP and the dental appliance.
CPAP:
The CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine is the most effective treatment. It delivers pressurized air forcing the patient’s obstructed airway to open and allow airflow to the lungs ensuring the patient maintains healthy oxygen levels throughout their sleep.
Unfortunately, many patient’s reject the CPAP because of it’s awkwardness. Many patient’s find the face mask claustrophobic or the constant sound of the motor disturbing. Spouses complain of air leaking from the mask blowing in their faces. All too often the patient’s CPAP machine goes into the nether-reaches of a closet and is long forgotten.
Dental Appliances:
While CPAP remains my first choice of treatment, there is an alternative for those who cannot tolerate the machine. Using a small dental appliance that looks similar to an orthodontic retainer, sleep apnea can be dramatically reduced.
Traditional Dental Appliances:
In past, dental appliances were only moderately effective, if at all. The primary action of the appliance was moving the lower jaw, forward forcing the airway open. This approach not only led to limited results but also potential irritation of the TM joint (a delicate jaw joint located in the ear area).
I reviewed all the appliances available and discarded them as feasible treatment options. The risks vs. benefit just wasn’t acceptable for my patients.
New Research and Dental Appliance Breakthrough:
New clinical research is showing that the key to mild and moderate OSA is the tongue. As the body relaxes the tongue falls back and blocks the airway, causing the upper airway to collapse.
Armed with this information I went searching for an appliance that would address the issue of the tongue and I found it. A new design that was so unique it earned it’s own patent and so effective it received FDA approval for OSA treatment. It is the only design I have found that successfully targets the tongue and only minimally moves the jaw. More benefits with lower risks. Today I am treating my OSA patients with fantastic success!
Complete Treatment Facility:
After watching and studying the field, I decided to dedicate my career to helping patients with OSA by creating a comprehensive treatment center. In a combined office setting we have a certified sleep study center, a CPAP distributor and customized dental appliance (CPAP Alternative) treatment program.
If you suspect you or someone you love has sleep apnea or was diagnosed with needing to use a CPAP machine but can’t, call our facility at 661-259-2000 and let our caring, knowledgeable staff help you understand this dangerous disorder and find the treatment best for you.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:15 am
Could you please inform me of the type of dental appliance you are talking about. I have severe sleep apnea, will it work for severe cases (30x/hour of hypopneas). I have tried the CPAP and cannot tolerate it. I am desperate for help.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Hello Lisa,
The device that I recommend to people that are CPAP intolerant is an oral device called the Full Breath. It has an 80% success rate, is FDA approved and most medical insurance covers at least part of it. You are welcome to call us if you are in the LA area to schedule an appointment for a free consultation at 888-31-SNORE
March 26th, 2008 at 5:40 am
I am a 45 years old & have been married for many years.For the last three months or so, i have begun to snore at night.Sometimes, it is so loud that i wake up suddently.My wife is very upset because she is not able to sleep most nights because of my snooring, she has threated to throw me out of the bedroom. What steps can i take to ensure that i stop snoring? My friends tell me that snooring indicates that i have other health problems.
Please help.
March 27th, 2008 at 3:21 am
Hello Embarrassed Husband,
First let me say that there is nothing to be embarrassed about! This is a common problem and treatable.
The first thing you need to do is make an appointment with a snoring and sleep apnea specialist.
You need to find out if your snoring is actually a symptom of sleep apnea, which does have very serious health risks like heart attacks and strokes.
If you are in the Los Angeles area, give me a call at 888-31-SNORE and I will be glad to see you at no charge and let you know what your options are.
The most important thing is to see someone. Don’t wait until your marriage is at risk and you’re kicked out of the bedroom. This is a completely treatable condition, and it’s non invasive.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I use a BIPAP and would like to know more about your program/appliance.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Hey Don,
Thank you for the interest in what we have to offer in regards to an alternative treatment to a BIPAP or a CPAP machine.
We have a patented oral device that is unlike the old style appliances. The old technology is a Mandibular Advancement Appliance and moves your jaw forward to make more room for the airway.
There are several different styles, but most of the old type fit on both the upper and lower teeth.
Our appliance is unique in that it fits on the upper teeth and has a “tab” that depresses the tongue down, addressing the obstruction..the tongue…
You are welcome to call me directly at 888-31-SNORE and I or someone on my staff will be happy to share more with you or send you some literature.
Thanks again for the comment.
Dr. Greenburg
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 am
Dear Dr. Greenburg.
I am writing from London but I am originaly from Spain. My father suffers from sleep apnea ( severe) and for the sintoms that I have I realte to him a lot. Waiking up tired, sleepy days, lack of concentration. I am a slim person, do not smoke and eat mainly organic food. Although I do not exercise (gim) I walk for hours everyday. Despite my efforts I am really tired most of the day.Is there any doctor or clinic that you recommend in the UK or Spain. I am preparing everything for a career change and I do not want to risk my success for my lack of concentration. father I can see the difficulties of using the oxigen machine. I will travel with my job therefore it will be no possible to take the machine with me. It is a relief to write your blog talking about this new device and I would like to know:
Whether I can purchase the oral device, the full breath, in the Uk?. Can I do it directly from you? If so what are the requirements.
Could please reply directly to my e.mail address. ninadew@hotmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you. Thanking you in advance.
Sincerely
Rocio L. Solano