Snoring & CPAP Intolerance

Sleep Apnea

Do you Snore?
Snoring is a result of partial blocking of the upper airway when muscles that control the tongue and throat relax during sleep. The soft tissue at the back of the throat can sag, which narrows the airway. Incoming air then creates vibration in the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth, the soft tissue that ‘hangs’ from this area (uvula) and the throat to form the sound of snoring.

Loud snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem – Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
For patients suffering with OSA, the airway becomes completely blocked and breathing stops. The brain then detects the lack of oxygen and prompts the body to momentarily “wake up” to draw breath. This disruption to sleep can contribute to fatigue and leave the sufferer feeling tired, drowsy and inappropriately sleepy.

The prolonged effects of lack of sleep can lead to slowed responses, memory problems, difficulty in paying attention or concentrating and may also cause performance problems at work. Lack of sleep can cause drowsiness during driving and increase the risk of automobile accidents.

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
An initial diagnosis for OSA is made by physicians that specialize in sleep medicine. Dr. Galbo may recommend a screening test as part of his dental assessment, and possible referral to medical specialists for a comprehensive sleep study. Treatment options may include:

CPAP. The most commonly prescribed method of treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) delivers room air under pressure through a nasal mask worn during sleep. Many people get used to the CPAP machine quickly, but some do not. Common side effects include nasal congestion, eye irritation, sinus irritation, skin irritation and gastric distension (air in the stomach).

Oral Appliances. Oral appliance therapy can be an effective alternative for people that are intolerant of breathing machines like CPAP and prefer non-surgical treatment options. They may also be used as first-line treatment for primary snoring that is not associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Oral appliances are devices similar to sport mouthguards; they are worn during sleep to reposition the lower jaw and tongue and permit the airway to remain open, often reducing and even eliminating apneic events. Sometimes oral appliances must be assisted by CPAP to achieve desirable clinical results.

Read more about oral appliances by visiting the Johns Dental Laboratories web site: www.johnsdental.com

Are you and your spouse ready for a good nights' sleep?
Dr. Galbo works closely with physicians and sleep centers in treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Contact Us today for a personal consultation with Dr. Galbo if you are ready to explore possible alternatives to CPAP.