A dental sleep apnea device can be a lifesaver. In most cases, it is nowhere as difficult to wear as a CPAP apparatus. The CPAP pushes against your face and blows air into your lungs when it wants to, not with your natural body rhythm. The CPAP also dries our your mouth from air being blown across your tongue, palate and cheeks.

           A dental sleep apnea device can often be successfully used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). In OSA the tongue falls back in the throat while the patient sleeps and blocks the entrance to the lungs. The effect is similar to being strangled. A sudden lack of oxygen means death so the body responds by shaking and a patient can have many of these episodes during the night.

          A dental sleep apnea device solves the tongue problem by holding the lower jaw forward so that the tongue can not fall back into the throat. Many patients also have blocked nasal passages and are mouth breathers. Oral appliances made years ago were bulky, blocked the mouth, and were difficult to wear. New appliances are designed to overcome this problem and are easier to wear.

          If the dental sleep apnea device is successful, the patient feels much better. Interestingly, the OSA patient's sleeping partner often feels better because the appliance often also eliminates the snoring associated with so many of these patient's problems. If you have a sleep apnea problem and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, our sleep apnea dentist, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.