Snoring and sleep apnea affect millions of patients around the world, and many of them don’t realize that the condition is affecting their quality of sleep. Others know they have sleep apnea but don’t want to wear the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask and machine that’s often prescribed to treat it. Fortunately, many patients can find a much more comfortable (and therefore effective) option with a custom-designed sleep appliance. Unlike CPAP, which introduces air pressure into your airway, a sleep appliance works by keeping your airway open through targeted positioning of your lower jaw.
Understanding How Sleep Apnea Occurs
Sleep apnea, or the cessation of breathing while you sleep, occurs when tissues from your mouth and throat collapse into your airway while you breathe. The obstruction makes it impossible for you to breathe, so your body panics and wakes up enough to clear it. As your body settles back down again, the tissues relax and collapse into your airway again, creating a cycle of interruptions that prevent you from entering deep levels of sleep.
Comfortable Alternatives to CPAP Treatment
CPAP masks and machines work by gently pumping air through your airway so that your body doesn’t go into an apnea episode. By contrast, a sleep appliance works by supporting your lower jaw in a slightly forward but comfortable position. This prevents your tissues from collapsing into your airway and ensures that you have plenty of room to breathe peacefully throughout the night. The appliance is custom-designed to meet your specific needs for optimal comfort and results.
Find Out if a Sleep Appliance Can Work for You
If you snore excessively or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, then a custom-designed sleep appliance may help you sleep better without needing a conventional CPAP machine and mask. To learn more, call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
