How Does A Sleep Appliance Work?

Categories: Sleep Apnea

Often, we talk to patients in Spring, TX, worried that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requires invasive or extensive treatment options. We’re happy to say that treating OSA often only requires an oral appliance. How does a custom-made sleep appliance stop OSA?

Frequently Asked Questions About OSA Sleep Appliances

Question: What are signs I should be aware of?

Answer: You should be aware of the common warning signs of sleep apnea, such as daytime drowsiness, snoring, dry mouth, headaches, moodiness, and waking up in the night choking or possibly gasping for air. If you’ve experienced one or more of these common warning signs, then you should talk to us about our at-home diagnosis.

Question: How do you prescribe a sleep appliance?

Answer: We will need to perform a diagnosis, which means sending you home with a sleep test. The machine measures apneic episodes and blood oxygen levels. We examine the results and then decide if you need treatment. In most cases, an oral appliance is recommended.

Question: How does the sleep device stop OSA?

Answer: The sleep device will be custom-made to fit your smile. The patient wears the device at night. As the patient rests, the device moves the jaw forward to help keep airways open and prevent the collapse of soft tissues. Without obstruction, the patient breathes freely and avoids the symptoms of OSA.

Question: What are the benefits of seeking treatment?

Answer: Often, we find that people don’t understand just how damaging lack of proper rest can be. Without good sleep, we often develop moodiness, problems with memory, daytime drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating on tasks at work or school. Over time, the risk of depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack increases as well. If you have questions about identifying and treating sleep apnea, or if you think you would benefit from a diagnosis, then contact our team today.

Do You Need A Sleep Device?

We have custom-made sleep solutions for your smile. To learn more, call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.