Because loud, obtrusive snoring is the characteristic symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), many patients only notice the snoring and not the underlying condition that it indicates. This can make detecting sleep apnea particularly difficult; people don’t always seek help for snoring, and therefore, they never realize that they have sleep apnea. Once it is diagnosed, however, you have several different options for treating sleep apnea, depending on the severity of your condition and your own personal preferences.
CPAP Machine
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and describes a machine that gently pumps a continuous stream of air through a small mask to prevent your airway from closing. Patients with severe cases of OSA often require CPAP machine and mask to stop oral and throat tissues from collapsing into the airway while they sleep, thereby preventing sleep apnea episodes from occurring.
Custom Oral Appliance
For many patients who find the CPAP uncomfortable, a custom-made oral appliance can often provide a more suitable and equally effective solution. We offer a number of appliances, including custom solutions provided by SomnoDent® and ProSomnus®, which are made according to digital, highly precise measurements of your teeth and oral structures. The appliance supports your lower jaw in a comfortable but slightly forward position, preventing oral and throat tissues from clogging your airway and preventing you from breathing. If your sleep apnea is severe, then an appliance may be coupled with a CPAP machine to offer the most effective treatment results.
Find Out if You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, then we can help you choose the best way to treat it so you can enjoy the restful sleep that you need and deserve. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
