Portland's Premier Dental Sleep Apnea Clinicians
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition affecting untold millions worldwide. It's more than just snoring; it's a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. OSA can happen throughout the night, often briefly awakening the sleeper. It's caused by a narrowed airway, which can occur for reasons such as age, obesity, congestion, or smoking. When the airway is partially or completely obstructed, the sleeper may snore and experience gasping or choking episodes. These interruptions result in fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, which can have long-term negative health consequences such as increased risk of heart attack, stroke, mood disorders, and memory issues, among many others.
Indicated by loud snoring and choking sensations, Obstructive Sleep Apnea interruptions result in fragmented sleep and reduced blood oxygen levels.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Identifying Sleep Apnea & Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea or its milder form called UARS (Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome) must be done by a Medical Provider. In-lab sleep testing called Polysomnogram (PSG) is considered the most accurate way to diagnose OSA and is prescribed in certain circumstances. Home Sleep Testing (HST) is now however the most commonly prescribed, conveniently done in the comfort of your own home. These tests monitor crucial sleep parameters to provide the proper diagnosis prior to treatment being recommended by the Sleep Provider.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Both OSA and UARS can manifest in various ways, and while people may experience many symptoms, others may experience only a few. Here are some of the common symptoms you may have:
- loud and chronic snoring (SNORING MAY BE MILDER IN SOME CASES)
- waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- experiencing morning headaches
- observed episodes of breathing interruptions
- difficulty maintaining sleep
- daytime drowsiness and poor daily functioning
Effective Treatments for Sleep Apnea
CPAP and Its Alternatives
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the most effective treatment for OSA. It involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that provides a steady stream of pressurized air to keep the airway open. However, some find CPAP machines cumbersome or uncomfortable.
For those who struggle with CPAP, alternatives like oral appliances or lifestyle changes can be explored.
Combination Therapy
CPAP and Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), can occasionally fall short of expectations. Although CPAP is the most effective way to treat OSA, long-term compliance can be an issue, as many patients stop using their CPAPs or use them infrequently. On the other hand, while the Oral Appliance (OA) is often tolerated better by patients, it may not always reduce their apnea as effectively.
Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between one or the other! We have helped many patients succeed by combining their CPAP with an Oral Appliance. This allows for a lower pressure, which can improve mask fit and reduce air leakage, for more effective treatment and better sleep. Some patients may be able to use the unique TAP-PAP device for a “no mask” CPAP.
Many people use their Oral Appliance as "Adjunctive Therapy," by using an Oral Appliance while traveling, camping/hunting, or if power is lost while at home. This allows for continuous protection of the airway at times when CPAP is impossible to use.
Many people use their Oral Appliance as "Adjunctive Therapy," by using an Oral Appliance while traveling, camping/hunting, or if power is lost while at home. This allows for continuous protection of the airway at times when CPAP is impossible to use.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea FAQs
Q: What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
A: OSA is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often due to an obstructed airway. It's characterized by loud snoring and choking sensations, leading to fragmented sleep and lower blood oxygen levels. Untreated OSA can increase risk many health problems including: Heart Attack, Stroke, Mood Disorders, Diabetes, and can shorten your life!
Q: How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
A: Sleep Apnea diagnosis involves identifying breathing interruptions during sleep. Advances like Home Sleep Tests (HST) enable convenient at-home diagnosis, measuring vital sleep parameters to detect Apnea episodes.
Q: What are the Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
A: Typical symptoms include loud and chronic snoring, waking with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, observed pauses in breathing during sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, and daytime drowsiness affecting daily activities.
Q: What is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)?
A: UARS is a milder variant of Sleep Apnea where the airway narrows but doesn’t fully close during sleep, causing significant sleep disturbance without the more severe apnea episodes typical of OSA. UARS often affects more slender, fit people, most commonly but not always females. UARS cases often respond positively to Oral Appliance Therapy.
Q: Is CPAP the Only Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
A: While CPAP is the most effective standard treatment, especially for moderate to severe OSA, alternatives like oral appliances and lifestyle changes are available, particularly for those who find CPAP uncomfortable.
Q: What are the Alternatives to CPAP Therapy?
A: Alternatives to CPAP include oral appliance therapy, which involves wearing a custom-fitted device to keep the airway open, and lifestyle modifications like weight loss, reducing alcohol intake, and changing sleep positions.
Q: Are Oral Appliances Effective for Treating Sleep Apnea?
A: Yes, oral appliances are effective, especially for mild to moderate OSA. They maintain an open airway by holding the lower jaw forward during sleep, reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
Q: How Do Lifestyle Changes Impact Sleep Apnea?
A: Lifestyle changes can significantly impact Sleep Apnea. Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on one's side can reduce the severity of Apnea episodes and improve sleep quality.
Q: Can Sleep Apnea Symptoms Be Managed Without Medical Intervention?
A: While lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms, most cases of OSA require medical intervention for effective management. Untreated Sleep Apnea can lead to serious health complications.
Q: What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have Sleep Apnea?
A: If you suspect you have Sleep Apnea, it's important to consult a Sleep Apnea practitioner for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.
