Prior to initiating any sleep disordered breathing treatment, it is essential to have a comprehensive clinical exam. It is imperative to your health and future treatment success to have a proper evaluation prior to treating the collapsing airway.
Treatment for OSA may include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine and/or Oral Appliance Therapy. Upon completion of a diagnostic sleep study, next steps of treatment are determined based on the severity of the case. Patients with mild to moderate apnea often benefit from treatment with a customized oral appliance, while patients with severe OSA may benefit from use of a CPAP and/or a custom orthotic device. CPAP treatment is initiated with the provider who works closely with our office to develop a course of treatment that is best suited for the patient.
CPAP Therapy requires wearing a mask on your face at night that blows air (positive pressure) through your nose to keep your airway from collapsing during sleep. This breathing machine is kept on all night and can require adding distilled water to humidify the air you breathe. CPAP machines are not custom made but prefabricated with a number of different masks to attach to the hoses.
Oral Appliance Therapy allows patients to manage their sleep-breathing disorder with a customized oral appliance. This appliance serves to physiologically prevent the collapse of your airway by stabilizing your lower jaw, tongue, and soft palate. There are over 115 different variations of these customized appliances, making a comprehensive evaluation paramount for selecting the best device and specifically customizing it to you. Oral Appliance Therapy can be very effective in treating patients who snore and those suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea. Additionally, if severe sleep apnea patients are unable to tolerate a CPAP machine, they can be fitted with an appliance that positions the lower jaw and tongue to provide optimal airflow during sleep.
