Is my Snoring a Problem?

Sure, the raspy noise of snoring is an annoying and inconvenient habit - but did you know that your snore can be more than just a roar? It is estimated that over 50% of adult males and 30% of adult females may be affected by snoring. Snoring usually occurs when your airway constricts, causing air to be inhaled at an increased speed and pressure, making the soft tissues in the back of your mouth vibrate and produce that loud, annoying sound. Heavy, loud snoring can be a sign of a more serious health problem called sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes your breathing to stop repeatedly while you sleep. These breathing pauses or "apneas" usually last 10 to 30 seconds and can happen many times throughout the night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when your upper airway gets blocked during sleep. Often, the blockage happens when the soft tissue in the back of your mouth collapses and closes during sleep. Relaxed throat muscles, a narrow airway, a large tongue or extra fatty tissue in the throat can also block your airway. Untreated sleep apnea is serious - it increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. It also contributes to learning and memory problems, poor job performance, depression and a higher risk for car crashes and accidents.

Am I at Risk? If your snoring is followed by silent pauses and daytime sleepiness you might have sleep apnea. You may feel very tired and sleepy during the day because your sleep is disrupted throughout the night. You may even fall asleep at the wrong times, for example while at work or while driving. Sleep apnea is common and affects men, women and children of all ages, with many people not even realizing they have it. Signs of Sleep Apnea

Choking or Stopping Breathing during Sleep Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Waking up Tired or Thirsty Limbs Jerk during Sleep

Lack of Concentration Heavy, Loud Snoring High Blood Pressure Morning Headaches Fatigue

Treatment Options

When you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you are often told to practice good sleep hygiene, lose weight and exercise. You are also typically directed to medical and dental treatments, including:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: CPAP Therapy generally requires you to wear a mask or nasal prongs over the nose and/or mouth, which are connected to an air pump. Although CPAP Therapy is the commonly prescribed option, many patients find it awkward, inconvenient and even claustrophobic.

Oral Appliance Therapy: Oral appliances are similar to mouthguards in appearance. They reposition your lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and/or uvula so they sit slightly forward, in comfort. This opens the constricted airway. Oral appliances can be used alone or with other OSA treatment options. They are non-invasive and most, like The SUAD™ Device, are custom-fitted. Most patients and practitioners prefer Oral Appliance Therapy for its comfort, convenience and effectiveness.

Surgery: Surgery, also known as Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, is the least prescribed treatment option. Depending on your condition, a specialist may find it necessary to surgically advance the jaw or remove excess tissues in the throat, such as tonsils and adenoids, the uvula or parts of the soft palate. Surgery is recommended when other options fail. A major drawback is its invasiveness; once surgery has been performed, its results cannot be reversed.