What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, occurring many times during the night. People suffering from sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 20 seconds at a time, then strenuously gasp for air. This may happen as often as every few minutes.

There are two major types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common, occurring when muscles of the tongue, throat, and larynx relax during sleep and temporarily block the airway. The person instinctively tries to breathe with more force, until the airway opens and a breath is taken. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is more rare, occurring when nerve impulses fail to automatically trigger breaths. Some people have a combination of types, called mixed sleep apnea.

How do you know if you have sleep apnea?

The most obvious indicator is heavy snoring, with gasps and pauses in breathing. Snoring is relatively common; sleep apnea is not. Only a small minority of snorers have sleep apnea. If you think that you might have sleep apnea, check with your doctor.

Other symptoms of sleep apnea may include: 

• excessive sleepiness during the day,
• waking up tired, sweating, or with morning headaches, and
• waking up during the night with the sensation of choking.

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

A large percentage of people snore to some degree and a portion have some degree of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most have mild OSA and may be treated with mouthpieces or other non-reversible forms of treatment and or lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms. Snore Guard and many other oral appliances are considered by the FDA to be a mandible repositioning device for reducing the symptoms of snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Note: A small percentage may have severe forms of sleep apnea where sleep studies are prescribed and treatments have included CPAP machines or non-reversible surgery, not mouthpieces. Snore Guard should not be used for severe forms of sleep apnea.

For example: If a male adult patient informs his regular dentist of a case of snoring with mild OSA, the dentist may first prescribe an oral appliance before more drastic measures are taken.   A Snore Guard or other device may be fitted to determine if the patient can tolerate an oral appliance. The patient can keep the dentist informed as to the performance during subsequent visits. Should the condition not improve the doctor or dentist may refer the patient to have a sleep study to help determine the degree of sleep apnea and other forms of treatment.

Ask your doctor about your symptoms and choices.  

("Oral Appliances for the Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review," Schmidt-Norwara, et. al., Sleep, March 1995).