Snoring, Sleep Apnea Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes

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Snoring, Sleep Apnea Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes

Snoring is not only a major stressor in spousal relationships; it can also be a symptom of a deadly disease called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This disease has taken the lives of millions of individuals from infancy to adulthood.

According to the American Sleep Association patients with sleep apnea stop breathing for periods that typically last 10 to 20 seconds or more, and these pauses can occur 20 to 30 times or more an hour. It robs you of energy, leaving you fatigued all throughout the day. It causes mood swings or depression and shortens your life expectancy by 20% or more.

When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure and stroke. There is a very high prevalence of patients who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic disorders, and obesity with snoring and sleep apnea.

Many patients who have been diagnosed with OSA have been given a breathing device called a CPAP. Even though the CPAP is the standard of care and can be exceptionally beneficial, the truth of the matter is, some patients find they hate this life saving machine and seek an alternative to the CPAP. They hate the pressure and claustrophobic feel of the mask strapped to their head. Many times, these masks are removed due to the noise or the discomfort the patient experiences. They are difficult to travel with, and they certainly are not sexy.

For all these reasons, these patients desperately seek CPAP alternatives such as an oral jaw advancing mouth piece that lessens or eliminates the horrid snoring, choking, gasping and drowning sounds caused by the collapsing of the airway or an oversized tongue.

The mandibular advancement device, known as MAD, will bring the lower jaw forward creating more space for the tongue and helps clear the airway. In mild to moderate sleep apnea, this oral device can replace the CPAP machine altogether.

In severe cases, the mask can be made more comfortable when worn in combination with the appliance. The pressure can be reduced so the overall experience is better. And, more importantly, if the CPAP is removed during the night, the MAD is still helping to protect you, potentially adding years to your life.

In short, it is an incredible adjunct to helping you breathe easier and live a less encumbered and healthier life.