Sleep Apnea


What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

While we sleep, gravity and muscle relaxation can allow the tongue and surrounding soft tissue to fall back into the throat area, collapsing the airway and obstructing the air flow. 

This is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious and chronic (lifelong) medical condition that can affect your sleep, health and quality of life. 

OSA has been linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, work and driving related accidents, and placing strain on relationships between bed partners and family members. 1 in every 5 people have some level of OSA.

 

WHAT CAUSES OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea can occur in patients who are otherwise healthy. For this reason, any amount of snoring or unusual daytime sleepiness should be taken seriously as a possible indication. Health comorbidities often contribute to the onset of OSA and special attention should be given to those with one or more of the following conditions:

  • Obesity: a leading contributor, excess fat in the neck can compress and narrow the upper airway, while abdominal fat can reduce lung volume, increasing airway collapsibility.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Frequently coexists as insulin resistance and high insulin levels are linked to a higher risk of OSA.
  • Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels can affect the size and shape of the tongue and upper airway, increasing obstruction risk.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalances in PCOS are associated with a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.

SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT

 

A custom, comfortable device that ’s durable & easy to use.

Worn during sleep, SomnoMed devices fit over your upper and lower teeth. The device slightly moves the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open and allowing you to breathe normally.

 

WHY CHOOSE ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY

  • No Masks or Hose
  • Clinically Proven to be Effective
  • Covered by Most Medical Insurance
  • Travel Friendly
  • No Power Source Needed
  • 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty

SLEEP APPLIANCE F.A.Q.

Is it safe?

Yes, SomnoMed Oral Devices are FDA cleared.

Is it Comfortable?

Yes, 9 out of 10 patients surveyed report it as comfortable.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

New SomnoMed devices have a 3-year warranty but many remain operational long after their warranty expires.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?

Measurements, impressions or scans for your SomnoMed device are part of your initial appointment with your sleep dentist.

WHAT WILL MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE BE?

This will depend on your plan coverage, and our team is available to assist you.

 Scientific and Medical Journal References

  1. Rising prevalence of sleep apnea in U.S. threatens public health. https://aasm.org/rising-prevalence-of-sleep-apnea-in-u-s-threatens-public-health/
  2. Pinto, J., Ribeiro, D., Cavallini, A., Duarte, C., Freitas, G., (2016). Co-morbidities Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Study. Int. Arch. Otorhinolaryngol. 20: 145:150. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27096019
  3. Vijayan. V. (2013). Co-Morbidities Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Ann National Acad. Med. Sci. 49 (3&4): 113-121. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23134249
  4. Lettieri, C. (2013). The Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction. Medscape Pulmonary Medicine. Retrieved August 17, 2018 from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/808334
  5. Jean-Louis. G., Zizi, F., Clark. L., Brown, C., McFarlane, S., (2008). Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: Role of the Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Retrieved August, 17. 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2546461/
  6. Casey, I., (2010). Is it snoring or sleep apnea? Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 14, 2024 from https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/09/22/is-it-snoring-or-sleep-apnea/
  7. Himanshu Wickramasinghe, MD, MBBS Attending Physician, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Clinical Presentation. Mar. 22, 2019. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/295807-overview
  8. Himanshu Wickramasinghe, MD, MBBS Attending Physician, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. What is the association between myocardial ischemia and infarction and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? Mar. 22, 2019. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/295807-clinical#b5