Sleep apnea is one of the most recognizable health conditions in the country. Commercials and print media define sleep apnea as well as giving sleepers an idea that Chicago sleep apnea treatment is available to help with the problem. Because some sleepers are uncomfortable wearing something over their faces as they sleep, other devices have been introduced to help sleepers. What are they, and do they really work?
What Is Sleep Apnea?
When the body is asleep, the throat relaxes. The uvula (the little flap at the back of the throat) and the soft palette collapse onto the back of the throat. This blocks air from getting through.
The body stops breathing for a couple of minutes. This happens up to 100 times per night. When the brain realizes it’s not getting any oxygen, it shocks the body awake. Now imagine that happening 100 times per night. People wouldn’t get any sleep. They’d be tired all the next day.
Devices
CPAP
means continuous positive airway pressure. The mask goes over the sleeper’s mouth and/or nose. It gently blows air into the sleeper’s body, preventing airway collapse. Today’s machines are quieter and smaller, and they work well according to sleep experts.
PILLOWS
are specially made to lift the sleeper’s head and chest off the bed to facilitate easy air flow. Sleepers who prefer sleeping on their backs using soft foam wedge pillows had fewer nights snoring and/or interrupted breathing according to studies.
MOUTH
devices include a tongue splint that prevents collapse. It’s a bit uncomfortable, though, and CPAP users didn’t like it. Mandibular Advancement Devices or MAD are like a mouth guard (think dental retainers) that pushes the jaw forward in sleep. Breathing flows with no collapse of throat parts. Boil’ n’ Bite devices are cheaper and work somewhat, but not as well as the Chicago sleep apnea treatment. Contact Art of Modern Dentistry at ArtOfModernDentistry.com today to learn more about it.
