Local Care - Apnea Treatments

Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea appliances are another way your sleep apnea dentist can help you sleep soundly. Worn while you sleep, oral appliances like CPAP masks can hold your mouth and jaw in such a way that makes breathing easier and will stop snoring. A sleep apnea oral appliance fits into your mouth like a mouth guard, night guard or orthodontic retainer.

Oral appliance therapy is a popular alternative to CPAP treatment. There are many options, and your dentist can help you choose which sleep apnea appliance will be best for your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

One sleep apnea remedy is the mandibular advancement system (MAS), also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This oral splint is a dental appliance that moves the lower jaw slightly forward, which can effectively treat sleep apnea and also provide snoring prevention.

There are many other types of sleep apnea equipment. Generally, oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea are made of soft plastic or hard acrylic. Some incorporate wires or rubber bands to provide the right sort of pressure. Almost all of them require a prescription and a professional fitting by your dental sleep medicine dentist or sleep apnea physician. If a dental appliance doesn't fit properly, it can lead to orthodontic problems and trouble breathing.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

A Sleep Mask Can Fix Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep masks come in different varieties, but the most common sleep mask for sleep apnea sufferers is one that fits over the nose; this is usually most comfortable. However, there are some breathing masks that cover both the nose and mouth. There is also a type of CPAP mask that inserts small prongs into the nostrils.

Sleep masks are connected to CPAP machines or related breathing machines. A CPAP machine provides continuous air pressure that lets a person with sleep apnea breathe normally and sleep well all night long. This sleep apnea treatment can also alleviate snoring and other sleep disorder symptoms.

Sleeping with a mask on can take some getting used to, but it's a worthwhile investment for people with moderate or serious sleep apnea. Since it's important to use your sleep mask every night, you'll want to be sure that yours fits comfortably.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.