Illinois Sleep Apnea Dentist - In Your Local Area

CPAP: Sleep Apnea Treatment To Help You Sleep Better

CPAP therapy is the number one sleep apnea treatment. CPAP machines give continuous positive air pressure throughout the night, which you simply inhale through a sleep mask. You'll sleep better, snore less, and be more rested the next day.

The CPAP machine is not large - about the size of a shoe box. CPAP masks come in different varieties, but most people choose a CPAP mask that covers just the nose and leaves the mouth uncovered.

CPAP machines are regulated by the FDA and require a doctor's prescription. (The same is true for other breathing machines, like VPAP or APAP.) A doctor's supervision is an essential part of getting the most out of CPAP sleep apnea treatment.

Some CPAP machines keep records of a patient's nightly breathing. By examining this information, your sleep doctor or dentist can learn more about your sleep patterns - without you coming into a sleep center for overnight monitoring.

When it comes to moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP is the treatment that is most often effective. There are many brands and models of CPAP machines out there; it's all a matter of finding the one that will work best for you.

+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.

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.