BIG BEAR SLEEP AND SNORE CENTER 909-550-1011
Does Your Spouse Snore Like a Grizzly?
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that is defined as losing valuable oxygen levels during sleep. This condition can cause serious health problems and even death. There are several symptoms that signify this sleeping disorder, including loud and chronic snoring, choking, snorting or gasping for air while sleeping, long pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry mouth and shortness of breath. It’s important to treat sleep apnea because it can develop into long-term consequences for your health.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleep apnea occurs in about 3% of normal weight individuals but affects over 20% of obese people. In general, sleep apnea affects men more than women. However, sleep apnea rates increase sharply in women after menopause. Sleep apnea is often linked to heart disease and metabolic issues like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Treatment Can Save Your Life!
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
For the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, there is a non-surgical treatment – an oral appliance. These devices are often accepted by patients when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is not tolerated. A sleep study is required for each patient to move forward with a treatment plan.
An oral appliance is similar to an orthodontic retainer, your teeth do not move. It works by changing the way the lower jaw meets the upper jaw during sleep. When the appliance is worn, the lower jaw is moved forward. This creates more space at the back of the tongue and throat which keeps the airway open.
Oral appliances are small, easy to wear and weigh only a couple of ounces. After a few weeks most patients are completely comfortable with wearing it. We also make a
“morning positioner” to remind your jaw where to bite
after an entire night of being forward.
Oral appliances are most successful in treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. And they help to reduce snoring!
The most common type of oral appliance, a mandibular advancement device (MAD), is often adjustable so that the dentist can move the jaw further or reduce the advancement as necessary. The goal is to find the most comfortable and effective position for the patient.
How Does a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) Appliance Work?
These devices work by repositioning the jaw and tongue
to keep the airway open during sleep, thus reducing or eliminating the episodes of breathing pauses and snoring associated with sleep apnea.
The effectiveness of MAD appliances can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of sleep apnea, the specific design of the device, and individual patient characteristics. Research studies have shown that MAD appliances can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms and reduce the number of breathing interruptions during sleep and help to reduce snoring.
Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the device and make any necessary adjustments.
Key Differences Between a CPAP and MAD Appliance
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and
MAD (Mandibular Advancement Device)
appliance are two different treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Here are some key differences between the two:
1. Mechanism:
CPAP therapy involves using a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air pressure through a mask worn over the nose or mouth. This pressurized air helps to keep the airway open during sleep. On the other hand, a MAD is a custom-made oral appliance that repositions the lower jaw forward, thereby helping to maintain an open airway.
2. Comfort and Adaptability:
Most individuals find it challenging to adapt to wearing a CPAP mask. It can feel claustrophobic, uncomfortable or embarrassing. In contrast, MADs are generally more comfortable, easier to adapt to and less cumbersome because they are worn in the mouth and do not involve a mask or pressurized airflow.
3. Effectiveness:
CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea, as it provides consistent and effective airway pressure. It is particularly recommended for moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. MADs are typically recommended for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
While MADs can be effective, they may not be as effective as CPAP in severe cases.
4. Convenience and Portability:
CPAP machines are generally larger and require a power source, making them less portable compared to MADs. MADs, being smaller and less cumbersome, are more convenient for travel and can be easily carried around.
5. Individual Suitability:
The choice between CPAP and MAD depends on various factors, including the severity of sleep apnea, adaptability and other individual preferences.
Ultimately, the decision between CPAP and MAD should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, who can assess your condition and help you choose the most effective and comfortable treatment option for your sleep apnea.
The Epworth Scale
This is a simple screening test
that helps analyzes your sleepiness
Evaluate your score:
0-7: It is unlikely that you are abnormally sleepy.
8-9: You have an average amount of daytime sleepiness.
10-15: You may be excessively sleepy depending on the situation.
Meet Dr. Bruce Beard
Dr. Beard has a dental practice in Woodland Hills, California and has become a part-time resident here in Big Bear. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University at Northridge and his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Southern California.
He has served his community in many associations including Dental Peer Review, American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, California Dental Association, San Fernando Valley Dental Society, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
Dr. Beard believes that a healthy mouth leads to a healthy body and a healthy life. His passions include his wife, his family, playing guitar, hiking and boating.
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Virtual Consultations
Please schedule your virtual consultation with Dr. Beard to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea. A sleep study is needed for this process and he will guide you through each step of the way.
To get started, please contact us today.
909-550-1011