Sleep Appliances
Sleep Appliances for Quieter and Better Night Sleep
Anew and safe trend in treating obstructive sleep disorders and snoring using sleep appliances.
Strong relationship exists between sleep quality and breathing. However, maintaining patent air ways during sleep is crucial for the health of the body and mind.
What is the current standard of care for managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices are the standard of care for Treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea. CPAPs and Auto PAPs (APAPs) produce positive oxygen pressure to help keep the air ways open during sleep. Because not all patients can tolerate to these machines, a need for an alternative and effective solution is needed.
What are the alternatives to CPAPs?
Removable oral appliances also known as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) reposition the lower jaw and tongue to a more forward position during sleep. Therefore, this help keep the airway open which controls snoring and minimizes obstructive sleep apnea. MAD devices work by allowing more oxygen to pass to the lungs and prevent air ways to collapse.
Are oral appliance therapy effective for managing snoring and OSA?
Oral appliances allow for a better night’s sleep and less daytime fatigue. Additionally, they may even help prevent many health conditions including heart attack, high blood pressure, fatigue, diabetes, stroke, memory loss and car accidents. Oral appliances are very effective for mild and moderate sleep apnea but not for severe OSA. They are as efficient as CPAPs as shown by many scientific studies. In fact, long term adherence to appliance therapy are more than adherence for CPAPS and APAPs according to many published studies.
For more information on sleep disorders and any related subject, call Dr. Khalifeh @ 323-933-3855.
Samples of Sleep Appliances

Somnodent appliance

Tap-3 oral appliance

Herbst oral appliance