Sleep Apnea

The Hidden Link Between Sleep Apnea and Dementia: What Women Need to Know

Sleep apnea is often thought of as a simple sleep disorder, but research continues to reveal its far-reaching effects on health. A recent study highlights a significant connection between sleep apnea and an increased risk of dementia in women, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Understanding the Sleep Apnea and Dementia Connection & Research

A study published in Sleep Advances found that women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face a higher risk of developing dementia compared to men. According to Dr. Tiffany Joy Braley, lead author and associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan, OSA is “a common, under-diagnosed yet treatable condition that is associated with important pathological changes in the brain…[that] overlap with many brain changes seen in people with cognitive decline and dementia.”

The 10-year longitudinal study also noted sex-specific differences in dementia risk, with coauthor Galit Levi Dunietz, PhD, MPH, highlighting that “women may be at higher risk for dementia” due to factors such as longer life expectancy, health behaviors, and social determinants of health.

This research provides further evidence of the critical role sleep plays in brain health and how untreated sleep apnea may accelerate cognitive decline.

Why Sleep Matters for Brain Health

Sleep plays a vital role in cognitive function and overall health. During deep sleep, the brain undergoes critical processes, such as clearing out waste products and consolidating memories. When sleep is disrupted by apnea, these restorative activities are impaired, potentially accelerating cognitive decline.

Noninvasive Solutions for Sleep Apnea

If you or a loved one suspects sleep apnea, seeking treatment is essential—not just for better sleep, but also for long-term brain health. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are a well-known option, many patients struggle with their use due to discomfort or inconvenience.

Fortunately, oral appliance therapy offers a practical and effective alternative. These custom-fitted devices gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing apnea episodes without the bulk of a machine. Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to maintain, making them a great solution for long-term compliance.

The Importance of Early Intervention

If you snore, wake up feeling tired, or suspect you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention can not only improve your sleep quality but also protect your cognitive health as you age. Women, in particular, should be vigilant about monitoring their sleep patterns and addressing any concerns promptly.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep and Brain Health

At Sleep Better Columbus, we specialize in providing noninvasive oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Our team is committed to helping you achieve restful, restorative sleep and protecting your long-term health.

If you’re ready to reduce your risk of dementia and improve your quality of life, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call us at 614-777-7350 or visit SleepBetterColumbus.com to learn more about our services. Together, we’ll help you reclaim your nights and safeguard your future.

Inspire Issues Recall for Critical Neurostimulator Component Used in OSA Therapy

Sleep Apnea

Inspire Medical Systems Issues Recall

Inspire Medical Systems has initiated a recall affecting 32 of its Inspire IV implantable pulse generators used for obstructive sleep apnea treatment due to a manufacturing defect. This defect may lead to system malfunctions, including electrical leakage, potentially resulting in serious health issues and the need for revision surgery. The FDA has classified this recall as the most serious type.

Inspire Medical Systems is addressing a manufacturing defect in 32 Inspire IV implantable pulse generators through a field corrective action. This defect can cause electrical malfunctions, posing serious health risks. Affected patients should contact their healthcare providers for routine check-ups and potential revision surgery, while providers need to notify patients and closely monitor the devices. The FDA has identified this recall as the most severe type.

Inspire Medical Systems is recalling its Inspire IV implantable pulse generator model 3028, an essential component of the Inspire upper airway stimulation system for obstructive sleep apnea, due to a manufacturing flaw. This recall involves corrective measures such as informing patients and healthcare providers and conducting additional monitoring. An Inspire Medical spokesperson emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure patient safety without requiring device removal or revision unless absolutely necessary, thereby managing risks while minimizing unnecessary procedures.

The defect can cause system malfunctions post-implantation, leading to electrical leakage in the sensing circuit. Consequently, patients may require revision surgery to replace the pulse generator and restore therapy. The FDA’s recall notice warns that the defect may lead to severe health consequences, including below-normal therapeutic stimulation levels, early battery depletion, inconsistent or inappropriate stimulation effects, painful stimulation, perceived shocking sensations, and even death.

“Patient safety has always been, and continues to be, of paramount importance to Inspire. To that end, we have issued a voluntary field corrective action for all 24 potentially impacted units,” stated Phil Ebeling, chief operating officer at Inspire Medical. According to Ebeling, 24 patients have been notified as part of this action, with eight managed medically, totaling 32 impacted patients. There have been no reported injuries or deaths, according to the FDA’s notice.

Ebeling noted that Inspire Medical has notified regulatory authorities, including the FDA, and sent a letter to affected healthcare providers with specific instructions, including notifying patients of the recall and requesting them to visit the clinic for device testing. “We have also advised healthcare providers to continue monitoring their patients to ensure the devices operate properly and consistently throughout the therapy course,” said Ebeling.

The implantable pulse generator stores therapy settings configured by a physician and delivers mild electrical stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue muscles to maintain airway patency during sleep. It works with external programmers that allow the physician to set and adjust therapy parameters and the patient to control therapy activation and intensity.

The recall advises regular check-ups and tests to analyze signals and resistance at each visit. According to the Inspire spokesperson, these simple tests can identify device issues without requiring surgery. The FDA has classified this recall as a Class 1 recall, indicating that the device may cause serious injury or death.

Affected Product

Product Name: Inspire IV Implantable Pulse Generator
Unique Device Identifier/Model: 0855728005915/Model 3028
Lot/Serial Numbers: Includes 32 devices of model 3028 implantable pulse generator. See the full list of affected devices.

Actions to Take

Healthcare Providers:

Notify affected patients of this voluntary recall.
Schedule appointments for patients to check if their Inspire therapy is working properly by analyzing signals and resistance. Monitor for any changes in stimulation, therapy effectiveness, or issues with therapy activation.
Continue regular check-ups and tests to analyze signals and resistance at each visit, as these tests can spot device issues without needing surgery.

Patients:

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure you have a routine office visit scheduled.
If you have already been contacted by your healthcare provider, follow up as scheduled.
Attend your scheduled office visit. Routine non-invasive diagnostic monitoring identifies this potential implantable pulse generator defect.

If you experience new symptoms or a reoccurrence of symptoms like fatigue, perceived sleepiness, or snoring problems, contact your sleep physician for a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a polysomnography.

If your provider determines that revision surgery is necessary to replace the implantable pulse generator, you may contact Inspire’s Patient and Physician Services at 1-844-OSA-HELP (1-844-672-4357) for further information.

“Please rest assured that we will continue to cooperate fully and follow up, as appropriate, with regulatory authorities, including the FDA, healthcare providers, and all potentially impacted patients,” stated Ebeling. Healthcare professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Sources:

https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatments/therapy-devices/neurostimulators/inspire-recalls-key-component-neurostimulator-therapy-osa/

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRes/res.cfm?ID=207939

Sleep Apnea Life Expectancy

Sleep Apnea

Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Decrease Your Life Expectancy

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder caused by an airway blockage when lying down that leaves people gasping for air or choking in an attempt to open their airways again. These periods of breathing stoppages can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. During each one, your brain is deprived of adequate oxygen, which leads to your body releasing stress hormones that pose a risk to your overall health.

Over time, the increased stress and panic your body experiences from frequent breathing disruptions can severely affect your health. Research has indicated that untreated sleep apnea can shorten a person’s life expectancy by several years, and according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of death by 17% through the short-term and long-term health issues associated with untreated sleep apnea.

Short-Term and Long-Term Health Issues from Untreated Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea creates multiple short-term and long-term health issues that can degrade a person’s quality of life. Short-term effects experienced by people with untreated OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, interrupted sleep, reduced deep sleep, poor sleep quality, fatigue, and lack of concentration. When sleep apnea is left untreated, the short-term symptoms a person experiences can lead to chronic long-term issues, with some of these being experienced at much younger ages than is typical.

High blood pressure
Heart problems like irregular heart rhythm and heart failure
Cardiovascular diseases
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity
Cognitive issues like poor concentration and memory loss
Early-onset dementia

Each of these health conditions can decrease an individual’s life expectancy and have the potential to become chronic and debilitating, so it’s essential to be compliant and consistent with sleep apnea treatment. Addressing cognitive decline risks in women through effective sleep apnea treatment can also help you avoid a decreased life expectancy caused by untreated sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Improve Health, Increase Life Expectancy, and Reduce Risks

When sleep apnea is left untreated, it decreases your life expectancy; however, treating your sleep apnea will increase your life expectancy and also reduce the risk of premature death, stroke, and other health conditions.

It’s extremely important to be compliant and consistent with your sleep apnea treatment plan to effectively manage the condition and improve your health.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Your treatment plan may include nonsurgical treatment options that might be a part of your treatment plan, including the use of oral appliances, nasal resistors, oropharyngeal exercises, positional therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

1. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are a known sleep apnea treatment option. Still, the effectiveness of a CPAP depends on using the machine consistently and correctly. Unfortunately, many people who try CPAP therapy may find compliance with their treatment challenging when they discover they struggle with using the machine, don’t like it, have a hard time adjusting to it, or cannot tolerate the mask or the noise.

2. Oral Appliances from a Sleep Apnea Dentist

Oral appliance therapy is a nonsurgical treatment, and a CPAP alternative is an effective sleep apnea treatment. An oral appliance or dental device for sleep apnea treatment is a specially fitted device custom-made by a dentist trained in sleep medicine. An oral appliance’s primary purpose is to keep the airway open during sleep so the normal airflow during breathing isn’t blocked. These dental devices look like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer but fit more comfortably. The most common oral appliances are mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs).

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are sophisticated devices designed to effectively combat obstructive sleep apnea. MADs called mandibular advancement splints, keep your airway unobstructed by gently moving your jaw forward.
Tongue-retaining devices, also known as tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs), prevent the tongue from sliding to the back of the mouth and blocking the airway.

FDA-registered oral appliances can treat patients diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea. A qualified dentist trained in dental sleep medicine will choose the right oral appliance for you based on factors such as the degree of snoring and mouth size. Oral appliances are an effective treatment option that can reduce your risk of sleep apnea-related strokes, and many people find oral appliances to be comfortable and relatively non-intrusive.

3. Lifestyle Changes to Treat Sleep Apnea

Lifestyle changes can help prevent and treat sleep apnea and are often used with other treatment options. Lifestyle changes can include:

avoiding alcohol and sedative medications before bedtime
frequent and increased physical exercise
changing your diet and physical activity routine
weight loss when indicated

Sleep Apnea Specialists Can Help You Manage Sleep Apnea Effectively to Decrease Health Risks and Increase Life Expectancy

The sleep apnea specialists at Sleep Better Columbus are committed to providing compassionate care for every patient and helping each patient find the best and most effective sleep apnea treatment for them. Consistency and compliance with sleep apnea treatment are crucial to effectively managing symptoms, decreasing health risks, and improving health.

We understand many patients may prefer alternatives to CPAP machines, and our sleep apnea therapy solution is simple and comfortable. It uses specially designed mouthpieces that will quickly help those with sleep-disordered breathing sleep better.

Call Sleep Better Columbus today at 614-777-7350 to learn more about how you can extend your sleep apnea life expectancy with non-invasive treatments.

What Is a Sleep Apnea Dentist?

Sleep Apnea

A sleep apnea dentist is a regular dentist who is also an expert in Dental Sleep Medicine. These dentists have spent much time studying all elements of sleep apnea dentistry. Sleep apnea dentists focus on using oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. To identify the best sleep apnea treatment for each patient, sleep apnea dentists work together with sleep physicians.

Are There Oral Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea That a Sleep Apnea Dentist Can See

There are many things a sleep apnea dentist might observe in your mouth that can indicate you might suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Some of the oral signs of OSA a dentist skilled in sleep apnea dentistry might see include:

There are visible signs of bruxism or nighttime tooth grinding, such as heavily worn and chipped teeth, dental fillings, and crowns. The correlation between bruxism and sleep apnea is relatively high.
Large tongue with a high vertical position. If your tongue is more significant than average and at a high position in your mouth, it blocks a portion of your throat and airway. When you lie down at night, you will likely experience a full airway blockage—blocked airways cause brief awakenings and interrupted sleep.
Acid wear and signs of reflux. Growing evidence is showing a link between OSA and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). When your airway collapses multiple times during sleep, the air pressure of your esophagus changes, which may allow stomach acid to move up and erode the enamel of your teeth. Grinding your teeth in these acidic conditions can rapidly destroy tooth enamel and dentin.

Oral Appliance Therapy from a Sleep Apnea Dentist Is an Effective Treatment Option for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is one of the most commonly used treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. It involves a patient with OSA wearing a removable oral appliance, often called a sleep apnea mouthpiece, while sleeping. These dental devices look like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer but fit more comfortably. These custom-fitted oral appliances provide effective treatment for sleep apnea.

Oral appliances keep your airway open, improving breathing ability and increasing oxygen levels during sleep. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) from a sleep apnea dentist can reduce and eliminate the side effects of sleep apnea. OAT is also more convenient than a loud and bulky CPAP machine.

Oral appliance therapy at our sleep apnea dentist office can reduce and eliminate the side effects of sleep apnea and help alleviate any discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. These are the two most common types of oral appliances used in sleep apnea treatment. They both work to keep tissues and jaw position from obstructing oxygen intake.

What kinds of oral appliances does a sleep apnea dentist use to treat OSA?

There are multiple different types of oral appliances a sleep apnea dentist can use to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Still, the two most common dental appliance types are mandibular advancement devices and tongue-retaining mouthpieces, which can help to treat OSA by opening your airway while you sleep.

Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) look like mouthguards used by sports players. These mouthguards fit over your upper and lower teeth and have a hinge that connects the two trays in the center. Mandibular advancement devices hold your lower jaw and tongue slightly forward. This helps keep the soft tissues at the back of your mouth and throat from blocking your airway, which allows better airflow and increased oxygen levels in your blood and brain. Dentists trained in sleep apnea dentistry can adjust the fit and position of a MAD to improve its comfort and effectiveness.

MADs look like athletic mouthguards that fit over the upper and lower sets of teeth. A hinge connects the two trays in the center. This device holds the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward at night. It helps keep the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat from blocking the airway when they relax during sleep. Specially trained dentists can adjust the position and fit of MADs to increase comfort and effectiveness.

Tongue-retaining Mouthpieces

Tongue-retaining mouthpieces may be helpful for obstructive sleep apnea sufferers with minimal jaw flexibility. Tongue-retaining mouthpieces are oral appliances that keep your tongue from falling back into your airway while asleep. These dental devices fit around your tongue and hold it in place with a light suction force. Tongue-retaining mouthpieces look similar to a pacifier but have a hole in the middle and are designed to hold your tongue in place.

Advantages of Using Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances from a Sleep Apnea Dentist

Using dental appliances from a dentist trained in sleep apnea dentistry can eliminate or reduce snoring. Oral appliance therapy can also improve sleep apnea symptoms like concentration issues, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and moodiness. Custom-made oral appliances are a popular and effective treatment option for sleep apnea since they provide significant advantages over breathing devices like CPAP machines.

Custom-made oral appliances from a sleep apnea dentist are:

Comfortable
Not loud and noisy like breathing devices
Compact and portable
Small and discreet
Easier to take and use when traveling
Don’t require electricity.

To learn more about using oral appliances from a sleep apnea dentist to treat your obstructive sleep apnea, call Sleep Better Columbus at 614-777-7350.

Treatment Options to Avoid Sleep Apnea Surgery Risks

Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Treatments

Sleep Apnea Surgeries Have Multiple Potential Side Effects and Complications

All surgical procedures carry potential risks and possible complications, and this is no different for each type of sleep apnea surgery. The more invasive a sleep apnea surgery is, the higher the risk level for the sleep apnea patient. Thankfully, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment is possible.

Some of the side effects and complications from sleep apnea surgery depend upon the surgical procedure’s location. Sleep apnea surgeries that affect the soft tissues of your nose, mouth, throat, neck, or airway carry an increased risk for complications localized to those specific areas. At the same time, nerve stimulators, such as the Inspire system, have unique risks associated with the nerve-stimulating device’s location and potential malfunctions.

Surgical procedures require anesthesia, which is a concern for sleep apnea patients. Anesthesia, specifically general anesthesia, can be quite dangerous for patients who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Using anesthesia is riskier when you have sleep apnea because the condition slows down breathing and can make you more susceptible to the effects of anesthesia. Additionally, sleep apnea can make it harder for patients to become conscious again and take a breath after surgery.

Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea Surgeries

There are several risks associated with surgery in general. Some of the risks associated with sleep apnea surgeries include, but are not limited to, the following:

excessive bleeding
blood clots
infection
new breathing problems
urinary retention
deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
difficulties with swallowing
nerve injuries
an allergic reaction to the anesthesia
loss of sensation or feeling in the affected area
muscle weakness in the adjacent muscles
pulmonary embolism
injuries to your teeth, tongue, or soft palate

Additional Risks Associated with Surgically Implanted Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices

Surgically implanted sleep apnea treatment devices, like the Inspire system, carry additional risks. Risks related to the surgery itself include swelling, nausea, pain, headaches, infection, and temporary tongue weakness. In some cases, these issues take months to resolve and require medication.

Risks explicitly associated with a nerve-stimulating device that has been surgically implanted include:

mouth dryness
tongue abrasions
discomfort from stimulation
discomfort from the presence of the device
a potentially lengthy period of making adjustments to stimulator settings to alleviate or eliminate side effects from the device
another surgery is required if the device doesn’t work for you and needs to be removed.

Alternative and Complementary Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea Are Safer than Surgical Options

Several non-surgical sleep apnea treatment options can be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. These alternative treatment options can be used alone or in combination and don’t have the potential downsides or risks that sleep apnea surgeries have. The sleep specialists at Sleep Better Columbus will work with you to find alternative sleep apnea treatments that work for you.

Alternative treatments can include lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and sedative medications before bedtime, quitting smoking, frequent and increased physical exercise, and weight loss when indicated.

Other nonsurgical and safer sleep apnea treatment alternatives include:

custom oral appliances (or dental devices)
different types of PAP (positive airway pressure) machines
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines
- APAP (automatic positive airway pressure) machines
- BPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machines
- ASV (adaptive servo-ventilation) machines
oropharyngeal exercises
positional therapy
nasal resistors

Dental Devices Offer Sleep Apnea Patients a Safe and Effective Treatment Alternative to Sleep Apnea Surgeries

Oral appliance therapy is a nonsurgical treatment option that is an effective sleep apnea treatment for many people who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Using a dental device or sleep apnea mouthpiece to treat sleep apnea is a safer treatment option and doesn’t carry the numerous risks associated with sleep apnea surgeries.

An oral appliance or dental device for sleep apnea treatment is a specially fitted device custom-made by a dentist trained in sleep medicine. An oral appliance’s primary purpose is to keep the airway open during sleep so the normal airflow during breathing isn’t blocked. These dental devices look like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer but fit more comfortably. The most common oral appliances are mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs).

Mandibular advancement devices are sophistically designed to combat obstructive sleep apnea effectively. MADs called mandibular advancement splints, keep your airway unobstructed by gently moving your jaw forward.
Tongue-retaining devices, also known as tongue-stabilizing devices or TSDs, keep your tongue from sliding to the back of your mouth and blocking your airway.

Advantages of Using Dental Appliances to Treat Sleep Apnea

Using dental appliances to treat sleep apnea can also improve other symptoms like concentration issues, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and moodiness. Custom-made oral appliances from a sleep apnea dentist are a popular and effective treatment option since they provide significant advantages and fewer risks compared to other sleep apnea treatments like breathing devices and surgeries.

Advantages of using custom-made dental devices from Sleep Better Columbus include:

Comfortable to wear
It is just as effective as other treatment options, including breathing devices and surgical options
Not as invasive as surgery
Not loud and noisy like breathing devices
Relatively nonintrusive
Compact and portable
Small and discreet
Require no recovery time
Less risky than sleep apnea surgery
Easier to take and use when traveling
Don’t require electricity
Convenient to use
Lower out-of-pocket costs

Sleep Apnea Specialists Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea without Surgery

The sleep apnea specialists at Sleep Better Columbus are committed to providing compassionate care for all patients and helping each one find the best sleep apnea treatment. We understand that many patients have concerns about sleep apnea treatment options and may prefer alternatives to CPAP machines and sleep apnea surgery.

Sleep Better Columbus’s sleep apnea therapy solution is a simple, comfortable solution that will help those with sleep-disordered breathing sleep better quickly. Specially designed mouthpieces provide an effective and comfortable sleep apnea treatment alternative without the associated risk of sleep apnea surgery.

To learn more about custom oral appliances to treat your sleep apnea without surgery, call the sleep disordered breathing experts at Sleep Better Columbus at 614-777-7350 or book an appointment online.

How to Get a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

Sleep Apnea

When you’re wrestling with night time interruptions from sleep apnea, finding the proper treatment can be life-changing.

The thought of using a cumbersome CPAP machine can be daunting, and that’s where exploring the use of a sleep apnea mouth guard comes into play.

These ingenious devices, tailored to alleviate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, provide a more comfortable and less invasive option, ensuring a peaceful slumber without bulkiness.

We’ll explore the options available and guide you through choosing one that fits your needs seamlessly.

Keep reading to learn how a simple mouth guard from Sleep Better Columbus could be the key to treating sleep apnea and reclaiming your nights.

Understanding the Need for Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards

Addressing and treating your sleep apnea is essential for ensuring a healthy, restful sleep.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can range from minor symptoms like daytime fatigue to more serious health complications such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

When sleep apnea is left untreated, you will begin experiencing more severe health complications. If you struggle to use a CPAP or believe it’s not the right treatment option, a sleep apnea mouth guard might be your solution for Effective Sleep Apnea Therapy.

Exploring the Basics of Sleep Apnea and Its Dangers

Sleep apnea lurks unnoticed in many lives, a silent disruptor of restorative sleep. This sleep disorder forces your body to endure repetitive pauses in breathing, a condition that will lead to severe health issues if left untreated.

Awareness is the first defense against the creeping dangers of sleep apnea. The risk of heart complications, stroke, and even day-to-day challenges like excessive daytime sleepiness and concentration difficulties are real concerns that necessitate prompt attention:

Health Complication	Potential Consequence of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Cardiovascular Issues	Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure, Heart Attack
Stroke	Possible Due to Oxygen Deprivation
Day-to-Day Challenges	Impaired Cognitive Function, Drowsiness

Signs That You Might Need a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

Recognizing that you might benefit from a sleep apnea mouth guard begins with listening to your body and observing changes in your typical rest patterns. Loud, chronic snoring paired with episodes where your breathing seems to stop or gasping for air during the night are clear signals that point toward obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where a mouth guard can come into play, offering a solution tailored to enhance airway stability.

Daytime signs of sleep apnea include constant morning headaches, sore throat or dry mouth upon waking, irritability, and exhaustion even after a whole night of sleep.

Types of Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea Sufferers

All sleep apnea mouth guards are not created equal, and understanding the differences between over-the-counter (OTC) options and custom-fitted solutions provided by specialists like Sleep Better Columbus can help you decide which mouth guard would be the best choice for you.

Mandibular Advancement Splints (MADs) and Tongue Stabilizing Devices (TSDs) are effective treatment options for sleep apnea, but each works differently.

Examining the Difference Between OTC and Custom-Fit Options

Over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards are readily available and often less expensive than custom-fitted solutions. Still, OTC models need a more precise fit, a custom-fitted option from a provider like Sleep Better Columbus can offer.

Custom-fitted mouth guards are more comfortable and effective in managing sleep apnea symptoms. Unlike generic OTC mouth guards, custom-fitted mouth guards are designed to conform perfectly to your dental structure after a careful assessment.

Reviewing Mandibular Advancement Devices and Tongue Stabilizing Devices

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) are sophistically designed to combat obstructive sleep apnea effectively and also referred to as a mandibular advancement splint, MADs operate by gently shifting the lower jaw forward, a subtle motion that maintains an open airway, thus curtailing the obstructive episodes that are symptomatic of the sleep apnea sleep disorder.

Tongue Stabilizing Devices (TSDs) are oral appliances that treat sleep apnea by holding the tongue in place, thereby mitigating the risk of airway blockage that can contribute to sleep interruptions.

How to Choose the Right Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard for You

Choosing the appropriate sleep apnea mouth guard is paramount to ensuring effective treatment and a comfortable night’s sleep that contributes to a better quality of life.

Evaluate factors like fit, comfort, and adjustability, and keep your specific diagnosis and unique breathing patterns in mind when selecting an oral appliance that will best fit your needs.

Evaluating Fit, Comfort, and Adjustability Features

A mouth guard’s effectiveness in treating sleep apnea is linked with its fit, which should be snug but not constrictive, ensuring it stays in place to perform its job without causing any discomfort.

Your mouth guard should feel comfortable enough to wear quickly for your sleep. Adjustable mouth guards will allow you to fine-tune the oral appliance to ensure ongoing comfort and efficacy and account for any subtle changes in your dental structure.

Considering Your Specific Diagnosis and Breathing Patterns

Diagnosing sleep apnea is a personal journey, and an intensive evaluation of your breathing patterns during sleep is vital. Not everyone will exhibit the same breathing patterns or severity. It’s critical to consider whether you’re contending with obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, or complex sleep apnea syndrome, as each type dictates a specialized approach to manage breathing disruptions effectively with an oral appliance.

The Proper Way to Use a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

Understanding how to use the mouth guard correctly is as critical as the initial decision to adopt this therapy. Knowing how to use and care for your sleep apnea mouth guard properly will help you easily add your mouth guard to your nightly routine and maintain the longevity of your oral appliance.

Step-by-Step Instructions on Wearing Your Device Correctly

After you’ve decided to use a mouth guard to treat your sleep apnea, you’ll go through a fitting process with a sleep medicine healthcare provider who will then design your custom device. When you are ready for bed, you’ll insert your mouth guard in your mouth and press it against your upper and lower dental arches to ensure it fits snugly so it will work effectively.

Tips for Maintaining Hygiene and Longevity of Your Mouth Guard

Maintaining the hygiene of your sleep apnea mouth guard is an aspect of treatment that should always be considered. It ensures not only the effectiveness of the device but also secures your oral health. A good routine is to clean your mouth guard with cool water and a soft-bristle toothbrush every morning before placing it in its unique container; avoid any harsh chemicals or boiling water that could deform your oral appliance.

Maintenance Step	Reason	Frequency
Cleaning with cool water and a soft-bristle toothbrush	To remove bacteria and prevent oral health issues	Daily
Inspection for wear and tear	To ensure the device’s integrity and proper function	Weekly
Avoiding harsh chemicals and boiling water	To prevent material deformation	Each cleaning

Sleep Better Columbus – Custom Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards

Understanding and treating sleep apnea with the appropriate mouth guard is essential for achieving restful sleep and maintaining overall health.

Paying attention to sleep apnea symptoms, such as chronic snoring and gasping for breath, is critical for prompt, timely intervention with devices like Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) or Tongue Stabilizing Devices (TSDs).

Proper use and maintenance of your sleep apnea mouth guard are critical for its effectiveness and oral health.

Mouth guards are an effective treatment option that can alleviate the impact of sleep apnea and allow you to enjoy the benefits of a peaceful night’s sleep.

To learn more about how you can get a custom sleep apnea mouthguard or to schedule your appointment, call Sleep Better Columbus at (614) 777-7350 or contact our sleep apnea experts online.

Post-Covid Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Study Finds People May Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Covid-19

After having COVID-19, many people have been experiencing symptoms like intense fatigue, shortness of breath, daytime sleepiness, memory and concentration problems, and brain fog. Recent studies have found these symptoms may be because of reduced sleep efficiency and undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea.

Some people who have had COVID continue to experience these symptoms, sometimes with chronic pain and chest pain, for weeks, months, or years after they had a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The CDC labels health consequences present four or more weeks after a COVID-19 infection as Post-COVID Conditions (PCC), which many people refer to as Long Covid.

Long Covid and Sleep Apnea

Long COVID is a condition where symptoms surface and linger for weeks, months, or even years after someone has recovered from Covid-19. More than 40% of people who have Long Covid have reported sleep issues like insomnia, chronic fatigue, daytime drowsiness, waking up multiple times during the night, and not feeling refreshed when they wake up in the morning. These symptoms and others, such as chronic pain, chest pain, and intense fatigue, can become debilitating, and severe cases of Long Covid can even affect your organs.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when an individual’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to blockage of the airways, often caused by the back of the tongue. This can happen up to 80 to 120 times per hour, with each episode potentially lasting a perilously long duration. With each cessation of breathing, there’s an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, along with a critical drop in the body’s oxygen levels.

The Relationship Between Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and COVID affect many of the same systems in your body. With many overlapping health issues linked to COVID-19 and sleep apnea, many researchers are working to understand the relationship between these two conditions fully.

Both sleep apnea and COVID-19 can cause hypoxemia, a condition when there is too little oxygen in your blood. Sleep apnea causes this by the large number of repeated reductions in breathing during sleep, and COVID hinders your breathing through its effects on a person’s lungs and respiratory tract.

COVID-19 and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) both affect the cardiovascular system negatively. When OSA isn’t treated, it increases the risk of cardiovascular problems like strokes and high blood pressure, and patients with COVID have similar disrupted cardiovascular functions.

Both OSA and COVID-19 are health conditions that can often affect the quality of your sleep. The frequent nighttime awakenings caused by OSA interfere with sleep, and studies have found similar sleep interferences in people with COVID, which could be caused by the disease’s wide range of symptoms.

Treating OSA After Covid-19

Addressing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) post-COVID can lower your risk of various health problems, including heart-related conditions. Your treatment strategy might involve lifestyle modifications like regular and increased physical exercise, weight reduction if necessary, and steering clear of alcohol and sedative drugs before sleep. Non-invasive treatment methods that could be included in your plan encompass the use of oral appliances, nasal resistors, exercises for the oropharynx, positional therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

Compliance with your sleep apnea treatment plan is essential to effectively manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its symptoms and improve your health. Many people are concerned they will struggle to be compliant if they have to use CPAP therapy, and their symptoms won’t improve. For those diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances that are registered with the FDA offer an effective treatment choice. These appliances are often found to be comfortable and minimally invasive. A dentist skilled in dental sleep medicine will be able to select the most suitable oral appliance for your needs.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Sleep Apnea After Covid?

If you think you have sleep apnea after COVID-19 or with Long Covid, you should talk with a sleep apnea specialist. A sleep apnea specialist is a doctor who helps you with sleep-related issues and diagnoses and treats sleep disorders. Sleep apnea specialists often have different backgrounds but have received extra training in sleep medicine or dental sleep medicine.

Consulting with a doctor is especially important since untreated OSA creates short-term and long-term health issues that can degrade a person’s quality of life. In some cases, untreated obstructive sleep apnea may potentially incapacitate affected individuals.

Sleep Better Columbus Can Help You with Your Post-Covid Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a severe condition, and Dr. Levy with Sleep Better Columbus can help you effectively treat your post-covid sleep apnea. Reach out to us today for a sleep apnea consultation.

Book an appointment online or call Sleep Better Columbus at (614) 777-7350.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Problems

Sleep Apnea

Research has shown a link exists between sleep apnea and cognitive problems. When obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is left untreated, and someone is deprived of healthy sleep long-term, they show poorer mental function and experience many cognitive problems.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when a person stops breathing multiple times while sleeping because their airways have become blocked or obstructed, often by the back of the tongue. Someone who has sleep apnea can stop breathing as much as 80 to 120 times per hour, and they may frequently stop breathing for a dangerously long period of time. Every time your breathing stops, your heart rate and blood pressure will increase, and you will also experience dangerously low oxygen levels.

What Happens When Sleep Apnea Is Left Untreated?

When sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to short-term and long-term health issues that, in some cases, might potentially incapacitate affected individuals. People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may begin experiencing health issues like heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes at younger ages.

Most people who have untreated sleep apnea will develop heart disease, and it has long been assumed that is why they also experience cognitive problems. However, a new study has found that obstructive sleep apnea itself is responsible for harming the brain and causing mental issues, which lends a new urgency to the recognition and treatment of sleep apnea.

Cognitive Problems Caused by Untreated OSA

When obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not treated, it causes short-term symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, reduced deep sleep, interrupted sleep, and cognitive problems. Cognitive problems commonly experienced by people who have untreated sleep apnea are:

poor short-term memory
memory loss
deficits in short-term visual recognition memory
difficulty concentrating
attention deficits
impulse control deficits
declining emotional and social recognition
early-onset dementia at younger ages

Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Decline in Men

A new study has shown that otherwise healthy middle-aged men who were recently diagnosed with sleep apnea showed more cognitive problems when compared to men without sleep apnea. Research published in Frontiers in Sleep showed that men with no underlying health conditions recently diagnosed with sleep apnea had poorer mental function in areas like judgment, recognizing other people’s feelings, and impulse control when compared to men without the condition.

Cognitive decline was experienced whether the men had mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea, even when they had no underlying health concerns; however, cognitive decline in men with severe sleep apnea was significantly worse. This new study further emphasizes how important it is to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) early, check out dementia and sleep to learn more!

How Does Sleep Apnea Cause Cognitive Decline?

Each time obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes a person to stop breathing, there are adverse effects on their body and brain. Doctors and researchers have speculated that the cognitive difficulties experienced by people with sleep apnea could be due to the following adverse effects of sleep apnea:

changes in the flow of blood to the brain
fragmented sleep
high carbon dioxide levels in the blood
intermittent low, and often dangerously low, oxygen levels
neuroinflammation

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Many treatment options are available for obstructive sleep apnea, and your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment option. Treatment plans for sleep apnea can include lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and sedative medications before bedtime, frequent and increased physical exercise, and weight loss when indicated. Other non-surgical options available for treating OSA include oropharyngeal exercises, positional therapy, oral appliances, nasal resistors, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

To effectively manage your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its associated symptoms, including OSA-related cognitive problems, compliance with your treatment plan is extremely important.

Oral Appliances Can Help You Be Compliant with Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Plan

If you have been diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea, FDA-registered oral appliances are available as a treatment option. A qualified dentist trained in dental sleep medicine will choose the right oral appliance for you based on several factors, such as mouth size and degree of snoring. These devices are both comfortable and minimally intrusive. Numerous individuals discover that oral appliances simplify adherence to sleep apnea treatment, thereby enabling effective management of cognitive issues and other symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Specialists in Columbus, Ohio

The sleep apnea specialists at Sleep Better Columbus are committed to providing compassionate care for all patients and helping each patient find the best sleep apnea treatment for them. The sleep apnea treatment offered by Sleep Better Columbus provides a straightforward and cozy approach for quick relief to those suffering from sleep-disordered breathing. Their uniquely crafted mouthpieces serve as an efficient and comfortable alternative to CPAP masks, especially for individuals who find it challenging or prefer not to use CPAP masks.

Sleep apnea is a severe condition, and Dr. Levy can help. Book an appointment online or call Sleep Better Columbus at (614) 777-7350.

What Does a Sleep Apnea Specialist Do?

Sleep Apnea

When Should I See an Obstructive Sleep Apnea Specialist?

If sleep problems have persisted for over three months and affect your daily life, you should see a sleep apnea specialist. Sleep issues like snoring often, struggling to stay awake while at work or driving, waking up in the middle of the night, or experiencing excessive daytime fatigue and sleepiness can indicate a potential sleep disorder.

Other signs of a potential sleep disorder include:

dozing off involuntarily
having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
having trouble with concentration or your memory
kicking your legs during sleep
unexplained headaches, especially in the morning
waking up short of breath, gasping, or choking

What Should I Expect When I See a Sleep Apnea Specialist?

When you see a sleep apnea specialist for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), be prepared to discuss the symptoms that led you to make an appointment, any other symptoms you might be experiencing, and any concerns about your sleep or sleep-related issues. The sleep apnea specialist will ask questions and talk with you about your medical history and any medications you are taking. They will also perform a physical exam.

What Type of Doctor Do I See for Sleep Apnea?

A sleep apnea specialist is a doctor who helps you with sleep-related issues and diagnoses and treats sleep disorders. Sleep apnea specialists often have different backgrounds but have received extra training in sleep medicine or dental sleep medicine.

Not all doctors specializing in sleep apnea provide the same treatments like CPAP or oral appliance therapy. Although CPAP therapy is effective for numerous patients, it’s not suitable for everyone. Some may discover that oral appliance therapy is a simpler, more convenient, and comfortable alternative. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also approves it. Oral appliance therapy is provided at Sleep Better Columbus.

How Does a Sleep Apnea Specialist Diagnose Sleep Apnea?

A diagnostic sleep study, polysomnography, is typically used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study will be done at an accredited sleep lab, and you will be monitored while you sleep. While you are sleeping, various body functions will be recorded. Body functions that are recorded include heart rate, muscle activity, brain electrical activity, eye movement, respiratory effort, airflow, and blood oxygen levels.

Other types of studies may be available depending on your symptoms and situation. Some patients can do an in-home sleep study that uses a device to measure blood oxygen saturation, breathing patterns, and airflow while you sleep.

Once a diagnosis of OSA has been made, you may be treated by your sleep apnea specialist only or referred to one or more specialists for treatment options and therapy that takes a multidisciplinary approach.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In cases of mild or moderate sleep apnea diagnosis, oral appliances registered with the FDA can be used for treatment. A qualified dentist trained in dental sleep medicine will choose the right oral appliance for you based on a number of factors, such as mouth size and degree of snoring.

An oral appliance is generally used at night to help the patient’s tongue, jaw, and airway rest in their natural positions. These appliances are comfortable and relatively non-intrusive. Many people find oral appliances make compliance with their sleep apnea treatment easier. Oral appliance therapy offers a straightforward and efficient solution for treating obstructive sleep apnea and is also beneficial for complex sleep apnea syndrome.

Questions to Ask Your Sleep Apnea Specialist About an Oral Appliance to Treat OSA

What is the cost of oral appliance therapy?
Does medical or dental insurance cover oral appliance therapy?
How many visits will this require?
How many sleep tests will I need to take?
What kinds of problems should I be looking for?
How long does an oral appliance last?
Are there things I should avoid doing or eating while using an oral appliance?

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Oral appliance therapy gives people who cannot tolerate CPAP machines another option to treat their sleep apnea. Compared to CPAP machines, oral appliances are more comfortable and easier to use.

Dental oral appliances offer better treatment outcomes and can significantly improve sleep quality when used consistently. Oral appliances are non-intrusive and convenient, providing several advantages over traditional sleep apnea treatment options. Some of these benefits include:

doesn’t require electricity to work
easy to take care of and keep clean
improves symptoms of OSA like focus issues and daytime sleepiness
more cost-effective than other treatments
no loud noise
portable and more accessible to take when traveling
reduces or eliminates snoring

Finding a Sleep Apnea Specialist Near Me

Sleep apnea specialists work in private practices, sleep centers, and hospitals. Your primary care provider can give you a referral, or you can search for an accredited sleep center with sleep medicine organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorder Disciplines, or Narcolepsy Network.

Once you’ve collected the names of some local sleep apnea specialists, ask family, friends, and coworkers if they have seen any sleep specialists before and can share feedback with you. You can also perform an internet search and visit the doctor’s website to learn more about them.

You can also search for your doctor on the internet to find out if they have a specialist interest in a particular aspect of sleep. Consider looking at comments from other patients as you decide who you want to see.

Columbus, Ohio OSA Specialist

In some instances, snoring is not just a bothersome or embarrassing habit, but it can also indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition linked to serious health issues. Sleep apnea is a severe condition, and Dr. Levy with Sleep Better Columbus can help.

Book an appointment online or call Sleep Better Columbus at (614) 777-7350.

Exploring Sleep Solutions: Oral Appliances vs. Inspire vs. CPAP Machines

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects many people, causing interruptions in their breathing during sleep and leading to a host of health issues. Dentists have become essential players in the treatment of sleep apnea, offering effective solutions to help patients achieve a restful night’s sleep. In this article, we will delve into the various sleep solutions provided by dentists, with a particular focus on oral appliances, while also comparing them to Inspire therapy and CPAP machines.

Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or tongue retaining devices (TRDs), are custom-made dental devices that can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. These devices work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.

Key advantages of oral appliances:

Comfort: Oral appliances are often more comfortable to wear than CPAP masks, as they do not require a mask or air pressure.
Portability: They are compact and easy to travel with, making them a convenient option for those on the go.
Non-invasive: Unlike surgical options like Inspire therapy, oral appliances do not require surgery, making them a less invasive choice.

Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Inspire therapy is an innovative surgical option for sleep apnea. It involves the implantation of a small device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to prevent airway blockage during sleep.

Key points about Inspire therapy:

Effectiveness: Inspire therapy has shown significant improvement in reducing sleep apnea events and improving sleep quality.
Surgical Procedure: It requires a surgical implantation, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Long-Term Commitment: Patients need to use the device consistently for optimal results.

CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the traditional treatment for sleep apnea. These machines deliver a constant stream of air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open.

Important considerations for CPAP machines:

Effectiveness: CPAP is highly effective in treating sleep apnea when used consistently.
Comfort: Some individuals find CPAP masks uncomfortable and may experience difficulty adjusting to them.
Maintenance: CPAP machines require regular cleaning and maintenance.

The Main Differences between Oral Appliances, Inspire and CPAP Machines

Effectiveness: All three options can be effective in treating sleep apnea. Oral appliances and Inspire therapy offer a more comfortable experience for many patients, while CPAP machines are highly effective when used consistently.
Comfort and Convenience: Oral appliances are generally considered the most comfortable and convenient option due to their ease of use and portability. Inspire therapy and CPAP machines may be less comfortable for some individuals.
Invasiveness: Oral appliances are non-invasive and do not require surgery. In contrast, Inspire therapy involves a surgical procedure, while CPAP machines are non-invasive but require wearing a mask.

In conclusion, when considering sleep solutions for sleep apnea, dentists offer a valuable option through oral appliances. These devices are comfortable, non-invasive, and highly effective for many patients. However, the choice between oral appliances, Inspire therapy, or CPAP machines should be based on individual preferences, needs, and the severity of the sleep apnea. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a sleep specialist or dentist, is crucial for making the right decision.

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