Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment

CPAP Alternatives

Many patients who need sleep apnea treatment are recommended the CPAP machine. While the CPAP machine is effective in treating sleep apnea, many CPAP users dislike the machine. It is bulky, inconvenient, and uncomfortable. It is also difficult to transport and maintain, causing some patients to stop using it altogether.

What is Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that affects somewhere around 22 million Americans. Dr. Buchheit and his team of professionals can help you overcome sleep apnea and snoring for a healthier, more enjoyable life.

What Causes Snoring?

Many people dismiss snoring as a minor embarrassment. Aside from disturbing your sleep and the sleep of those you love, snoring may also be a symptom of a potentially dangerous sleeping disorder called sleep apnea.
If you want to stop snoring, you may be wondering what causes it. Snoring results when the soft tissues, like the tongue, soft palate, and throat block the passage of air. This strain causes noisy vibrations—or snoring.

The soft tissues may narrow so far that the patient stops breathing several times during the night. That’s when snoring becomes sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Do you feel exhausted at work? While driving? Can’t get through the day without falling asleep?

How do you know if you have sleep problems? There are three major warning signs for sleep apnea, as well as secondary side effects. Some of the most glaring sleep apnea symptoms include:

• Daytime sleepiness.
• Morning headaches and migraines.
• Short term memory problems.
• Weight gain.
• Dry mouth and sore throat.
• High blood pressure.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Mood swings.
• Lessened job performance.
• Fatigue.
• Irritability.
• Difficulty concentrating.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, consider calling us at Koch Park Dental to find out if you have sleep apnea.

The Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea results from a blocked airway, and causes the sufferer to stop breathing for about ten seconds at a time. These pauses, called apneas, can happen anywhere from dozens to hundreds of times a night.

What is the result of a blocked airway? The body becomes depleted of oxygen and may lead to dangerous side effects. Patients with sleep apnea are at risk for:

• Heart Disease.
• Depression.
• Stroke.

Treating sleep apnea can prevent premature death. Fortunately, sleep apnea treatment is effective and easy at Koch Park Dental. If you want to stop snoring or protect yourself from sleep apnea, we can help!

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Whether you are experiencing poor sleep quality, daytime exhaustion, mood swings, or health problems, we can help you get back to restful sleep.

What About the CPAP Machine?

Because of these drawbacks, Dr. Buchheit does not prescribe the CPAP to his patients. If you’re not using your CPAP machine, your sleep apnea symptoms will remain, but we have a better way to safeguard your health.

Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance

Dr. Buchheit offers successful CPAP alternatives. The oral appliance for sleep apnea is one of our patient favorites.

An oral appliance can be used alone to stop sleep apnea. If you already have a CPAP, you can also use the oral appliance for sleep apnea in conjunction with the CPAP, or alternate with your current treatment.

How does an oral appliance for sleep apnea work? This sleep apnea treatment protrudes the lower jaw. By pulling the jaw forward, the appliance prevents it from falling back into the airway, making it easier for you to breathe throughout the night.

Other CPAP alternatives includes positional therapy, weight loss, and surgery. Let’s discuss the easiest way for you to avoid the obstacles of sleep apnea.

What Are the Major Differences between the CPAP Machine and an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

What are some of the differences between using the CPAP vs. the dental appliance for sleep apnea?

• Compliance: The sleep apnea oral appliance shows better compliance than the CPAP for the first year or two. While compliance with the dental appliance falls off after the first few years, its compliance rates still remain higher than the CPAP over time. Evidence shows that the type of sleep apnea treatment is actually not as important as the usage. While many patients are prescribed the CPAP machine for sleep apnea relief, about half of them don’t use it.
• Function: The CPAP machine is the premier treatment for sleep apnea. It ensures the sleep apnea sufferer keeps breathing by increasing air pressure in the throat. The sleep apnea appliance keeps the jaw forward and the tongue away from the throat. This optimal positioning keeps the airway open throughout the night. The oral appliance also does something that the CPAP does not: it changes the patient’s bite over time to promote better breathing even without the appliance.
• Convenience: The CPAP is noisy, large, and uncomfortable for sleep. On the other hand, the dental appliance for sleep apnea is:
  • Portable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Easy to wear.

A longer, healthier life is the ultimate goal. So Dr. Buchheit and his team are here to help you decide which treatment will give you the best results—the CPAP or the sleep apnea appliance.

At Home Sleep Study

Many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed because it can only be detected while you sleep. If you’re uncertain as to whether you really have sleep apnea, we provide our patients with an at-home sleep study to learn more about their sleep problems. You can also bring in a sleep study that you’ve done previously.

With proper diagnosis, we can determine the best way to treat you. Dr. Buchheit customizes your treatment plan based on your needs and preferences.

Get Help for Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Florissant!

If you’re looking for a sleep apnea treatment that isn’t the CPAP machine but still really works, come talk with Dr. Buchheit. He offers successful CPAP machine alternatives that will end snoring and sleep apnea symptoms for good. To reach us simply call, text, or email! Serving the greater Florissant, Hazelwood, and St. Louis areas.