Sleep Apnea

You may have noticed you are not getting enough rest or feel groggily in the mornings even though you are sleeping through the night. Or you may be noticing your significant other is snoring or has interruptions in their breathing at night. This could be signs of Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is the obstruction of the airway passages. An estimated 18 to 20 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Recently, millions of Phillips CPAP machines have been recalled due to the interior of the machine being linked to cancerous particles. The noise canceling foam inside of CPAP machines can break down and gases and particles can potentially cause issues if inhaled. If you are currently using a Phillips CPAP machine it is directed you stop use immediately and call your physician. An alternative to a CPAP device is to get a diagnosis for a TAP appliance. 

To receive a TAP appliance, the patient must receive a diagnosis from a Sleep Apnea test and be unwilling to wear a CPAP (facial mask). The TAP appliance is a great alternative to the CPAP. It is a mouth guard that is custom-fit. The mouth guard pushes the lower jaw forward allowing for the throat to open and allow air to pass through.

Though a snoring problem may sound silly, this can truly save one’s life! Sleep apnea creates a high risk for heart complications, create low oxygen in blood, be the cause for diabetes, increases your risk of a stroke and more.