Sleep Apnea Devices and Their Functions
Over the last decade, quite a lot of sleep apnea devices have been developed to correct and alleviate the causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although cpap machines are the gold standard for treating OSA, many people can't tolerate sleeping while wearing a mask that is connected via a hose to a machine. Fortunately, there is a large assortment of oral and dental sleep apnea devices that have been clinically tested and proven effective in treating mild to moderate OSA. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes as well and while most have similar functions they differ somewhat based on their specific design and structure. With the wide variety of available sleep apnea devices, loud snoring or breathing difficulties don't have to be a problem anymore.
There are two primary categories of oral sleep apnea devices; mandibular advancement splints that work to hold the lower jaw forward and tongue advancers or retainers that hold the tongue forward. What are the common sleep apnea devices used by most people?
Mandibular Advancement Splints as Sleep Apnea Devices
One of the devices used by many is the SUAD device. The SUAD device is a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) that works by repositioning the lower part of the jaw, or the mandible, into a forward position to promote comfort and airway patency. It also helps in alleviating other symptoms like night grinding by effectively shielding the teeth. With this device, oral movement is never a problem, as it is flexible enough to allow for adequate motion sufficient for speech and oral intake. The SUAD device can be used for mild to moderate cases of OSA and can be used in conjunction with or in replacement of cpap machines.
The Temporary SUAD™ Appliance (TSA) is one of the devices available that provide patients with a quick, safe and effective temporary backup whenever they happen to lose or break one of their premium sleep apnea devices. If you are considering an oral appliance but you aren't sure if it will work for you, a TSA is also an easy and affordable solution to try before investing in a more permanent appliance. Like the SUAD device, the TSA can also be used as a stop snoring device.
Making use of the concepts for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) is a fine addition to the list of sleep apnea devices. Just like in CPR, this device attempts to position the lower jaw forward in order to keep the patient's airway open. In so doing, the TAP device prevents to lower jaw from dropping and the airway from constricting. The TAP can also be used to treat mild to moderate OSA and can help stop snoring.
For those with mild to moderate OSA, the Herbst Telescopic Appliance may also be helpful. This device enables the patient to more effectively move the mouth laterally and vertically without sacrificing function. Its adjustability is also one of its defining features. The Herbst Appliance has also been used for orthodontic and TMJ therapy.
The SomnoMed MAS is another mandibular advancement splint that is composed of upper and lower dental plates with a component that promotes normal mouth closing and opening during sleep. With its adjustable plating, the device can make oral activities easier for the patient.
The OASYS, or the Oral Airway System, is a device that works by effectively positioning the mandible for airway patency, with the added function of nasal dilation in order to synergize the effect.
The Hilsen Adjustable Positioning Appliance works by attaching to the teeth by friction in order to properly align the mandibles and give it a wide anterior and posterior range.
The Klearway appliances are sleep apnea devices made of acrylic that helps patients by preventing instantaneous jaw movements while also preventing loud snores and OSA. The device can also be heated to its desired softness in order to promote comfort. With this device, vertical and lateral movement of the jaw is still possible.
Tongue Retainers as Sleep Apnea Devices
Not everyone can wear or tolerate all types of oral sleep apnea devices. For example, some people with TMJ or certain dental or periodontal conditions cannot wear a mandibular advancement splint. For them, a tongue retaining device may be the answer.
Mouthpieces that function as tongue advancers can also be used as sleep apnea devices. One of which is the SNOR-X, which functions by moving the tongue forward during sleep. In effect, snoring and proper airway patency will be properly maintained.
The Aveo TSD utilizes gentle suction to pull and hold the tongue forward. This can keep the tongue from collapsing back into the throat and blocking the airway. It is made of soft, medical grade silicon.
While sleep apnea clinics, polysomnography tests and sleep apnea machines are the most recommended diagnostics and treatment for OSA, they are not accessible or practical for everyone. Today, many dental professionals can offer effective, lower cost alternatives. There are many oral sleep apnea devices available today that can help a sleep apnea sufferer, so talk with your dentist or doctor to see if one is right for you.
There are two primary categories of oral sleep apnea devices; mandibular advancement splints that work to hold the lower jaw forward and tongue advancers or retainers that hold the tongue forward. What are the common sleep apnea devices used by most people?
Mandibular Advancement Splints as Sleep Apnea Devices
One of the devices used by many is the SUAD device. The SUAD device is a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) that works by repositioning the lower part of the jaw, or the mandible, into a forward position to promote comfort and airway patency. It also helps in alleviating other symptoms like night grinding by effectively shielding the teeth. With this device, oral movement is never a problem, as it is flexible enough to allow for adequate motion sufficient for speech and oral intake. The SUAD device can be used for mild to moderate cases of OSA and can be used in conjunction with or in replacement of cpap machines.
The Temporary SUAD™ Appliance (TSA) is one of the devices available that provide patients with a quick, safe and effective temporary backup whenever they happen to lose or break one of their premium sleep apnea devices. If you are considering an oral appliance but you aren't sure if it will work for you, a TSA is also an easy and affordable solution to try before investing in a more permanent appliance. Like the SUAD device, the TSA can also be used as a stop snoring device.
Making use of the concepts for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) is a fine addition to the list of sleep apnea devices. Just like in CPR, this device attempts to position the lower jaw forward in order to keep the patient's airway open. In so doing, the TAP device prevents to lower jaw from dropping and the airway from constricting. The TAP can also be used to treat mild to moderate OSA and can help stop snoring.
For those with mild to moderate OSA, the Herbst Telescopic Appliance may also be helpful. This device enables the patient to more effectively move the mouth laterally and vertically without sacrificing function. Its adjustability is also one of its defining features. The Herbst Appliance has also been used for orthodontic and TMJ therapy.
The SomnoMed MAS is another mandibular advancement splint that is composed of upper and lower dental plates with a component that promotes normal mouth closing and opening during sleep. With its adjustable plating, the device can make oral activities easier for the patient.
The OASYS, or the Oral Airway System, is a device that works by effectively positioning the mandible for airway patency, with the added function of nasal dilation in order to synergize the effect.
The Hilsen Adjustable Positioning Appliance works by attaching to the teeth by friction in order to properly align the mandibles and give it a wide anterior and posterior range.
The Klearway appliances are sleep apnea devices made of acrylic that helps patients by preventing instantaneous jaw movements while also preventing loud snores and OSA. The device can also be heated to its desired softness in order to promote comfort. With this device, vertical and lateral movement of the jaw is still possible.
Tongue Retainers as Sleep Apnea Devices
Not everyone can wear or tolerate all types of oral sleep apnea devices. For example, some people with TMJ or certain dental or periodontal conditions cannot wear a mandibular advancement splint. For them, a tongue retaining device may be the answer.
Mouthpieces that function as tongue advancers can also be used as sleep apnea devices. One of which is the SNOR-X, which functions by moving the tongue forward during sleep. In effect, snoring and proper airway patency will be properly maintained.
The Aveo TSD utilizes gentle suction to pull and hold the tongue forward. This can keep the tongue from collapsing back into the throat and blocking the airway. It is made of soft, medical grade silicon.
While sleep apnea clinics, polysomnography tests and sleep apnea machines are the most recommended diagnostics and treatment for OSA, they are not accessible or practical for everyone. Today, many dental professionals can offer effective, lower cost alternatives. There are many oral sleep apnea devices available today that can help a sleep apnea sufferer, so talk with your dentist or doctor to see if one is right for you.
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