Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Do you feel tired during the day? Do you have trouble concentrating? Are you irritable? Does your
sleeping partner complain that you snore? These symptoms could indicate obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA).

What is sleep apnea?

An apnea refers to a period in which the soft tissues at the back of the mouth collapse while you sleep.
When airflow becomes obstructed , breathing stops, often for ten seconds or longer. A person with
sleep apnea may experience these apneas hundreds of times throughout the night, resulting in oxygen
depletion to the brain. Most people who have sleep apnea are unaware of a problem other than
snoring. This condition can be detrimental to your health

Why should I be concerned?

Decreased oxygen flow to the brain can have many negative side effects and has been linked to the
following conditions:

* Memory loss

* Daytime fatigue

* Headaches

* Depression

* High blood pressure

* Heart attack

* Stroke

*Diabetes

*GERD

*Snoring

*Weight Gain

*Alzheimers

*Death

Treatment:
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. The diagnosis is done after you have completed a
sleep study. CPAP is the golden standard of treatment. It is 100% effective in treating sleep apnea if it is
worn properly and patients are compliant. The alternative is to use an oral appliance.

CPAP Intolerance

A machine using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is often prescribed for patients with sleep
apnea. The apparatus consists of a facemask, headgear to hold the mask in place, and flexible hose
running to the machine. The CPAP is an effective way to keep your airway open during sleep, but only if
you are able to wear it and sleep comfortably. After attempting this form of treatment, many patients
find that they are CPAP intolerant. Intolerance could occur for any number of reasons, including the bulk
or noise of the machine. If you are CPAP intolerant, don’t leave your sleep apnea untreated. Visit Dr.
Khan to discuss being fitted for an oral appliance.

Oral appliance Therapy for OSA

Did you know that snoring and sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance? A simple appliance
similar to a nightguard can eliminate your snoring problem and let you and your spouse get a good
nights sleep. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, an appliance can be made to open your
airway and significantly improve your condition of apnea. Treating sleep apnea is essential for your
overall health and wellbeing.

The oral appliance is custom fitted to your teeth, is comfortable to wear and portable. It advances your
lower jaw forward and keeps your airway open at night. There are different appliances that can be used
and here are examples of some:
TAP 3 Appliance

Respire Appliance

EMA appliance

If you snore, have any symptoms of sleep apnea or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, please contact Dr Khan today for a screening. She will discuss all the options available for you. Please do not leave your condition untreated, it can be detrimental to your overall health.