With the recent recalls of CPAP machines, many people who need one of these devices to sleep safely are looking for other options. Some of the complications that can arise are: Mold in the tubes, sinus infections, nosebleeds, sore throat and dry mouth. In the new recall of many CPAP machines people have been experiencing: lung damage, pneumonia, airway inflammation, respiratory failure, stroke and different cancers.
Madison No Fear Dentistry provides an oral appliance that allows those with obstructive sleep apnea to safely sleep through the night without the use of an invasive piece of equipment. Our sleep specialist, Mike, fits patients with a mandibular repositioning appliance or as we call it for short an MRA. To allow for a safe night of sleep, the oral appliance pushes the tongue and jaw forward, which makes for a larger airway and improves airflow. This means that the soft tissue in the mouth and throat has a largely reduced chance to collapse when someone breathes in while the appliance is in place.
There are many pros to using an MRA, one of which is that there is a much less time consuming cleaning protocol with the appliance. On top of the reduced cleaning, those with an MRA are able to carry out their nighttime routine and sleep without being strapped up to a machine unable to move from your bed. Once inserted into place, you are free to sleep soundly knowing that you will be able to sleep without any dangerous apneas throughout the night.
Signs of Obstructive sleep apnea include but are not limited to: Daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, falling asleep easily during normal daily events such as watching television. Other symptoms can include weight gain, high blood pressure that is difficult to control and acid reflux. The only way to find out if you have obstructive sleep apnea is to get a sleep study done.
We have the ability to conduct an at home sleep study administered by our office. The recorded data is submitted to a certified sleep medicine medical doctor to review, diagnose and prescribe your best course of treatment. We also accept recent sleep studies already performed by other providers. If you have sleep apnea, we will take the next step to get you fitted for a MRA.
If you are interested in an MRA contact sleep@madisonnofeardentistry.com.