Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring and sleep apnea can sometimes be treated simply and effectively with an oral appliance designed to hold your lower jaw forward during sleep. This repositioning of the jaw moves the tongue away from the back of the throat, reducing the potential for obstruction and providing a much better night sleep for both you and your spouse!
More About Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Sleep is incredibly crucial in order for us to stay mentally sharp, energized, productive, and most of all, healthy. Snoring happens when the airway is so narrow that the air moves faster through the airway causing the soft tissues to flutter. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that occurs when during the night, the airway is blocked and the patient wakes up momentarily. These disturbances throughout the night will result in very poor quality of sleep and other health ramifications. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans have some form of sleep apnea-but only about 10% of them are actually aware of it? Snoring, high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, acid reflux, and obesity are all strongly correlated with sleep apnea. Research shows that untreated severe sleep apnea will actually decrease your lifespan.
Our office has the ability to test for sleep apnea and even submit claims to medical insurance companies in order to maximize your benefit. No need to spend the night in a sleep center! You can be tested and diagnosed through a take-home sleep test. Treating this disease common requires a C-PAP machine or a dental mandibular advancement device (commonly called a snoreguard). Both are recommended treatments by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Alternative to C-PAP
Did you know there is a great alternative to your C-PAP machine? The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends mandibular advancement devices as the most effective alternative to C-PAP for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Many patients are frustrated with their C-PAP machine but don’t know that there is another option that is proven to give great results. With over 15 years of evidence supporting the effectiveness of oral appliances, our office and confidently recommend this for our patients health and well-being.
“The TAP appliance (or snore guard) from Zuidema & Hess is a better solution to my sleep apnea condition than my c-pap machine. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea at a local sleep clinic. Doctors prescribed a c-pap machine and it worked well for a time. Six months ago, though, the hose and mask contributed to a sinus infection that required antibiotics to heal. Zuidema & Hess made a TAP appliance for me, and I LOVE it. For the first time in years, I wake up sharp and ready to go. When I ask my spouse if he hears any snoring at night, he always says “not a peep”! And it is much easier to carry around on my travels. I even use it on long flights when I sleep. Thank you, Zuidema & Hess!”