Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Solution: the O 2 OASYS Dental Appliance™
For
people with sleep apnea, or for those who sleep near
a person who snores, deep restorative sleep can be
only a dream. Sleep
apnea is a sleep disorder caused by pauses in breathing during
sleep. Each such episode is called an “apnea”.
These short cessations of breath can occur multiple times
a minute,
creating a pattern of interrupted sleep. The reaction varies
from restless sleeping to startling awake to near panic attacks.
These interruptions make it nearly impossible for the Sleeper
to get into a good and vital REM sleep. |
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Sleep has four
necessary levels that we cycle through. This combination allows
us to rest well and awaken refreshed. Apnea sufferers never truly
get into the last two stages of restorative sleep. The result
is physical and mental exhaustion, which has a debilitating effect
on health, mood and productivity.
Apnea has several causes. Being overweight, having Hypertension
or Diabetes are common causes. Many people experience obstructed
airways when they sleep, particularly if they are lying on
their back. At a minimum, this can cause snoring, which means
neither the Sleeper nor their Spouse gets good nights sleep.
Many seeking treatment for these sleep issues have been
prescribed a CPAP machine. This therapy is a “breathing machine” that
creates positive airway pressure by forcing pounds of air
pressure through the nose and into the airways. CPAP comes
with a full-face
mask or a nasal cannula, both of which are hooked via tubes
to a machine that plugs into the wall. A large percentage
of people who try these machines claim they are not able
to tolerate
them. Complaints include running nose, eye pressure, face
pain, sore throat, earaches, head pain and brain fog. Filters
and
hoses must be cleaned, maintained and replaced. At airports,
CPAP machines are required to be taken out and presented
for inspection, so expect a delay through security lines.
For people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or someone
who snores there is a simpler solution.* Dr. Mark Abramson,
a sleep
apnea and TMJ specialist developed the O 2 OASYS Oral/Nasal
Airway System™. It is a dental appliance that is made to the
patient’s mouth specifications and holds the lower
jaw slightly forward. This pulls the tongue forward and also
opens
the throat and therefore the airway. Additionally, it opens
the nasal airway.
Dental appliances are well-established treatment procedures
and for the Sleep Deprived, studies show the O 2 OASYS dental
appliance is “significantly preferred”. Best
of all, it is simple, portable and virtually maintenance
free. For more information click here.
* American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognizes a dental appliance
as the first treatment for mild to moderate cases of sleep
apnea and a second line treatment for severe apneics who fail
CPAP.
Testimonials...
After being chronically exhausted, I went in for a sleep
study. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and tried CPAP for
a while. I ended up rolling over on the tube, thereby cutting
off my air supply, and with more frequent upper-respiratory
infections. I couldn't take that any more! I talked to Dr.
Ostroth about it, and he recommended the Oasys system. I
was a little hesitant at first - could a dental apparatus
really solve this problem? I did grind my teeth, too, so
it would definitely help that issue. Well, it has been several
months now, and I have to say - I wouldn't sleep without
it! I used to wake up with a dry throat and stuffy nose constantly,
and the Oasys system solves those problems. Plus my teeth
are no longer sensitive since I'm not grinding them. This
is definitely something I would recommend for anyone with
apnea to try as an alternative to CPAP. Thanks, Dr. Ostroth!
- Dawn Bielawski,
Ph.D.
I rarely slept well,
but as a busy working mother going to school at night,
I thought it was normal.
Eventually,
fatigue took its toll on my health, so my doctor prescribed
a sleeping medication. Instead of just restless sleeping,
I began to “start” awake and feel panicked.
I was fighting the medication. So my doctor ordered a sleep
study.
I was diagnosed
with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine. Since
I do not have sinus issues or allergies,
I expected
no problem. Was I wrong! The machine was set for 9 pounds
of pressure up my nose (I was told that was fairly low).
While I slept much better with the sleep prescription and
CPAP, my awake hours became horrible. It felt like someone
took a baseball bat to my head. My eyes hurt. I couldn’t
see well. My sinuses ached along with my ears, jaw and head.
I felt dizzy.
My machine was switched
to one with a humidifier. I woke up with sinus and
throat drainage
that wouldn’t
stop. I changed sizes of the cannula (nose pieces). I tried
the
full-face mask. I began waking up with the mask in my hand
because I would tear it off my face during my sleep. I was
miserable.
Then Dr. Ostroth suggested an OASYS dental appliance. It
fits over my bottom teeth and holds open my airways. I can
breathe! It took several nights but my mind and body began
to trust this amazing little device. I began to truly relax
and fall asleep without the aid of prescriptions. In the
first few weeks, I slept really long, deep hours. In fact,
I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Then one morning,
I awoke refreshed and have stayed that way. It is amazing.
Even better, I no longer clench my teeth when I sleep!
My muscle aches
and pains are gone. I get up and get going easily.
I feel great! I have more
stamina,
am working out
and (bonus!) my husband tells me I no longer snore. Best
of all, I can sleep in any position I want! (Can’t
do that with a CPAP) Lastly, I travel. So now I can easily
carry the OASYS in my purse instead of lugging a CPAP in
a big case over my shoulder.
Thank you, Dr. O,
for the O 2 OASYS dental appliance and my life back!
-
EBS, Troy, MI.
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