What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that can affect children, adults, and seniors alike. It occurs when the soft tissues of the throat and back of the mouth collapse during sleep, blocking airflow. The term apnea means “to stop breathing,” and with OSA, these pauses in breathing last 10 seconds or longer, often happening many times throughout the night.
Each time breathing stops, the brain signals the body to restart the breath, disrupting the natural sleep cycle. This repeated interruption prevents the body from reaching restorative REM sleep, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. Left untreated, OSA can significantly affect overall health, reduce quality of life, and in severe cases, become life-threatening.
Signs and diagnosis
Treatment options
The traditional treatment for OSA has been the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open. While effective, many patients find CPAP devices bulky, noisy, or uncomfortable to use long term.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a custom-made oral appliance can provide an excellent alternative. These appliances gently reposition the jaw to prevent airway collapse, allowing oxygen to flow freely during sleep. With more than fifty FDA-approved devices available, each appliance is carefully selected and custom-fitted to meet the specific needs of the individual patient.