Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea in Bedford
What Causes Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders?
Snore loud enough to be heard through closed doors
Are male
Are overweight or obese
Have a neck circumference greater than 16 inches
Are over 50 years old
Are often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the day
Are being treated for high blood pressure
Your spouse or bed partner has observed you stop or pause breathing in your sleep
How We Help
Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) is the traditional treatment for sleep apnea. This system consists of a machine that pumps air continuously into a nasal mask strapped to the patient’s head during sleep. CPAP is a highly effective way to manage sleep apnea, but it can be uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate for some patients.
For many patients, a custom oral appliance provides a comfortable, easy-to-use alternative to CPAP. It works by holding the lower jaw in an open, precise, forward position. This prevents the soft tissues in the neck and throat from collapsing and causing lapses in breathing. Your device is custom-made to fit your mouth specifically. For many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance offers a less restrictive, lightweight alternative to CPAP.
Oral appliance therapy is good for individuals:
With primary snoring
With mild to moderate apnea or people with severe apnea who are unable to tolerate or refuse to try CPAP
Who cannot tolerate the high pressure of CPAP
With healthy, disease-free teeth
Who want to travel without having to bring a CPAP machine
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our practice uses the Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer/Rhinometer system to test the nasal and oral airways. This device uses sound waves to measure how big the airway is.
These systems are FDA cleared and are a highly effective tool to identify the severity and site of the airway collapse related to sleep-related breathing and snoring problems. A
n overnight sleep test is required to diagnose an individual with sleep-related breathing disorders. To increase patient comfort, our practice uses the ARES Apnea Risk Evaluation System. This take-home system is comfortable and records detailed information about sleep-related breathing events and sleep quality to provide a diagnosis.