What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a unique disorder within sleep disorders, primarily caused by narrowing and collapse of the upper airway, leading to a continuous decrease in blood oxygen levels and an increase in chest pressure during sleep. This makes it difficult for patients to fall asleep and can lead to cardiovascular diseases, and even death. In the past, traditional dentistry rarely provided solutions for sleep apnea patients, with the most common treatment being anti-snoring devices to alleviate snoring. While snoring and sleep apnea are highly correlated, the focus should be more on the airway obstruction caused by the collapse of the tongue and pharynx during sleep. However, more and more sleep apnea patients are being referred from pulmonary and otolaryngology departments to dentistry. This is due to an innovative dental technique for sleep apnea called "oral sleep appliances." By applying mild intermittent physical forces, these devices help with muscle training and support breathing. Using customized 3D technology, a unique and precise appliance is designed for each patient. Compared to traditional surgery or positive airway pressure devices, oral sleep appliances are non-invasive, free from discomfort, and have a positive effect on sleep quality, making dentistry another viable option for treating sleep apnea.

What is OSAWELL?
The OSAWELL oral sleep appliance was developed by the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Taipei Medical University Hospital as a non-invasive, comfortable solution for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are seeking alternatives to surgery and breathing devices. Through numerous clinical case analyses and discussions with the Bum Shan Elite Digital Technology team, the department developed and launched this important breakthrough in treating sleep apnea through dental care.

After receiving licensing from Bum Shan Digital Technology, the Beike Biotechnology team established the OSAWELL brand and further integrated the sleep diagnostic technologies from Taiwan’s leading sleep testing technology company, Dalilu Yunkang. This integration provides a complete process from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up care for sleep apnea patients.

OSAWELL offers a full range of sleep clinic services for patients troubled by sleep apnea. Through one-on-one consultations with certified OSAWELL doctors and consultants, the symptoms and underlying causes are assessed, and the goal is to restore the body’s self-healing functions by offering a patented non-invasive physical therapy solution. The use of AI-powered home sleep testing (FDA-approved), 3D AI precision corrective devices, and physical self-healing training aims to assist patients in achieving better health through treatment with the oral sleep appliance.

What is an Oral Sleep Appliance?
An oral sleep appliance differs from traditional anti-snoring devices in that it adjusts the position of the lower jaw by moving it forward and downward. This shifts the soft tissue and tongue forward, enlarging the space for the tongue and clearing the airway, reducing airflow resistance, and alleviating breathing pauses. In the case of OSAWELL, the appliance is designed using precise digital scans of the patient’s mouth, with predictive AI algorithms integrating the imaging of the teeth, skull, and throat. A custom oral sleep appliance is created for each sleep apnea patient.

Furthermore, OSAWELL collaborates with a renowned orthodontic team from Japan to design a precise and comfortable ComfortBite based on the principles of the temporomandibular joint and dental occlusion. The appliance is made from FDA-approved polymer materials, produced using an energy-aggregated custom manufacturing process, ensuring that each oral appliance can withstand the majority of patients’ bite forces while providing proper support for the jaw.

What is the Treatment Principle of the Oral Sleep Appliance?

Sleep apnea is typically caused by airway obstruction due to the relaxation of soft tissues during sleep. The oral sleep appliance takes into account the movement of the tongue by adjusting the position of the lower jaw, moving it forward and downward. This helps to shift the tongue and soft tissues forward, increasing the space for the tongue, keeping the airway open, reducing breathing pauses, and improving sleep quality. Additionally, the oral sleep appliance can prevent the collapse of the mouth and throat during sleep, alleviating breathing difficulties.

Who is the Oral Sleep Appliance Suitable For?

The oral sleep appliance is typically most suitable for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It provides an alternative treatment option for those who cannot tolerate invasive surgeries or CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines. However, for patients who are edentulous (without teeth), undergoing orthodontic treatment, or who have severe periodontal disease, TMJ issues, unresolved dental restorations, or severe tonsil hypertrophy, it is recommended to complete the initial treatments before considering the oral sleep appliance.

What is the Treatment Process for the Oral Sleep Appliance?

The treatment process for OSAwell’s oral sleep appliance typically takes 3 to 6 months and consists of the following three steps:

1. Step 1: Questionnaire and Testing
   The patient will need to complete a questionnaire and home sleep monitoring test to determine if they are at high risk for sleep apnea and assess the severity of the condition. X-ray scans and oral scans will be conducted to create a 3D digital model, gather bite path parameters, and collect additional data to assist in treatment planning.

2. Step 2: Treatment
   Using clinical data combined with artificial intelligence, the airway and bite paths are analyzed to create a custom oral sleep appliance based on multiple parameters. In this stage, the patient will also be instructed in self-healing exercises for tongue muscle training.

3. Step 3: Follow-up
   Regular follow-up visits will allow the doctor to monitor the patient’s condition and track progress.

Advantages of the Oral Sleep Appliance in Treating Sleep Apnea

The oral sleep appliance offers many advantages in treating sleep apnea. Compared to traditional CPAP machines, it is more lightweight, convenient, and comfortable. It is particularly appealing for patients who dislike wearing a breathing mask. As technology and healthcare continue to advance, OSAwell is committed to developing better treatment options to improve the sleep and quality of life of sleep apnea patients. However, during the treatment process, the patient's active participation and cooperation are essential. Regular follow-ups and consistent tongue muscle exercises will help achieve the best therapeutic results.