August 02,2023
Author : OSAWELL

"Good sleep means good energy, which significantly improves my mood and makes me healthier," Mr. Gao, a sleep apnea patient, said with a smile. In the past, his severe snoring had disturbed his wife’s sleep, prompting him to seek medical help. After being diagnosed with "severe" obstructive sleep apnea, Mr. Gao, who could not adapt to CPAP therapy and did not want to undergo surgery or other invasive treatments, decided to try a physical oral sleep appliance that he found online to improve his sleep.

"I honestly didn’t have high expectations at first, but now, if I have friends with sleep apnea, I would recommend they consult about it. The oral sleep appliance treatment has truly improved my physical and mental state," Mr. Gao pointed out.

↑I am a sleep apnea patient. My snoring is so loud that it prevents my partner from sleeping. After seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea!

The Struggles of Sleep Apnea
Before receiving treatment, Mr. Gao's wife suffered greatly from his loud snoring, which kept her from sleeping. Moreover, because he snored with his mouth open for extended periods, Mr. Gao would experience a dry mouth and throat throughout the night. He would drink large amounts of water, which led to frequent nighttime urination, and mouth sores became a regular issue. After enduring this for two or three years, Mr. Gao decided to seek medical help. After undergoing tests at the hospital, he was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. Mr. Gao shared, "The hospital's test report showed that I stopped breathing up to 52 times an hour, with the longest episode lasting 90 seconds. My sleep was almost constantly interrupted by breathing cessation, and I was considered a severe case. Hearing this made me quite worried, as I feared that one day I might fall asleep and never wake up."

↑ The AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) value for sleep apnea refers to the number of times a person experiences breathing cessation per hour during sleep. A breathing pause is only recorded if it lasts for more than 10 seconds.

Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Severity of Sleep Apnea:

  • Normal: Fewer than 5 events per hour

  • Mild: 5–15 events per hour

  • Moderate: 15–30 events per hour

  • Severe: 30 or more events per hour

Returning the CPAP after Two Days of Use:

In an effort to treat his sleep apnea and avoid invasive surgeries, Mr. Gao decided to try a CPAP machine. However, after just two days, he returned it. "Using the CPAP didn’t feel very comfortable. Also, if I slept on my side and air leaked, the alarm from the CPAP disturbed both my sleep and that of my family. Plus, this method requires long-term use, so I wanted to explore other options." Mr. Gao then came across the concept of a physical oral sleep appliance and decided to give it a try.

↑ For sleep apnea patients, having to wear an oxygen mask every night can feel like a heavy burden and restriction. It’s a constant reminder of the condition, making it hard to truly relax and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. What they really desire is to sleep peacefully and experience the freedom of a natural, unencumbered slumber.

Dentists Can Offer Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions
"I never expected that a dentist could offer a solution for sleep apnea," Mr. Gao shared. Although he had heard from friends that treatments involving dental appliances were not very effective, he was somewhat skeptical at first when he learned about oral sleep appliances, which are similar to braces. The entire treatment process lasted about six months, and the first three or four months were a bit challenging for him. However, through detailed communication and several adjustments, the doctor worked with Mr. Gao’s needs and feedback to find an acceptable solution that worked for both parties. Mr. Gao mentioned that while he wasn't familiar with the results of traditional dental braces treatments, the oral sleep appliance therapy significantly improved his sleep and overall quality of life.

Improved Sleep, Better Health
After undergoing treatment with the oral sleep appliance, Mr. Gao reported noticeable improvements in his sleep quality. His wife no longer wakes up due to his snoring, and he no longer struggles to get up in the morning due to poor sleep. Previously, he would often fall asleep during the day just by sitting down, but now, with better sleep quality, his energy and mood during the day have improved. He even purchased a smart wearable device with built-in blood oxygen measurement to track his oxygen levels and assess his sleep health.

Sleep apnea patients face significant psychological and physical stress. By using a physical treatment approach, sleep quality can improve, which in turn contributes to better overall health.

Back to List

Article Classification

Recent Articles

Keyword Search

Subscribe to Newsletter

Name
E-mail
Verification

Article Catalog

TOP