Can an anti-snoring mouthpiece assist with sleep apnea?
Public health officials have noticed an alarming trend across the United States: the rise of sleep apnea. Over 26% of Americans between the ages of 30 and 70 are projected to have sleep apnea, and this number seems only to be growing.
But how big of a deal is sleep apnea? For many of those suffering, symptoms present as loud snoring. This might not appear to be a big deal. Additionally, those with sleep apnea might experience morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, difficulty paying attention, and irritability.
While a partner who has difficulty sleeping due to snoring is the primary issue that drives people to seek help, there are more dire complications that come along with sleep apnea. An anti-snoring mouthpiece can help prevent apnea and snoring.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. As your airway narrows, the level of oxygen in your blood is reduced. People with sleep apnea tend to briefly wake up when their brain registers that they are not breathing, but this is usually so short that people don’t remember it when they wake up.
This occurs roughly 5 to 30 times every hour. As a result, people with sleep apnea are unable to reach restful periods of sleep, making them less attentive throughout the day. Using devices to ensure your body is getting enough oxygen can mitigate some of these symptoms
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is most often caused by a variety of lifestyle choices. These can include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Being male
- Family history
- Older age
Treatment for sleep apnea generally focuses on changing daily habits. Losing weight and abstaining from cigarettes and alcohol are the most common solutions.
The complications that come with sleep apnea can be serious. Heart problems, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, and complications with surgery can often follow suit.
CPAP or an Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece?
Some of the side effects of sleep apnea can be alleviated by the use of anti-snoring devices, allowing you to breathe easier at night. While some of these devices are more effective than others, it ultimately boils down to doctor recommendations and personal preference.
Sleep apnea most commonly occurs when the back of the throat relaxes and the airway closes. Devices are designed around opening up this passageway.
The most commonly known device for sleep apnea is known as a CPAP machine. This machine provides a constant flow of oxygen into your nose and mouth that help keep your airways open and keep you breathing throughout the night. With constant use, the symptoms of sleep apnea will go away – however, as soon as people stop using it, the symptoms return.
Not everyone is a fan of the CPAP machine. Many find it uncomfortable or claustrophobic, and it can cause nasal congestion, dry mouth, and the feeling of being bloated with air.
Thankfully, other options exist, such as anti-snoring mouthpieces. Unlike a CPAP machine, an anti-snoring mouthpiece doesn’t require a machine to be powered – it is a purely analog device. Also called an anti-snoring mouthguard, these work by pushing the lower jaw forward, opening the airway and allowing you to sleep through the night without interruptions.
A CPAP machine can be costly, with some ranging into the thousands of dollars. Anti-snoring mouthpieces are generally customized to fit your mouth, meaning that with a visit to the dentist, prices can often be costly. Thankfully, for those interested in anti-snoring mouthguards, a cheaper option is available.
Dental Lab Direct Offers At-Home Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece Custom Fitting
Comfort is one of the biggest issues facing those who are looking for relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea. For an anti-snoring mouthpiece to function best, it must be customized to the shape of your mouth. This can be done at home with Dental Lab Direct’s impression kit in as little as ten minutes.
Simply order a kit from our team, send them back to us, and in as little as 2-3 weeks, a fully customized anti-snoring mouthguard will arrive at your door. Without going directly to a dentist, expensive additional costs can be waived.
Sleep apnea doesn’t have to define your life. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or order an anti-snoring mouthpiece now.
