Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing while sleeping. This can occur hundreds of times a night and for long periods of time. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease (stroke), memory problems, weight gain, impotency, heartburn, depression and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes (According to the American Sleep Apnea Association).
There are 3 types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Obstructive is the most common and occurs when the airway gets blocked, usually by the soft tissue of the throat. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two.
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner 3 (TAP-3) appliance is a custom-fitted mandibular advancement device that is designed to stop the mandible and associated soft tissues from falling back and blocking the airway during sleep. The TAP-3 improves breathing and snoring in over 95% of patients.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
You should talk to your physician about sleep apnea and discuss your symptoms. Your physician may then recommend a sleep study, in which a team will monitor your sleep cycles and look for signs of apnea such as the amount of oxygen in your blood and periods where you stop breathing. You can then decide whether an oral appliance is right for you or CPAP.
Please contact us for more information about sleep apnea and the TAP-3 or check out this quick video from Airway Management, the makers of TAP appliances. Or visit these links for more information on sleep apnea and treatment alternatives:
- Airway Management, Inc.- www.amisleep.com
- American Sleep Apnea Association- http://www.sleepapnea.org/
Where can I have a TAP-3 appliance made?
If you think you have sleep apnea or if you are snoring, please talk to your physician to see if a TAP-3 oral appliance is for you. If you decide to have a TAP-3 appliance made, contact us for an appointment.
