Snoring/Sleep Apnea Treatment Owings Mills

Who is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Men are two to three times more likely to develop sleep apnea compared to women. That being said, the disorder also has an increased chance of affecting women who are pregnant or post-menopausal.

Generally speaking, weight is one of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnea. It’s estimated that over half of all people who have obstructive sleep apnea (the most common form of sleep apnea) qualify as overweight or obese. Other risk factors include age, naturally narrowed airways, high blood pressure, and chronic nasal congestion.

What Does Sleep Apnea Look Like for Women?

Many people don’t realize that women often experience different sleep apnea symptoms compared to men. Said symptoms tend to be on the more subtle side, which could be a reason why sleep apnea tends to be underdiagnosed in women. Potential warning signs that women need to keep an eye out for include:

• Repeatedly waking up throughout the night.
• Suffering from insomnia.
• Often waking up with a headache.
• Experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression.
• Feeling sleepy during the day.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, you should have a sleep study performed to see whether sleep apnea is to blame. Having the problem properly diagnosed is the first step to having it treated.

Will Oral Appliance Therapy Make CPAP Therapy Unnecessary?

You may require a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea if your symptoms are particularly severe. But if you only have a mild to moderate sleep disorder, you may be able to replace your CPAP machine with a customized oral appliance. Many patients prefer oral appliances since they make no noise, are typically more comfortable, and are easier to travel with.

Of course, every patient has their own unique situation to consider. Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can talk to our team to find out whether oral appliance therapy is a good choice for you.

Can I Have Oral Appliance Therapy If I Grind My Teeth?

Many people with sleep apnea also have bruxism, which refers to unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth. Bruxism is known to wear down tooth enamel, and it can ultimately lead to the teeth becoming cracked or fractured. 

Fortunately, an oral appliance can actually be used to address both problems. The appliance will be durable enough to withstand repeated clenching and grinding; at the same time, it will act as a barrier between the upper and lower rows of teeth, which will help keep them safe from the worst of bruxism. In short, oral appliance therapy can be a great option for patients who are simultaneously suffering from sleep apnea and bruxism.

How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?

It may take you a night or two to get accustomed to sleeping with an oral appliance, but otherwise, the quality of your sleep should improve almost right away. While the only way to know for sure if sleep apnea is still present is to undergo another sleep study, there’s a good chance that you’ll notice the lessening of your symptoms.