OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are related, but NOT the same, which is a common misunderstanding.

Chronic loud snoring is a potential significant sleep disorder which occurs when the upper airway is blocked to the point of causing significant airflow disruption, or even no airflow whatsoever for 10 seconds or more. While OSA almost always causes loud and regular snoring, just because you snore doesn’t mean that you have OSA.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA / SYMPTOMS

The most common signs and symptoms of OSA include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep — which would be reported by another person
  • Gasping for air during sleep
  • Awakening with a dry mouth
  • Morning headache
  • Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
  • Difficulty paying attention while awake
  • Irritability

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA / COMPLICATIONS

OSA affects an estimated 18 million Americans. If left untreated, it poses serious threats to your health. It can increase your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and a host of detrimental health issues including:

snore chart

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA / TREATMENTS

In most cases, OSA is addressed with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. Comfortable and typically affordable, the CPAP device has proven to help OSA suffers breathe more easily throughout the night.

Other innovative and effective treatment options include:

  • Inspire® Therapy — The only FDA-approved implantable device for people with OSA who cannot use CPAP therapy and meet other candidate qualifications.
  • Coblation — This simple approach disintegrates tissue layer by layer, stiffening the palate and enlarging the airways to significantly reduce or even eliminate snoring.