Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which can lead to many dangerous health conditions. To overcome this problem, sleep apnea mouthpiece is considered very effective and comfortable as compared to other CPAP machines.
Everyone wants to sleep peacefully, but many people do not get proper sleep due to the problems of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which is caused due to obstructive airway. This is the major reason behind the snoring habit of many people.
It is actually a pause in the breathing pattern. We all take a pause while we breathe, but it lasts for just a few second, which we do not even realize. But people who are affected with sleep apnea usually take a pause of more than 10 seconds while they sleep.
They do not even realize that they are not breathing for so long. Sometimes the duration increases to 20 seconds which is very dangerous. A sleep apnea mouthpiece is an effective treatment for the people suffering from this disorder.
What is a Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece and How is it Used?
There are many reasons behind sleep apnea which causes disturbed sleep. This may in turn result in many problems. To get rid of this condition or to minimize its effects, a sleep apnea mouthpiece is very helpful. These mouthpieces are dental appliances which are usually made up of plastic.
It is fixed in the lower jaw and tongue so that there is no obstruction in the airways. When we sleep, the soft tissues and the muscles of our throat relax and the tongue falls backwards which results in the blocking of the airways. Hence the mouthpiece is specially used while sleeping.
It is fixed inside the mouth. It gently slides the lower jaw forward and elevates the soft palate. This helps in the opening of the airways to maintain a proper airflow to the lungs. It is also used for treating snoring. Hence it is also known as stop snoring mouthpiece.
As it is hard when new, do not forget to keep it in warm water before using so as to make it bit soft. These mouthpieces are comfortable as they are custom-made and are designed by dentists and orthodontists.
Types of Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece
This device is one of the best alternative to CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine as it is effective, comfortable and affordable. If you want a sleep apnea or stop snoring mouthpiece then you need to consult a dentist or an orthodontist and get your mouthpiece made or you can get a ready-made mouthpiece from the market.
You can get more knowledge about the mouthpiece from your dentist who can even suggest and provide you with the best one. The best thing about this device is that you can sleep in any position and can even drink and talk.
In the beginning some people might face difficulty in wearing it the entire night but later they get used to it. There are basically two types of mouthpieces, which are as follows.
Mandibular Advancement Appliances
It is very effective in curing snoring and sleep disorder conditions. It can be worn in the mouth at night and is one of the most popular among the people. It pushes the lower jaw forward which prevents the tongue from falling back inside the throat. People get used to it easily and is more comfortable than the other type of mouthpieces.
Tongue Retainer
This is the second type of mouthpiece. This is basically made to restrict the tongue from falling back inside the throat. It holds the tongue forward facilitating the proper airflow to the lungs. It is a bit uncomfortable and hence is not used by many people.
Sleep apnea, as we discussed before, can be dangerous for health. It can cause fatigue, extreme tiredness, and improper supply of oxygen which will force the lungs and heart to do extra work in order to fulfill the oxygen requirement.
Hence to get rid of such life-threatening conditions, sleep apnea or stop snoring mouthpiece can be very beneficial. So, if you are also suffering from this sleep disorder, then get an easy solution with a sleep apnea mouthpiece. Get healthy sleep as your body needs proper rest for performing its daily chores.
