Sleep Apnea Treatment in Cullman
Dr. Bartlett provides sleep apnea treatment with oral appliances.
Simple, Effective Treatment for Sleep Apnea
- Complimentary Sleep Apnea Consultation
- What Is Sleep Apnea?
- Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Oral Appliance Therapy
Sleep apnea (from the Greek “apnea”, meaning “without breathing”) is a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing while he or she is sleeping, often many times during the night. Symptoms include heavy snoring while sleeping and tiredness during the day.
Sleep apnea is often treated using a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). CPAP machines supply a steady flow of air into your nose and mouth through a mask, opening up your airways. However, many patients who suffer from sleep apnea complain that the mask is uncomfortable and that the machines make loud noises. CPAP machines are difficult to bring along when traveling.
A comfortable alternative to CPAP
Many sleep apnea sufferers cannot tolerate a CPAP and stop using it. Oral appliances are a comfortable treatment alternative for many patients.
Dr. Bartlett is experienced in the treatment of sleep apnea using a simple, comfortable treatment method known as Oral Appliance Therapy. She has been featured in the local news, providing information about this new treatment method. Oral Appliance Therapy uses a mouth guard-like device that is prescribed by a dentist and opens up your airways so that they are unobstructed. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends Oral Appliance Therapy as an effective alternative treatment for mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea.
Complimentary Sleep Apnea Consultation
During her exam, Dr. Bartlett will check thoroughly for signs or symptoms of Sleep Apnea.
If you are having trouble with sleep apnea or snoring, come in and find out if Oral Appliance Therapy may be right for you. You will receive:
- Consultation with the doctor
- Find out about your treatment options
- Get all your questions answered
To make an appointment, call 256‑841‑7222 or click here to request an appointment online.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
In this diagram you can see how the airway collapses at the back of the throat, impeding the flow of air into the lungs. This is “Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Image credit: Wikemedia Commons.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder whereby a person’s breathing is constantly interrupted during their sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs because the airways are periodically blocked (obstructed) when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the lower jaw to fall backward.
The interruptions in breathing can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, and they can occur five to 30 times or more during every hour.
These constant interruptions during sleep are very disturbing and will result in a feeling of not being rested when waking up in the morning. More severe forms of sleep apnea can result in severe sleep deprivation and serious consequences for your overall health, including increased risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes and liver problems.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Typical symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Snoring- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Impaired concentration
- Decreased sex drive
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliances position the lower jaw slightly forward of its usual position, keeping the airway open during sleep.
Dr. Bartlett will examine you and if necessary, will arrange for you to get a study done at a local sleep center so that the severity of your sleep apnea can be determined. If your condition is mild or moderate, she can coordinate with your physician and usually treat your condition by providing you with a customized oral appliance. An oral appliance looks similar to a mouth guard you might wear at night to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching—but instead of protecting your teeth, it opens up your airways so that they are not obstructed during your sleep.
The appliance works by slightly advancing your lower jaw to a comfortable, forward position. This opens up the passage in the back of your throat and prevents your airway from collapsing when your muscles relax.
An effective and comfortable solution
Studies show that effectiveness of Oral Appliance Therapy is very high in patients who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea.
An added benefit is that the device is very easy to use and is comfortable to wear compared to the mask of a CPAP machine. Unlike a CPAP machine, it is also silent in its use and very easy to take with you when you travel.
Come and See Us for a Free Consultation
You can get a Complimentary Sleep Apnea Consultation with Dr. Bartlett to learn more about Oral Appliance Therapy and find out how it could benefit you.
To make an appointment, call 256‑841‑7222 or click here to request an appointment online.