Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing disorder during sleep that is characterized by snoring and recurrent collapse of the airway, resulting in partial (hypopnea) or complete cessation (apnea) of airflow despite ongoing breathing effort.

The condition can range from mild to severe depending on the level of airway obstruction. Chronic snoring occurs in 30% of adults but of those obstructive apnea occurs in 9% of males and 5% of females.

We all know how it feels when we have one bad night’s sleep. We’re left feeling tired during the day, possibly a little grumpy, short tempered and perhaps not able to think straight.

Sleep is the basis of good health, feeling well and being happy. Sleep gives our body and mind time to recover and rejuvenate.

So, imagine if you didn’t sleep well every night of the week. Daytime tiredness can impact on you, your relationships, your career, and left untreated can lead to debilitating illnesses.

Some of the side effects of sleep apnea can include heart disease, obesity, fatigue and mood swings.

The best method to measure whether the snoring is affecting the level of oxygen intake is through a sleep study.

It measures the AHI index per hour (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) or RDI index per hour (Respiratory Disturbance Index). An AHI between 5 and 15 per hour is mild, between 15 and 30 per hour is moderate and above.

The treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include the following:

1. Lifestyle change such as stop smoking, lose weight, reduce alcohol, eat healthier and exercise.
2. Mandibular Advancement Splint for mild and moderate cases. The MAS pushes the lower jaw forward increasing the airway space during the supine sleep.
3. CPAP machines for severe cases. It forces oxygenated air into the airway during sleep.

The sleep dentist (Dr Azizi) is involved in the evaluation of the patient with mild and moderate sleep apnea in view of making a mandibular advancement splint.

He works closely with the respiratory and sleep specialist. The dentist assesses the jaw and the teeth for their health and ability to support the appliance.

He then proceeds to take measurement of the mouth. The appliance is then issued two weeks later and monitored regularly by the dentist.

I am sleeping poorly but I don’t know what the problem is?

Talk to your GP and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist to have a sleep study to identify the issue and discuss treatment options.

I had a sleep study some time ago but never did anything about it. Can I start treatment now?

Treatment referrals are active for 3 years. If your referral has expired talk to your GP about another sleep study. These can be performed with an overnight sleep study in a sleep clinic or as a home sleep study in the comfort of your own bed.

I am struggling with CPAP. I don’t like the idea of a mask. How does the mouth guard work?

The SomnoDent (COAT) works by gently holding your jaw forward during sleep. This improves the patency of the airway reducing snoring and sleep apneas.

It is a comfortable two piece “mouth guard” that can be adjusted to bring your jaw further forward if needed, and it is fitted by a dentist trained in sleep medicine.

What treatment would you recommend?

SomnoDent is the ideal traveling companion with no batteries, wires, plugs or extra luggage. SomnoDent comes in a convenient travel case which fits neatly into your  toiletry bag.

What happens if the SomnoDent doesn’t work?

If after a follow-up sleep study your number of apneas (AHI) has not been reduced by 50%, SomnoMed will reimburse the cost of the SomnoDent to the dentist. Talk to Dr. Azizi for specifics on this.

Does my Private health Insurance cover SomnoDent?

Yes. Somnodent is covered under item number 984. Your rebate will depend on which Insurance Company you are a member of and your level of cover.