Can snore guards help with sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial airway obstruction during sleep. This can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and disrupted sleep patterns. OSA is a serious condition that can have significant health consequences if left untreated.
 

The primary cause of OSA is the relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep, which allows the soft tissues in the back of the throat to collapse and block the airway. This can happen multiple times throughout the night, causing the individual to wake up briefly to resume breathing. These sudden awakenings can prevent the person from getting the deep, restorative sleep they need, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and other health problems.
 

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most obvious symptom of OSA is snoring, which can be loud and disruptive. Other common symptoms include:
 

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Irritability or mood changes
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Chest pain or shortness of breath during sleep

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider, as they may be signs of a more serious underlying condition.
 

What is a Snore Guard?

A snore guard, also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD) or oral appliance, is a custom-fitted dental device that is worn during sleep to help keep the airway open and prevent snoring and sleep apnea.
 

Snore guards work by gently moving the lower jaw (mandible) forward, which in turn pulls the tongue and soft tissues of the throat forward, preventing them from collapsing and obstructing the airway. This allows for more uninterrupted breathing during sleep, reducing the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.
 

Snore guards are typically made of durable, flexible plastic materials and are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. They are an effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional sleep apnea treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
 

How Snore Guards Work to Help with Sleep Apnea

Snore guards work to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea in several key ways. By gently moving the lower jaw forward, snore guards keep the airway open and prevent the soft tissues in the throat from collapsing and blocking airflow during sleep. By maintaining an open airway, snore guards help ensure that the individual is able to breathe normally and maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood throughout the night. By preventing airway obstruction, snore guards effectively reduce or eliminate snoring, which is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
 

By reducing the number of sleep disruptions caused by apnea events, snore guards can help individuals with sleep apnea achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. With improved sleep quality and reduced sleep disruptions, individuals who use snore guards often experience less daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
 

The Benefits of Using a Snore Guard for Sleep Apnea

Using a snore guard to manage sleep apnea can provide a range of benefits, including:
 

• Improved Breathing and Oxygen Levels: By keeping the airway open, snore guards help ensure that the individual is able to breathe normally and maintain adequate oxygen levels throughout the night.
• Reduced Snoring: Snore guards effectively reduce or eliminate snoring, which can improve the quality of sleep for both the individual and their sleeping partner.
• Increased Sleep Quality: By reducing the number of sleep disruptions caused by apnea events, snore guards can help individuals with sleep apnea achieve deeper, more restorative sleep.
• Improved Daytime Functioning: With better sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue, individuals who use snore guards often experience improved cognitive function, mood, and overall quality of life.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: Snore guards are a non-invasive, comfortable alternative to more invasive sleep apnea treatments, such as CPAP machines or surgical interventions.
• Increased Compliance: Compared to CPAP machines, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to use, snore guards are generally more comfortable and easier for individuals to incorporate into their nightly routine, leading to better long-term compliance.

Is a Snore Guard Right for You?

If you are struggling with the symptoms of sleep apnea, a snore guard may be an effective solution to help alleviate your condition and improve your overall health and well-being. By keeping your airway open and reducing the number of sleep disruptions, a snore guard can help you achieve deeper, more restorative sleep, and experience reduced daytime fatigue and improved cognitive function.
 

If you're interested in learning more about how a snore guard could help with your sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with Perio Atlanta. We can assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to help you get the relief you need. Visit our office in Atlanta, Georgia, or call (404) 352-3123 to book an appointment today.