What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The National Institute of Health reports 12 million cases of diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But a large percentage of cases go undiagnosed, making the number much higher. Conservative estimates project 7% of the US population, more than 42 million people, mostly adults, suffer from OSA.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when normal sleep breathing is interrupted by airway blockage. An airway blockage can happen when bands of relaxed soft tissue narrow or close the back of the throat during sleep. Snoring and/or awakening frequently during the night with a gasp for air is an indication of sleep apnea.
Some obvious problems associated with a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include poor general health, difficulty performing tasks at work, and other lifestyle compromises. What’s less obvious: When untreated, OSA can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke, and congestive heart failure), emotional problems such as depression, diabetes, and chronic headaches.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Patient Case Studies
Over The Top With Oral Appliance - No CPAP
Best Sleep In Years67 Year-Old Man
“I am over the top happy with the [oral] appliance. It’s spectacular, fabulous? I don’t know how else to express my feelings. I have never sleep so well and felt so rested. It’s the best sleep I have had for years. I started dreaming again. You hit a home run with this doc ! I could not be happier!”
Woman Avoids CPAP
Oral Appliance Stops SnoringLG - 31 Year-Old Woman
“I love the appliance fitted by Dr. Sall! I am more rested overall and no longer snore. I did not want to use CPAP. I sleep through the night now and no longer wake up when my boyfriend comes in from work. I couldn’t be happier!”
Mild Sleep Apnea Fixed With Oral Appliance
CPAP Failed But Appliance WorksRR - A 63 Year-Old Man
“Another doctor prescribed CPAP for my mild sleep apnea. I was never given the option of an oral appliance. The oral appliance fitted by Dr. Sall is easy to wear and has eliminated my apneas and snoring. I sleep better and I am less tired overall. I wish I had the oral appliance first!”
No More Falling Asleep At The Wheel
Oral Appliance Finally Done RightJR - A 66 Year-Old Man
“In 1976 I fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the median and totaled my SUV. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with OSA and placed on CPAP and then BiPAP, but I was unable to tolerate either on a regular basis. In 2002 I again fell asleep at the wheel because of my poorly treated OSA. My sleep study with Dr. Sall showed moderate obstructive sleep apnea and he fit me with a Somnomed Oral Appliance, which has successfully treated my OSA. I wish I had this appliance years ago because it has changed my life!”
Oral Appliance Effective After CPAP Fails
65% Apnea DecreaseDF - A 44 Year-Old Woman
DF is a 44-year-old woman who received an oral appliance after failing CPAP. She had a 65% reduction in her apneic episodes and wears the appliance every night.
Woman Dumps CPAP & Reduces Apnea 75%
Home Study Shows ResultsKS - A 52 Year-Old Woman
KS is a 52-year-old woman who was unable to tolerate CPAP. Her husband was wearing an oral appliance with great success. “I have had an oral appliance for 7 months and I am more rested and only snore occasionally. I had a Home Sleep Study which showed my apneas were reduced by 75% and my oxygenation improved as well! I wish I tried the oral appliance sooner!”
Better Sleep Fuels Weight Loss
4 Years of Good Sleep & 30 Pounds ThinnerAB - A 41 Year-Old Woman
AB is a 41-year-old woman who has worn an oral appliance for 4 years and now has her second appliance. “I no longer have sleep apnea when I am wearing the appliance. It has changed my life, I have more energy, I am more rested and I have lost 30 lbs. since I have had my OSA treated by Dr. Sall.”