What is an Oral Sleep Appliance?

For many people, sleep comes on very easily. They may fall asleep soon after their head hits the pillow. For others, sleep is either disrupted, or they have trouble falling asleep in the first place. There are several possible solutions, whether you have sleep problems in Chattanooga, TN, or your partner does. One such solution is an oral sleep appliance.

What is an Oral Sleep Appliance?
An oral sleep appliance is a dental appliance worn while you sleep. It should not be confused with a CPAP machine, which uses air pressure to maintain an open airway. For this reason, an oral sleep appliance doesn’t make the noise associated with CPAP machines. Another benefit of an oral sleep appliance over a CPAP machine is its small size and weight, which can be readily tucked into an overnight bag.

Oral sleep appliances can be custom-made to comfortably fit a person’s mouth. They usually consist of both upper and lower dental trays, which are connected by a hinge. The position of the lower tray, which protrudes farther out than the top tray, helps to hold the jaw in a certain way. This position helps to prevent the soft tissue at the back of the throat from collapsing, causing the obstructed airflow and/or snoring that is symptomatic of obstructive sleep apnea.

Who Needs an Oral Sleep Appliance?
Oral sleep appliances benefit individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or problems with snoring. You may want to wear an oral sleep appliance for your own problems or to help your loved one so your snoring doesn’t disrupt their sleep.

Contact Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions when you need sleep solutions in Chattanooga, TN. Our friendly staff can help you with a wide range of sleep problems. Get in touch today!