At Coastal Virginia Sleep Solutions, we focus on oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea in Chesapeake, VA. There are a variety of appliances we can use. It all depends on the specific patient and how their particular case reacts to a certain treatment. Dr. William Harper explains the EMA sleep appliance and how it works to assist your sleep apnea.
Why Oral Appliance Therapy?
Typically, the CPAP machine was the designated device for sleep apnea. The CPAP machine is large and hard to travel with, as well as uncomfortable for many users to wear. An oral appliance offers a much more comfortable treatment solution for many patients. Wearing an oral appliance is similar to wearing a customized mouthguard.
Wearing this often adjusts your jawbone. It prevents the tongue from collapsing and blocking your airway while you’re sleeping. It situates your mouth and tongue so that you’re able to breathe freely throughout the night. An oral appliance is discreet and more cost-effective as well, making it a quality option for many sleep apnea sufferers.
What is the EMA Sleep Appliance?
EMA stands for Elastic Mandibular Advancement. This is a customizable and removable appliance that you wear while you’re sleeping. It gets its name from the fact that it advances the mandible to a different position, therefore opening your bite. This helps open up your airflow and avoids restriction of your breathing throughout the night.
To do this, the device offers nine different strap lengths and four different elastic tension options. This allows each patient to find the perfect option for them. The shorter the strap is, the farther your mandible is advanced. Finding your perfect fit allows you to breathe through your mouth throughout the entire night with no restrictions.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Letting sleep apnea go untreated can impact your health severely. Lack of sleep causes problems with memory and can make you confused throughout the day. It can also lead to an increased likelihood of developing depression. You’re fatigued because you’re waking up constantly. This can be downright dangerous when it comes to things like driving. You’re more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
Sleep apnea can also lead to bigger problems down the road. Your immune system is weaker, making you more prone to various illnesses. People that suffer from sleep apnea also are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and heart problems. You can have low blood oxygen levels, but high blood sugar levels. Your cholesterol may be out of sorts and you can experience issues with your liver as well.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Chesapeake, Virginia
Do you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea? See if the EMA sleep appliance can help relieve your symptoms. Call us or schedule an appointment online!