It is very important that simple snoring be distinguished from the far more serious condition of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing starts and stops during the course of sleep.
The result is often loud snoring and significant tiredness the next day.
Up to 50% of snorers will have this more serious condition that has links to high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and stroke among others.
The mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is an accepted form of treatment for sleep apnoea but sleep apnoea should be diagnosed by a medical doctor with training in sleep medicine before proceeding to use a MAS.
The mandibular advancement splint that we use for our sleep apnoea patients is of necessity more sophisticated and more costly.
After your initial consultation, if the possibility of sleep apnoea is diagnosed,
you will be referred to a medical specialist in this field for assessment and
possible treatment.
Sleep apnoea falls into two categories:
Treatment of both these conditions is very important to avoid heart problems and
other complications.
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
– is where the throat muscles relax when sleeping causing a blockage of the airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)
– is where the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles that
control breathing.
