Mat Wright
Do you snore, have morning headaches, fatigue, lower concentration, depression, fall asleep at inappropriate times? Does your partner worry about your snoring, or the fact you appear to stop breathing during the night? If you answer yes to any of the following you might have Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).
SDB is a medical term used by doctors to describe a combination of snoring and sleep apnea which results in health problems for the patient, and often causing anxiety in the partner. The most common form of Sleep Apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) where the tongue relaxes during sleep, blocking the airway. When oxygen levels drop the patient awakes slightly, re-positioning the tongue, and the cycle starts again. This can happen hundreds of times each night.
As the patient is unaware of this it is usually the partner who can tell if this is happening. The health effects of SDB are noted, and prevalent, in medical circles - from fatigue and lack of concentration, to increased risk of stoke, hypertension and if serious enough, even mortality.
Diagnosing SDB and Apnea usually involves a sleep study at a registered clinic. You may spend one or more nights hooked to diagnostic devices to record your breathing, movements and oxygen levels. There are home-based methods using an oxymeter, a device that records your oxygen levels during sleep which can indicate a problem, but it is important that a qualified doctor examine the results.
Getting a diagnosis is one step - treatment is another. Traditional treatments involve a machine that pumps air continuously into your mouth during sleep (you wear a mask), a dental implant that brings your jaw forward, or even surgery. In some cases these maybe the most appropriate and effective depending on severity. For others these treatments maybe too invasive, expensive and difficult to use.
Dr. Chris Robertson, a New Zealand Sleep Specialist, recognized that treating snoring often treats SDB directly. By dealing with the root cause, the obstruction of the airway during sleep, apnea was usually resolved. Over 8 years of research and development he designed a small, effective and affordable device that is now recognized as a 1st line treatment for both snoring and apnea.
The goal in creating the aveoTSD (Tongue Stabilizing Device) was to produce a treatment that was effective, simple, affordable, non-invasive and with high compliance. The problem with positive air machines, and some dental devices, is that users find them difficult and uncomfortable. They are often left behind when travelling, and especially in today's security environment, cannot be taken on aircraft.
The aveoTSD works by keeping the tongue forward during sleep - like a suction cup on the end of the tongue. Usually it takes a user 2-3 nights to get used to, and afterwards it is used continuously.
Positive air machines cost between $500 and $3000 US, and masks and filters need to be replaced often. Dental Implants are a similar cost and are invasive, as is surgery.
The aveoTSD is recognized by Health Canada and the FDA as a medical device, and costs $150 (US)
This maybe the answer to patients (and partners) who are concerned about snoring and sleep health. Your concerns about OSA and SDB should be directed to your doctor.
For more information please see www.aveosleep.ca
This article was provided by Mat Wright www.wrightresult.com
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