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How Sleep Apnea Devices Differ

When it comes to treating sleep apnea there isn’t just one type of treatment that works for each and every patient. Each sleep apneic that walks through our office’s doors is different from the next. This means that all patients suffering from sleep apnea require an in-depth and personal consultation and examination with Dr. Berry. If you’re serious about treating your sleep apnea you’ll need to find a sleep apnea device in Denver that eliminates your periods apnea (episodes when you stop breathing) while you sleep. To get the device you need, be sure to talk with Dr. Berry to go over treatment options. Contact us online or call (303) 691-0267 today.

Before any sleep apnea appliance can be fitted for you you’ll want to be aware of the many different types of sleep apnea devices and the pros and cons of each one. There are several different sleep apnea devices in Denver that may be possible options for you. Below are the most commonly referred to devices by Dr. Berry as a trained sleep dentist:

Somnomed, one of the more popular sleep apnea devices

SomnoMed – SomnoMed has proven to be a highly effective sleep apnea device especially for those sleep apneics that have a large jaw arch. The SomnoMed is made with top of the line materials to ensure that it is durable and is able to stand against the pressure that occurs when the user clenches his/her jaw while sleeping. It is used to treat snoring along with obstructive sleep apnea.

Herbst Oral Sleep Apnea Appliance

Herbst – The Adjustable Herbst sleep apnea device is well praised for its durability and slim design. It is used to increase the posterior, anterior, and vertical position of the jaw. It’s highly effective for those suffering from mild to moderate OSA due to their soft palate collapsing during sleep.

TRD sleep apnea device

TRD – Also known as a Tongue Retentive Device (TRD), and its cousin, the TSD (Tongue Stabilization Device), is a sleep apnea device that is very suitable for those sleep apneics who also have TMJ Disorder. The TRD manipulates the position of the tongue by pulling it forward and holding it in place using a suction bulb to ensure that it doesn’t roll into the back of the patient’s throat and cause blockage. This device is effective for those with larger tongues. Unfortunately, it is not generally well-tolerated due to the odd sensation of having your tongue sucked out of your mouth.

TAP 3 sleep apnea device

TAP® 3 – The TAP 3 is used to hold the jaw in a forward position so that the soft tissues in the throat along with the tongue do not collapse and obstruct the throat which can cause obstructive sleep apnea and nightly snoring. It is most frequently used as an anti-snoring device, but can be used to treat sleep apnea. The device is smaller than the SomnoMed and is more durable than Silent Nite and other anti-snoring appliances.

TAP-PAP sleep apnea device

TAP®-PAP – You have surely heard of the CPAP machine before which has become known as the golden standard for treating sleep apnea. With the TAP-PAP there is a combination of CPAP technology as well as oral sleep appliance technology that provides for a more comfortable device to use at night. The TAP-PAP provides a continuous flow of oxygen to you at night but the big change in this technology is that users are given an oral appliance as opposed to a mask. This means less noise as there is a lower air pressure level used along with increased comfort.

Devices To Reduce & Prevent Snoring

While there are certain devices crafted to treat sleep apnea, there are others that are mostly used to rid of the pesky noisy at night problem we know as snoring. These are only suitable for those with very mild obstructive sleep apnea or for simple snorers.

EMA Custom oral sleep device

EMA® – The EMA Custom oral sleep device (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) treats snoring through the use of interchangeable elastic straps as a way to open the bite and place the mandible in a forward position.

Silent Nite sleep apnea device

Silent Nite® – Silent Nite is strictly a device used to prevent snoring. It is in no way suitable to treat anyone suffering from sleep apnea.

With all of these different types of sleep apnea devices, you may be wondering just how each patient is fitted with a specific one. Keep in mind that various factors that are considered before a final decision is made. These include:

  • Severity of your sleep apnea
  • The amount that your jaw needs to be repositioned to be at it’s ideal position
  • Underlying TMJ problems
  • Specific symptoms such as bruxism and teeth clenching
  • The overall size of your mouth and jaw

Sleep More Comfortably At Night And Wake Up Feeling Rejuvenated!

Are you interested in learning more about sleep apnea devices? Are you looking for an at night device that will allow you to sleep safe and sound? At Dr. Berry’s office you can schedule an appointment so that you can learn valuable and useful information regarding sleep apnea devices in Denver. During your appointment Dr. Berry will speak to you about the various appliances that are available so that you are able to find one that is comfortable and effective for you to use. Dr. Berry is well aware that not all sleep apneics are the same therefore there isn’t just one sleep apnea device that is fitting for everyone. As a sleep apnea dentist he will be able to examine and consider the factors that go along with your condition to give you the best possible sleep apnea device in Denver.

Booking an appointment is a breeze! Just call our Denver office at (303) 691-0267 to schedule a time that fits your schedule. You may also contact our office online for more convenience. Don’t let your sleep apnea go untreated. With Dr. Berry’s experience and training you can be fitted with a sleep apnea device in no time. With the right device you will sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a new day.

Self Screening: Do You Have Problems Sleeping?

man suffering from sleep apnea

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

This self-administered test is used to determine your level of daytime sleepiness which can be caused by sleep apnea.

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