Coronasomnia

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It’s not Insomnia. It’s CORONASOMNIA

Yes, it is a real thing

 

Are you quarantined alone or with a houseful of kids? Are you working full-time or searching for a new job? The stresses caused by Coronavirus are real and it is causing us to lose sleep. It’s called Coronasomnia and yes, it is a real thing.

I do my best to keep a regular schedule. I try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day like the experts recommend. But on many nights (especially if I watch the news before bed), as soon as my head hits the pillow, my mind goes into overdrive. I am wide awake wracked with anxiety about  Coronavirus. I worry about my family. Those that live far away, those that live close by, but I can’t visit. I worry about my job. I worry about my friends that own small businesses and restaurants. What is going to happen? What can I do to help? What if I get sick? When is this ever going to end?

I thought it was just insomnia but it’s not. It’s Coronasomnia!

Clearly, I am not alone in this. Everyone I know is having sleep issues. They ask me for my advice because I work at a sleep center. I tell them it is Coronasomnia; an epidemic inside of a pandemic! Even children are starting to feel the stress and it is causing sleep issues for them. Try getting a teenager to adhere to a sleep schedule, or any schedule, when there is no school or sports.

Although the pandemic has only been around for a few months, experts are already seeing an impact. A poll released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that nearly half of Americans (48%) are anxious about the possibility of getting Coronavirus (COVID-19), and nearly four in ten Americans (40%) are anxious about becoming seriously ill or dying from Coronavirus. But far more Americans (62%) are anxious about the possibility of family and loved ones getting Coronavirus.

More than one-third of Americans (36%) say Coronavirus is having a serious impact on their mental health and most (59%) feel Coronavirus is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives.

Lack of sleep can affect your immune system

It is a never-ending cycle. Stress causes sleep deprivation and insomnia which makes you more stressed. Then the news and life’s uncertainties add to that stress. Here is an even bigger problem; lack of sleep can affect your immune system. Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. Great double the trouble!

There are several key factors that are likely contributing to Coronasomnia sleep issues

  • Information overload from news sources and other media
  • Excessive exposure to screens; blue light from screen inhibits your body’s natural release of melatonin, which can make it harder to fall asleep
  • Loss of daytime routines and structure; less consistent bedtimes and wake times
  • Depressed mood and daytime napping can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night

I know many of us feel like there is nothing we can do but just deal with it and hope it goes away when things finally get better. The problem is that insomnia can have a significant impact on our health. So, what can we do to try and get the 7-8 hours of quality sleep we need?

Here are some tips that may help you get a better night’s sleep:

  • Stick to a sleep schedule – the same bedtime and wake up time. This helps to regulate your body’s clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.
  • Limit your exposure to the news especially right before bed
  • Decrease screen time before bed – blue light from screens can interfere with your circadian rhythms and decrease your melatonin levels.
  • Wind down. Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as taking a bath or reading. Try practicing a relaxing bedtime ritual.A relaxing, routine activity right before bedtime conducted away from bright lights helps separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
  • Avoid naps- Power napping may help you get through the day, but if you find that you can’t fall asleep at bedtime, eliminating even short catnaps may help.
  • Exercise daily- Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity.
  • Evaluate your room. Design your sleep environment to establish the conditions you need for sleep. Your bedroom should be cool – between 65 and 68 degrees. Check your room for noises or other distractions. Consider using blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, “white noise” machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices.

If you’re still having trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or to call one of my sleep medicine specialists here at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center. As much as Coronavirus related sleep issues are common and understandable, we all need to get a decent night’s sleep to stay healthy.

Written by Sharon Goldman, Marketing Manager at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center

SLEEP, STRESS AND THE CORONAVIRUS

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SLEEP, STRESS AND THE CORONAVIRUS

In times of crisis and stress, sometimes our basic needs go out the window. Everyone is struggling with the myriad of changes in our daily lives due to COVID-19. From healthcare workers and first responders working extra-long hours. A parent at home with children, struggling to keep them busy. Or those locked down at home binge watching shows day and night. It feels like the whole world has changed in the past few weeks.

These stresses can significantly impact the quality and duration of our sleep. Lack of sleep, whether from added stress or a significant change in your daily schedule, can have a severe impact on our physical and mental health at a time when we need to be our strongest.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 35.2 percent of adults in the United States are getting less than 7 hours of sleep each night. Experts recommend that adults aim for 7–9 hours of sleep a night. So, what can we do to try and improve our sleep quality during these troubled times?

It can be easy to lose sight of how changes in our daily habits influence our ability to sleep well. The concept of sleep hygiene focuses on how to use your habits and routines to your advantage when it comes to sleep. It also includes optimizing your sleep environment so that you can relax and rest easy when you turn in for the night.

  1. Stick to a sleep schedule with the same bedtime and wake up time.This helps to regulate your body’s clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.
  2. Exercise daily– even light exercise is better than no activity at all.
  3. Evaluate your room. Design your sleep environment to establish the conditions you need for sleep. Your bedroom should be cool. Your bedroom should also be free from any noise that can disturb your sleep. Consider using blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, “white noise” machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices.
  4. Wind down and place a moratorium on TV and Social Media. Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading. Set a moratorium on news and social media each night. The constant stress of the world will only add to your stress level and keep your mind working overtime when you should be sleeping.
  5. Get some sunshine. It may seem counterintuitive, given our recommendation about the importance of sleeping in a dark room, but a daily dose of sunshine can actually help you sleep better. Our sleep-wake cycle is closely connected to our circadian rhythms. Your brain relies on sunshine during the day to recognize it’s time to be awake and alert. The more natural light you receive, the more your body stays in tune to the regular day-night rhythms, and your brain learns to associate the darkness that comes in the evening with falling asleep.
  6. If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment. Use your bed only for sleep and intimacy to strengthen the association between bed and sleep. If you associate a particular activity or item with anxiety about sleeping, omit it from your bedtime routine

Stress and sleep are closely linked. We hope that these trying times soon will pass. But if your sleep issues continue, it is important to see a sleep medicine professional to get a thorough evaluation to help identify the possible cause. Stay safe out there.

Coronavirus -How A Good Night’s Sleep Can Help You Fight Back

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Coronavirus -How A Good Night’s Sleep Can Help You Fight Back

Sleep is a natural immune booster. While lack of sleep or sleep deprivation, can adversely affect your immune system. Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold, or the Coronavirus. Quality sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

A healthy immune system can fight off many infections. A sleep-deprived immune system doesn’t work as well. In one study, researchers found 164 men and women willing to be exposed to the cold virus. Not everyone became sick. But those who regularly slept less than six hours a night were 4.2 times more likely to catch the cold compared with those who got more than seven hours of sleep. Risk was even higher when a person slept less than five hours a night. Long-term lack of sleep also increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart and cardiovascular disease.

So how much sleep do you need to bolster your immune system?

The optimal amount of sleep for most adults is seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. Teenagers need nine to 10 hours of sleep. School-aged children may need 10 or more hours of sleep.

The coronavirus outbreak that has everyone searching for answers. Making sure we consistently get a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways we can improve our immunity and defend against viruses and disease.

If you are not getting quality sleep, or if you suspect you may have a sleep disorder, contact the team at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center at 703-729-3420 or visit our website www.comprehensivesleepcare.com. We have nine convenient locations located in the DMV.

 

 

 

Pediatric Sleep Disorders

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PEDIATRIC SLEEP DISORDERS

Up to 30% of children today have some type of sleep disorder. Pediatric sleep disorders can lead to tired and cranky children, but also to a number of behavioral problems at home, in school, and in their social lives as well.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of sleep disorders in children might include:

  • Impulsiveness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty focusing/concentrating
  • Hyperactivity
  • Snoring /gasping, pauses in breathing
  • Restless sleep
  • Nightmares / night terrors
  • Sleepwalking
  • Snorting, coughing or choking
  • Mouth breathing
  • Bed wetting (over the age of 5)
  • Unexplained decrease in daytime performance
  • Obesity
  • Grinding teeth during sleep
  • Trouble falling asleep due to leg discomfort

Infants and young children with obstructive sleep apnea don’t always snore. They might just have disturbed sleep.

Children who have sleep disorders may often exhibit symptoms (inattentiveness, over-activity, restlessness) similar to ADHD. Studies have suggested that as many as 25 percent of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may actually have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and that much of their learning difficulty and behavior problems can be the consequence of chronic fragmented sleep. Bed-wetting, sleep-walking, retarded growth, other hormonal and metabolic problems, even failure to thrive can be related to a sleep disorder. Several recent studies show a strong association between pediatric sleep disorders and childhood obesity. Children exhibiting these symptoms or other behavioral problems should be carefully assessed by a pediatric sleep medicine specialist to assess their sleep problems.

American Acedemy of Pediatrics Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guideline recommends that children who frequently snore should be tested for obstructive sleep apnea.  The clinical practice guideline “Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea” was published in the September 2012 issue of Pediatrics. The guideline recommends in-lab polysomnography for children with daytime learning problems, labored breathing during sleep and disturbed sleep with frequent gasps, snorts or pauses. The guidelines also call for children and adolescents to be screened for snoring as part of routine physician visits. The AAP recommends adenotonsillectomy as the first-line treatment for children with sleep apnea. Pediatricians may also recommend weight loss in obese patients or CPAP if surgery is ineffective or not conducted. 

Causes 

There are differences between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and adult sleep apnea. While adults usually have daytime sleepiness, children are more likely to have behavioral problems. The underlying cause in adults is often obesity, while in children the most common underlying condition is enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils. However, obesity also plays a role in children. Other underlying factors can be craniofacial anomalies and neuromuscular disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications that can affect children’s growth, cognitive development and behavior.

DURING THE DAY, CHILDREN WITH SLEEP DISORDERS MIGHT:

  • Perform poorly in school
  • Have difficulty paying attention
  • Have learning problems
  • Have behavioral problems
  • Have poor weight gain
  • Be hyperactive

 MAKING A DIAGNOSIS

As in adults, a polysomnography (sleep study) is the only tool for a definitive diagnosis and assessment of the severity of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. It needs to be conducted during an overnight stay in a sleep lab, with the test conducted by technologists experienced in working with children and the data interpreted by a sleep medicine physician with pediatric experience. In addition, since children’s sleep apnea is frequently most pronounced during REM sleep late in the sleep cycle, home sleep studies and daytime nap studies are not useful and can be misleading.

FINDING A SPECIALIST

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and care for pediatric sleep disorders for children from the age of 2 months and up with the goal of providing a better night’s sleep and a better day ahead for the entire family.

If you suspect your child might have a sleep disorder, contact our physicians at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center. We have a team of pediatric sleep medicine specialists on staff and ready to help.

 

Having Surgery? Why you need to be screened for Sleep Apnea.

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Having Surgery?

Why you need to be screened for Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea can stop breathing up to hundreds of times each night while sleeping. As many as 18 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea. But over half of those experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are unaware that they have the condition.

It is important for surgical patients to be pre-screened for sleep apnea. Patients with sleep apnea who are undergoing any type of surgery or invasive procedures under general anesthesia are at an increased risk for developing respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Complications can include irregular heart rhythms, oxygen deficiency, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart attack and even death. This holds true for both surgeries related to obstructive sleep apnea and unrelated surgery such as orthopedic or bariatric procedures.

SCREENING FOR SLEEP APNEA BEFORE SURGERY

Screening patients prior to surgery can be very simple. Patients fill out a short Patient Sleep Apnea Questionnaire, which helps their physician determine who is at high risk for sleep apnea. Based on your responses you may need to do a sleep study to confirm or rule out sleep apnea. This test can be done in a sleep laboratory or, in some cases, it can be done with an at-home kit.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY IF YOU HAVE SLEEP APNEA

If you test positive for sleep apnea you should receive treatment prior to scheduling any non-emergency surgery. The gold standard of treatment for OSA is Positive Airway Pressure (PAP). It is important to be compliant with your treatment (wearing the device for 6-8 hours a night) for two to four weeks before the surgery takes place.

DURING AND AFTER SURGERY

Those patients on PAP should bring their own equipment to the hospital. You will receive PAP once your surgery is completed and you are in the recovery area. You should continue to use the unit if admitted to the hospital. It is extremely important to remain compliant with use of PAP therapy after surgery in order to help decrease complications.

 TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

Whether or not you are having surgery, sleep apnea can be dangerous if not diagnosed and adequately treated. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:

  • Snoring, chocking, or gasping during sleep
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Trouble concentrating, memory problems
  • Mood swings, depression

If you experience any of these symptoms you should speak to your doctor or call Comprehensive Sleep Care Center at 703-729-3420 to see one of our sleep medicine specialists.

Traveling with Sleep Apnea

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TRAVELING WITH SLEEP APNEA

THE NEW MINI CPAP MAKES LIFE EASIER

As CPAP users we all know how beneficial our treatment is and how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep. The issue we face isn’t when we are home, but when we travel. Traveling with sleep apnea means dragging along your CPAP machine. If you’re like me you ask the question- do I pack my CPAP or not? To travel with a CPAP, we have to pull out the power cord that we have hidden behind the bed, find our CPAP travel bag, make sure that we pack every component we need (mask, tubing, filters). Even worse when we fly we must make sure to list the medical device as an extra carry on. Then sleep without our CPAP (keeping everyone awake with our snoring) while on the plane. Even thought I know better I tend to say “what a hassle, I will be fine without my machine for a few days” and leave it at home. Only to find that while I am on my trip, my daytime sleepiness and other sleep apnea symptoms start to show themselves. So why isn’t there a better solution? Well there is!

The new mini travel CPAP’s offer the same great therapy in a much smaller size. They even offer some great added benefits. Like USB charging ports, overnight battery options, FAA compliance for in-flight use, waterless humidification and continued insurance compliance with your CPAP machine.

MINI TRAVEL CPAP    resmed mini cpap

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center is now offering the opportunity for our patients to call in and schedule a free consultation to learn about our mini travel CPAP’s. We have two new models available from the best CPAP manufactures in the world. Come check out the small, lightweight, and inconspicuous device that allows patients to get the CPAP therapy they need while making traveling with sleep apnea easier.

Call Today 703-679-0598! To learn more about the Mini CPAP & how it can change the way you travel! For more information email Richard at [email protected]

5 facts about sleep apnea and ED

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5 facts about sleep apnea and ED

The side effects of sleep apnea—fatigue, high blood pressure, risk of heart disease and stroke—are well-known. But one issue that is not as widely talked about is sleep apnea and ED.

  1. Continued research finds that having sleep apnea can be a drag on your love life, causing erectile dysfunction in men as well as a loss of libido in women.
  2. Past studies in men have shown a spike in erectile dysfunction (ED) among men who suffer from the obstructive sleep disorder (OSA). A study done in Germany reported that 70 percent of men seeking sleep apnea treatment also suffered from ED.
  3. One study suggests that men with erectile dysfunction (ED) should be screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). After adjusting for age and other health conditions, they found patients with ED were more than twice as likely to have sleep apnea than their counterparts
  4. In another study, Doctors assessed patients with ED for evidence of sleep disordered breathing. They found that a whopping 91.3% of men with ED also had OSA.
  5. The researchers have stopped short of recommending ED drugs for men with sleep apnea, but they note that using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to treat sleep apnea can help with erectile dysfunction.

 Making the decision to consult a physician is the first important step, one that unfortunately can still be a difficult one for some men. Men who are struggling with issues related to sexual function should have a sleep study evaluation.

The good news is that treatments for obstructive sleep apnea such as CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, weight loss etc. — are safe and effective and can usually get you back in the game.

If you are struggling with any of the issues discussed in this article, contact Comprehensive Sleep Care Center for a consultation and say hello to sleep again.

4 Important Facts About Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease in Women

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4 Important Facts About Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease in Women

While Sleep Apnea is often thought of as a men’s health issue, here are some important facts about sleep apnea and heart disease in women that you need to know.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea is thought to be more prevalent than both asthma and adult diabetes, possibly affecting more than 18 million Americans.
  • Public health advocates think it may be as big a public health hazard as smoking.
  • The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimated that sleep apnea is probably responsible for 38,000 cardiovascular deaths yearly.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure by 140%, the risk of stroke by 60%, and the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain — and the rest of the body — may not get enough oxygen.

  1. Women’s Hearts are More Affected by Sleep Apnea Then Men’s.

A study found that women with moderate to severe sleep apnea had more than a 30 percent higher risk of heart problems than women without sleep apnea. The study found no significant link between sleep apnea and heart problems in men. The researchers also found that, compared to women without sleep apnea, women with the disorder had higher blood levels of troponin, a chemical signal of early heart damage.

  1. Menopause Increases the Risk of Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease in Women

Higher levels of estrogen and progesterone protect women prior to the onset of menopause. These hormones maintain the airway’s muscle tone and keep it from collapsing. However, as these levels decline during perimenopause and drop to their lowest levels as part of menopause, the incidence of sleep apnea climbs. This suggest that older women may be at greater risk for sleep apnea-related heart disease than men.

Data from the 2007 Sleep in America Poll of the National Sleep Foundation demonstrated evidence that 35 percent of women entering menopause could expect to face a higher risk for developing the most serious form of sleep-disordered breathing—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—by the post-menopause phase, compared to younger women.

  1. Women’s Sleep Apnea Symptoms can be Different from Men’s

Sleep apnea symptoms in women may or may not mimic those in men. Often, the classic symptoms that men with OSA present, do not show up in the same way in women. Women are more likely to have complaints of restless legs, fatigue, insomnia, morning headaches, or mood swings, rather than the loud snoring and choking that men experience.

  1. Women and Untreated Sleep Apnea are not a Healthy Combination.

Untreated OSA leads to a host of other problems that can plague women: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, depression, hypertension, and obesity

Sleep Apnea Complications

If you are struggling with any of the issues discussed in this article, contact Comprehensive Sleep Care Center for a consultation and say hello to sleep again.

Think you are caring for your CPAP correctly?

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Think you are caring for your CPAP correctly?

Take this quiz to find out.

One of the most important factors in maintaining CPAP compliance is taking care of your CPAP equipment. Fortunately, caring for your CPAP equipment can be easy. By making it part of your morning routine you will keep your device and accessories working properly. And say hello to sleep again…

1. The water in the humidification chamber needs to be cleaned out daily?

         Yes      No

The answer is a resounding yes. Emptying out the water helps prevents bacteria and calcification build up.

  • Remove chamber from humidifier carefully so water doesn’t enter your CPAP machine.
  • Open chamber and wash with warm, soapy water.
  • Rinse well with water and allow to dry on a clean cloth or paper towel out of direct sunlight.

2. Once a week, the humidification chamber needs to be completely washed?

Yes      No

Again, the answer is YES.

  • Once a week the humidifier chamber should be soaked in a solution of 1-part white vinegar, 3-parts water for approximately 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
  • Some humidifier chambers are dishwasher safe, but make sure to check your CPAP machine’s manual before cleaning in a dishwasher.
  • Humidifier chambers should be replaced every 6 months or as needed.

3. CPAP masks need to be washed daily?

Yes      No

The answer is Yes, (do you see a theme here?)

Most CPAP mask cushions are made of silicone. While silicone is a very comfortable material for masks, it doesn’t have a very long lifespan, and without proper care can breakdown even faster than expected. Therefore, cleaning your CPAP mask is crucial in making it efficient as possible. Here are some tips on CPAP mask cleaning and replacement:

  • Wash mask daily with warm water and mild, non-fragrant, soap or use unscented baby wipes. You can also purchase CPAP mask wipes.
  • Rinse with water and allow to air dry on a clean cloth or paper towel out of direct sunlight.
  • Before using mask at night, wash your face thoroughly and don’t use facial moisturizers. Facial oils and moisturizers can breakdown the silicone faster.
  • Once a week, soak mask in solution of 1-part white vinegar, 3-parts water before rinsing.
  • Headgear and chinstraps should be washed as needed by hand using warm soapy water, rinsed well, and air dried. Do not place headgear or chinstraps in washing machine or dryer.
  • When caring for your CPAP masks check both your manufacturer’s recommendations and your insurance allowance. However, for most masks it is recommended that you replace the cushions 1-2 times per month, and the mask every 3-6 months.
  • CPAP tubing should be cleaned weekly in a sink of warm, soapy water, rinsed well, and left to hang-dry out of direct sunlight.

4. Should you clean the non-disposable filter weekly? More if you have pets or smoke?

Yes      No

I think you know what the answer is.

Your filters are located near the back of the CPAP machine where the device draws air. Nearly all CPAP machines have a disposable filter and some have an additional non-disposable filter as well. Here are some cleaning tips for your CPAP filters:

  • Rinse non-disposable filters with water and allow to dry before placing back into your machine.
  • The re-usable filters should be replaced when it begins to look worn or after 6 months.
  • Replace disposable filters every 2 weeks or more frequently if it appears dingy or dirty.
  • Once a week, unplug device from outlet and wipe with a damp cloth.

Cleaning CPAP

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Make caring for your CPAP equipment part of your morning routine.
  • Keep machine and accessories out of direct sunlight to avoid damaging them.
  • Never use bleach to clean accessories.
  • Place machine on a level surface and away from curtains that may interfere with the air intake.
  • Keep track of when you should order replacement parts for your mask and accessories so that you always get the most out of your CPAP.

If you have a CPAP, but are struggling with compliance, check out our no mask oral appliance, ApneaGuard, for mild to moderate sleep apnea.  Call and schedule a consultation with one of our sleep medicine physicians, or ask your doctor about a sleep referral to the Comprehensive Sleep Care Center.

If you are struggling with your CPAP or have sleep issues, contact Comprehensive Sleep Care Center for a consultation and Say Hello to Sleep Again…

5 Important Reminders About Caring for Your Oral Device

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Are you one of the thousands of patients at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center using ApneaGuard℠ with SomnoDent Oral appliance therapy to treat their sleep apnea? Caring for your oral device is very important. Here are 5 tips for caring for your oral device.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), also called Jaw Advancing Device (JAD) or Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Our ApneaGuard℠ with SomnoDent is a FDA approved. It is non-invasive, adjustable and a portable treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It is also an alternative treatment in cases where patients are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.

Caring for your Oral Device

  1. Always keep your device out of direct sunlight and at a temperature over 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Store your ApneaGuard℠ with SomnoDent per the device instructions. Keep it away from pets and small children. As they can find your device particularly interesting and unfortunately any damage caused is not covered under warranty unless it is a manufacturer’s defect.
  3. By storing in water, the material will not dry out and will help prevent cracks, corrosion and possible discoloration of the metal components (caused by buildup of salts and saliva). The device should be fully submerged. When travelling clean the device thoroughly, dry with a cloth and place in the storage container without water and place the lid on.
  4. Do not use toothpaste on the device as it contains abrasives and may damage device
  5. Never use hot water on the as it will damage the device

Additional Tips for Your Oral Appliance Therapy

  • At night, clean your teeth and mouth thoroughly before wearing your device
  • Always wear both upper and lower plates together; wearing only one plate renders the device ineffective
  • In the morning, you may find it helpful to chew gum or do jaw motion exercises to help alleviate any stiffness after wearing the device overnight

If you are interested in more information about ApneaGuard℠ go to www.byebyecpap.com or call us at 1.844.753.3790

If you have signs or symptoms of sleep apnea, take the first step.  Call and schedule a consultation with one of our sleep medicine physicians, or ask your doctor about a sleep referral to the Comprehensive Sleep Care Center.

If you are struggling with any of the issues discussed in this article, contact Comprehensive Sleep Care Center for a consultation and Say Hello to Sleep Again…