What is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome?

UARS is the middle stage between snoring and OSA.

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD) can be broken down into three stages – Benign snoring, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), and finally Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Some expert argue that it’s a progressive disorder that starts with non-harmful snoring and ends in OSA which cause a number of health issues including high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack among several other health problems.

What is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome and why haven’t I heard about it?

While everyone is familiar with snoring and most of us know of OSA, not everyone has heard of UARS. The reason is that UARS was only recently identified by Stanford University and is often missed by physicians.

As the name implies, UARS is a syndrome that involves resistance in breathing within the upper airway. This resistance is caused by an airway that has become narrow and does not allow air to travel past it freely. Narrowing of the airway is often caused by aging and excessive body fat although some patients who experience UARS are not overweight. While this resistance will not show reduced levels of blood oxygen during a sleep study, the reduced breathing will arouse their brain while sleeping which does not allow for a restful night sleep and the body never fully recovers. Those with UARS will experience symptoms similar to those with OSA such as feeling tired even after getting 8 or more hours of sleep, difficulty concentrating, and frequent arousal during sleep.

Benign Snoring vs. UARS vs. OSA

Snoring, UARS and OSA have a lot in common and are easy to confuse with each other. What’s the difference between snoring, UARS, and OSA and why is there so much confusion between the three? One common characteristic between the three is the occurrence of some level of airway resistance. Also, all three often exhibit similar symptoms.

With snoring, air is able to travel freely through the upper airway and it does not cause any health issues. The sound of snoring is often heard when the tongue and jaw relax and fall back into the airway. When this occurs, loose tissue in the airway begins to flap around which creates the sound of snoring. While the flapping of tissue will cause some resistance in breathing, it’s not enough to cause a disruption in quality sleep (although it’s very likely to disturb the snorer’s bed partner).

From snoring, you graduate into UARS which as mentioned is potentially harmful and can affect your quality of sleep. With UARS, the patient shows signs of difficulty breathing but breathing does not pause. Interestingly enough, those with UARS don’t always snore. They may exhibit symptoms of short labored breathing while asleep. The reduced flow of air will arouse the individual throughout the night, although the patient is unlikely to remember the event. When undergoing a sleep study, a diagnosis of UARS is often missed because blood-oxygen levels are typically normal.

UARS often evolves into OSA, a condition in which breathing completely stops for several seconds which causes the individual to wake and resume breathing. This condition falls on the opposite spectrum of snoring and requires medical attention. When this occurs, it’s referred to as an apneic event. In patients with severe OSA, several hundred apneic events can occur every hour, robbing them of a complete sleep cycle. Like those with UARS, they patient will exhibit symptoms of daytime tiredness and inability to focus during the day. They may even fall asleep during periods of time that are inappropriate such as at work or while driving a vehicle. OSA is the most dangerous of the three for a number reasons. It not only affects blood pressure but causes numerous workplace and vehicle accidents every year.

Snoring, UARS and OSA all have similar symptoms which is why it’s easy to confuse the three. Here’s a brief summary of the symptom of each condition.

Summary of Symptoms

Benign snoring Produces the recognizable sound of snoring without any resistance or obstruction. Simple snoring is often considered harmless.

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome: May produce the sound of snoring coupled with daytime tiredness, inability to concentrate, arousal during sleep, & irritability.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: May show symptoms of UARS in addition to pauses in breathing and reduced blood o2 levels.

How Do I Know Which One I Have?

Being so closely related, how can I tell each one apart? Let’s say for instance a person snores and constantly feels tired throughout the day. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell exactly which sleep-related breathing disorder a person has without consulting with a medical professional who specializes in sleep medicine. Your doctor may have you complete a short assessment such as the STOPBANG to help determine if a sleep study is necessary. During a sleep study, a technician will connect the patient to several monitoring devices which measures a number of different functions such as respiratory, blood oxygen levels, brainwave activity, etc.  The results are interpreted by a qualified medical doctor and a diagnosis is made. Only then will you be certain which area of the spectrum you fall.

Treatment Options for UARS

If left untreated, UARS can eventually evolve into OSA which requires a more aggressive treatment plan.

Unlike OSA which is typically treated with a CPAP machine and recommendations to lose weight, UARS patients are usually not given a CPAP machine as a first treatment option. Lifestyle changes are usually strongly encouraged to help prevent UARS from worsening. Dietary changes increased exercise, and good sleep hygiene are typically recommended at first. It’s quite common for those with snoring, UARS and OSA to be overweight, although obesity is not always the cause of the three.

It’s important to note that having UARS or OSA can actually cause you to gain weight which further compounds breathing problems. The issue begins by becoming overweight by not watching our diet and not exercising. Extra fat, particular in the neck area pushes against the airway which causes resistance and restricts breathing. This does not allow for a restful night of sleep. When a person spends their waking hours constantly tired, they often reach for high fat, high sugar junk foods for a quick burst of energy. This energy is short lived and they continue to eat such foods throughout the day which over time cause weight gain causing increased airway resistance. This vicious cycle continues and eventually escalates to OSA.

CPAP treatment is often reserved for those with UARS who are unwilling to adjust their lifestyle or are not showing improvement after making the changes suggested by their doctor. CPAP treatment is typically unnecessary unless the patient is moving towards OSA and there are no other options. With a CPAP therapy, a steady stream of air is delivered from a machine though an air tube and to a mask which attaches to the face. The volume of air is adjusted to a level high enough to “blow open” their airway and prevent resistance.

Oral Appliance Therapy is another option that can be prescribe to a patient who is diagnosed with UARS. This involves the use of an oral appliance, sometimes referred to as a snoring mouthpiece. These mouthguard-like appliances fit between the upper teeth and lower teeth and work together to hold the jaw slightly forward during sleep in order to hold the airway open and prevent resistance or obstruction. Such devices are classified as Mandibular Advancement Devices or MAD’s.  There are several different types of mouthpieces, some fitted by a dentist while others can be purchased online and self-fitted. Oral appliance are recognized for the treatment of snoring, UARS, and OSA although they should be used under the supervision of a physician, especially when treating OSA.

An alternative to the MAD is the Tongue Stabilizing Device or TSD which actually attaches to the end of the tongue via suction and holds the tongue in the forward position. This has the same effect as a MAD and is preferred by some patients over the MAD. The TSD is a ones-size-fits-all medical grade silicone mouthpiece that passes between the front teeth and attaches to the tongue. Studies have shown that they are equally effective when compared to the MAD.

This website contains a lot of information on both MAD’s and TSD’s. If you are interested in a self-fitted product, you may want to start by looking here. We have tested dozens of oral appliance and offer information and an opinion on each.

Is the Good Morning Snore Solution on eBay the Real Deal?

The Good Morning Snore Solution is a tongue stabilizing device that was introduced by Dr. Leslie Dort of Canada in 2007 after several studies were conducted, proving this device to be effective. Here’s one such study that was published. This is a mouthpiece that I have tried and experienced great results. You can read about my experience with the GMSS here.

In recent months, I have noticed that several sellers, mostly Hong Kong and Taiwan based, have been appearing on websites such as eBay and are selling a device that appears to be identical to the GMSS. They sell under several product names that are similar in nature to the Good Morning Snore Solution, names such as:

• Good Morning Sleep Solution
• Good Morning Sleep Aid Device
• Good Morning Sleep Solution Aid
• Good Evening Morning Sleep Aid
• Good Night Snore Solution
• Snore Solution Good Night Sleep
• Stop Snoring Good Sleep Solution
• All Night Snore Solution

Not surprisingly, most of these products are being sold directly from China for as little as $4.99 with free shipping. How is this even possible, you may ask? How can a seller on eBay sell a similar product, shipped to my doorstep for less than the price that GMSS charges for shipping?

The answer to this question is that the eBay sellers are able to do so by cutting corners where GMSS does not.  While the two products may look identical, these generic Chinese eBay counterfeit products are inferior in quality and are potentially dangerous to use as they are not cleared by the FDA, are not ordered by a prescription and above all, are not made from the same quality material.

That being said, to my knowledge GMSS does not sell their mouthpieces on eBay. They only sell directly to the consumer through their website.

What Makes The Official GMSS Different in Comparison to Those Found on eBay?

The Difference is in the Quality of Material and Safety of the Product

Putting aside the issues regarding the legal sale of non-authentic GMSS items on eBay, what makes the official GMSS better? Simply stated, it has to do with the quality and type of material that is used to produce it.

The GMSS in made in one of two countries, Canada or the United States where as eBay generics are all produced in China. The GMSS is made from a medical grade silicone and is produced in facilities that are regulated by government agencies to ensure safety and compliance. Their less expensive counterparts are often produced in facilities that have little to no regulation and the raw materials that are used may even be toxic. In recent years, the media has highlighted several instances where toxic Chinese goods, everything from children’s toys to vitamins and supplements, have entered the US and wound up in the hands of unsuspecting consumers. This is not to say that these eBay generics are in fact toxic, but they are being produced in an area of the world that is well known for cranking out cheap, low-quality goods. In order to produce these products at the lowest price possible, manufacturers often sacrifice quality by using the least expensive materials available with disregard to consumer safety. While their product description may state that it’s made from a safe medical grade silicone, this is not always the case.

Evidence of the use of inferior materials can be found in a review that was posted on eBay which reads as follows:

“I think this item is of good quality and would work as described. However, I found that I must be allergic to the silicone the product is made from. I have a history of being allergic to some by-products of rubber, latex, and other plastics. When I was a kid, my mouth would begin to react by swelling when using a certain plastic cup. This product could be good if it were not for the allergic issue that I have. After just a short time of use, I could feel my mouth begin to react with some swelling. After a few hours, the swelling subsided.”

Considering that snorers who use such a product will place it inside their mouths for eight or more hours every night, this is a lot of time that a mouthpiece remains in contact with the inside of your body. Is it worth a few extra dollars to ensure peace of mind that the product you are using is made in a regulated facility and from the purest materials available? Personally, I would agree that it is.

Company Credibility

MpowRx, the company behind the Good Morning Snore Solution, has been in business for over a decade and is headed by physicians who are familiar with snoring and sleep apnea. They have spent years and several thousands of dollars to ensure that Good Morning Snore Solution is safe and effective. They are so confident in their product that the offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. MpowRx is a registered member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), maintains an A+ score and has performed several hundred thousand transactions.

In comparison, those who are selling counterfeit products are typically using an account that has not been established very long and has performed perhaps only a few hundred transactions.  They typically do not offer a money back guarantee and are prone to disappearing from eBay without notice only to reappear using a different seller’s name.

Why is the GMSS so Expensive in Comparison to Those Sold on eBay?

Take one look and the first thing you will notice is the $99.00 price tag of the GMSS and the $5.00 cost of the similar product that is sold on eBay. There is a whopping $95 difference between the two. You may ask yourself whether or not GMSS is overcharging for their product? How do those on eBay sell for only $5 and make a profit?

The answer has to do with the expenses associated with operating a business vs reselling a counterfeit product.

Before even making it to market, there are several expenses that the company behind the GMSS were required to pay. Examples of these expense include some of the following:

• Research and Development
• Patent and legal fees
• Product liability insurance
• Employee wages
• Production and shipping
• Sales and advertising
• Product fulfillment
• Customer service
• Returns

This list is nowhere near inclusive and only scratches the surface when it comes to the costs associated with running a business. The GMSS also operates several global distribution centers which adds to the overall costs of manufacturing and selling such a product. All of these expenses can easily add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Once all expenses have been removed, they are left with a profit that is nowhere near the selling price.

Compare these costs to the costs that are associated with a Chinese factory direct seller or a reseller who operates with very little to no overhead costs and can produce each unit for just a few pennies on the dollar. Many eBay sellers bypass the R&D and design patents while operating with very limited expenses by cutting out items such as customer service, insurance, advertising, employee wages, etc.

Should I Buy a Mouthpiece on eBay?

After presenting the difference between the authentic GMSS and those found on eBay, you may still be interested in purchasing the less expensive product. If the cost is your only concern then, by all means, purchase the product that is most affordable to you. If you value product safety and care about what’s going into your mouth, I would suggest purchasing directly from the GMSS website to ensure that you receive an authentic device that is safe to use for many years to come.

Snoring is a bedroom nuisance that can be heard in nearly half the households across the US on any given night. Anti-snoring products are a multi-million dollar industry that includes a variety of different devices and supplements, all of which promise less snoring and a better nights sleep.

As they say, some of the best things in life are free and this statement also rings true when it comes to snoring. While there are products out there effectively silence snoring, before opening your wallet and handing over your hard earned money, you may want to consider one simple change in the way that you sleep at night.

If you typically sleep on your back, side sleeping can greatly reduce or even completely eliminate loud and disruptive snoring. Just how effective is sleeping on your side? One Israel study suggests that greater than half of all snorers are positional snorers meaning that they only snore while sleeping on their back and not while on their side.

Why Can Sleeping On Your Side Prevent Snoring?

In the Israel study, 1118 of the 2077 patients (53.8%), who typically had breathing abnormalities while asleep, no longer experienced any issues when made to sleep on their side. Exactly why is it that simply sleeping on one’s side makes such a remarkable difference in snoring? The answer is best explained by examining the area in which snoring typically originates.

While there are many reasons why snoring occurs, the most common reason is that the area surrounding the uvula relaxes during sleep and the airway becomes somewhat restricted. As air rushes passed this restricted area, the snoring sound is produced because bits of loose tissue tend to flap against each other. The use of alcohol and sedatives can actually worsen the intensity of snoring because it further relaxes the airway and creates a greater restriction.

Well, how does sleeping on one’s side help to prevent this from happening? This can be explained by the effects of gravity.

During sleep, the tongue and jaw tend to relax and then fall backward. While sleeping on your back, gravity allows the surrounding area of muscle and tissue to fall backward and ultimately pinch off the airway to the point where the air is still able to pass, but flapping occurs. If air is completely cut off, an apneic event occurs which results in the temporary pause in breathing. If apnea is present, a doctor can properly diagnose and treat this condition. For the scope of this discussion, we are referring to non-apnea snoring or benign snoring.

Now, visualize a change in position from the back to the side. When the jaw and tongue both relax, instead of falling to the back of the throat, the loose tissue falls off to the side and does not impede breathing as it did while laying on the back.  Side sleeping can be an effective way to prevent snoring; but what about the other 50% who are not positional snorers? Those who see no difference in snoring between side sleeping and sleeping on their back likely need a more aggressive treatment such as an oral appliance.

The anatomy of a non-positional snorer usually prevents positional therapy from being effective. Also, in some cases where a patient is extremely overweight, airway fat can prevent positional therapy from becoming effective. In this instance, weight loss is often the best option.

Which Side Should I Sleep On – Left or Right?

Left side sleeping can also aid in digestion.

One question that may come to mind when considering side sleeping is which side should you sleep on. While you may benefit from sleeping on either side, sleeping on the left side may be a better choice for many reasons.

First, sleeping on the left side helps with digestion. This is especially true in those who have frequent heartburn. Sleeping on one’s left side helps to keep the contents of the stomach in place due to the shape of the stomach and esophagus. It also allows the stomach to empty more naturally while asleep. Heartburn, or acid reflux, can also keep you up at night which affects your quality of sleep.

Aside from better digestion, sleeping on one’s side also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood because it’s pumping downhill and not uphill, allowing the heart to work less. Left sleeping also shifts all of the intestines to the left which moves them away from the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) which is responsible for return blood flow back to the heart.  This is also why pregnant women are advised to sleep on their left side as it allows for blood and nutrients to easily reach the placenta.

While it’s fairly well known that there are several benefits to sleeping on one’s side to prevent snoring and there is still a debate as to which one is better. If you experience frequent heartburn, left side sleeping is likely going to be a good choice.

Some studies have actually suggested that sleeping on one’s right side is better for snoring. If you are not sure which side will be best for you, try alternating between both sides and ask your bed partner of they notice a difference between right and left sleeping.

How to Stay on Your Side While Asleep

Whether you choose to sleep on your left side or right side, the question that you are likely wondering is – How do I remain on my side throughout the night? After all, it’s very easy to fall asleep on your side and eventually end up on your back despite all efforts to remain on your side. The truth is, most of us toss and turn throughout the night while asleep. Is it even possible to control rolling over while sleeping?

The answer to this common question is that you have to use a device that will physically prevent you from rolling over. Here are three simple suggestions that you can choose from:

• Specialty pillow: There are a variety of different specialty pillows that can be used to prevent rollover while asleep. There are some that help to facilitate side sleeping by making it more comfortable while there are other pillows that act as a bumper, making roll over physically impossible. Before investing a lot of money in a specialty pillow, consider fabricating a homemade pillow by taping together a series of pillows which can be placed behind your back to physically prevent rollover. If you are able to prove that side sleeping is effective, consider investing in a good wedge pillow, bumper pillow, or other side sleeping pillow which will be more comfortable.
• Tennis balls: Sew a pocket into the back of an old comfortable shirt and wear at night. You can also fasten tennis balls to the back of a shirt using a rubber band. The idea is that rolling over onto a tennis ball will be uncomfortable which will cause you to remain on your side. If one ball doesn’t work, you may want to try multiple balls in a series across the back of a shirt.
• Use a pregnancy pillow: While you may not be pregnant, a pregnancy pillow can be a helpful tool to keep you on your side at night. Such pillows are usually in the shape of a “U” and allow you to sleep comfortably on your side while preventing rollover. These pillows are somewhat expensive, so you should try one of the methods mentioned above before investing in one.

When Side Sleeping Fails

While there is about a 50% chance that side sleeping will help with snoring, there is also a 50% chance that it will not help with snoring. If you have tried side sleeping and have not noticed a difference in snoring, you may have to graduate to using an oral appliance to stop your snoring. Oral appliances are often effective when side sleeping is not. Several oral appliances, also known as mouthpieces can be purchased online for usually less than $100. There are several to choose from, so I put together this list of snoring mouthpieces which should help to narrow down your choices.

Do Nasal vents, cones, and nasal dilators stop snoring?

The Nasal Valve

 So How do they Work?

Nasal Cones to Treat Rhinitis

Nasal dilators for Nasal Valve Stenosis

Nasal dilators ( or Nasal cones ) are proven to be effective at stopping snoring.  There are several styles and brands on the market, and it’s best to try a few styles to test out the sizing for your nose.  It’s common to go through a few different brands in order to find the best manufacturer for you.  Nasal dilators are pretty inexpensive, considering the effectiveness, so buy a few styles and use a different brand each night until you decide on the best one for you.Share This Post:

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

LAUP is a series of procedures and office visits where the doctor reshapes the uvula in order to stop loud and habitual snoring.  The uvula hangs across your tongue in the back of the mouth.  It’s a soft fleshy tissue that is considered part of your soft palate.  When you swallow, the uvula creates a barrier in your nasal passage in order to help guide the food in your mouth down your throat.  The uvula is said to be one of the main culprits in causing snoring.  When the uvula is inflamed, it can actually restrict the flow of air down into your lungs.

Common Reasons the Uvula becomes Inflamed and Causes Snoring

Prescription Drug Use

Many medications have side effects when used.  The uvula can become swollen as one of these side effects.  Sometimes tobacco and marijuana use can irritate the uvula as well.  While inhaling either of these, the smoke passes down the air passageway and can irritate the uvula along the way.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water or fluids is said to irritate the uvula and cause it to become inflamed.  Excessive alcohol consumption, which then leads to dehydration, can also cause inflammation in the uvula.  Any kind of inflammation in the throat, near the soft palate, or uvula typically results in excessive snoring since inflammation blocks the flow of air.

Allergies

Many people nowadays experience allergies to food, the environment, and dust.  When you are allergic to something and consume it or inhale it, it is going to effect your uvula since it’s located in the back of the mouth.  Once the uvula becomes inflamed, it will start to block your air passageway and snoring will most likely occur during your sleep.

When an airway blockage occurs, the air vibrates off the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and causes the loud sound of snoring.  Many doctors prefer to remove the uvula completely so that it can no longer block the airway, thus eliminating snoring.  This is the LAUP.  It is an outpatient procedure that does not require overnight care in a hospital.  The LAUP is done to enlarge the oropharyngeal airway.

The Uvulopalatoplasty Procedure

The actual LAUP requires multiple visits to your doctor’s office.  Depending on the patient, you may need the LAUP treatment three to five times in order for snoring to stop completely.  Each treatment takes roughly 35 minutes.

What is removed?

Part or all of your uvula is removed from the back of your throat by a high-intensity laser.  Parts of the uvula are removed during multiple visits, depending on the experience of the doctor, or it can all be removed at once.

Are you awake during a Uvulopalatoplasty?

Patients remain awake during the LAUP and are given local anesthetic.  Most people are not entirely sedated during this procedure because local anesthesia will numb the entire back of the mouth and throat.  Depending on the patient and doctor, the uvula may be completely amputated during the first visit, with remaining visits used to carve away more of the soft palate tissues, or the uvula will be amputated bit by bit over the visits.  Either way, the goal of the surgery is to eliminate the uvula completely and treat the surrounding soft palate tissues so that snoring will no longer occur afterwards.

The uvula is a very sensitive tissue in the back of your throat and can be quite painful.  Most patients are given pain medicines before the procedure and are instructed to remain taking them for 1-2 weeks after the treatment.

LAUP Recovery Time

The recovery time for an LAUP is very manageable.  Most doctors will have you in for the procedure for roughly thirty minutes or so, followed by a post-op for 1-2 hours or sometimes less. Usually the patient will have a severe sore throat up to a week after their visit.  The sore throat will occur after each treatment as well.  Your speech is usually not impacted by the procedures, however you may be inclined not to strain your voice during the day of your appointment.

Uvulopalatoplasty Side Effects

Some doctors do not promote a Uvulopalatoplasty because they believe it will actually have adverse effects on the patient.  A few of their concerns are listed below.

Thermal Damage to the back of the Throat

Some doctors believe that the laser used in an LAUP actually causes damage to the throat and mouth.

Palatal Fibrosis

Palatal fibrosis is the scarring and thickening of your soft palate tissues.  The laser beams are very powerful in this procedure and may cause scar tissue to actually block part of the airway.  If the point of the procedure in the first place is to clear the airway and keep the uvula from blocking it, but the side effect of the procedure may create scar tissue to then block the airway again, seems counterproductive.  This is only speculation by certain doctors, however.

Sleep Apnea

If palatal fibrosis occurs, this can actually start to block the airway and cause sleep apnea.  Some doctors claim that a Uvulopalatoplasty is actually medically induced sleep apnea.

Uvulopalatoplasty vs. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

LAUP should not be confused with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP or UP3).  LAUP is significantly less invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and is at a lesser risk for having side effects and complications after surgery.  UPPP different from an LAUP in that:

• the tonsils and adenoids are removed
• you are under general anesthesia during the procedure
• the jaw may need to be surgically moved forward
• swelling and excessive bleeding may occur
• the recovery time can take months

Other Surgeries to Treat Snoring

An LAUP is not the only type of surgical procedure that can stop snoring.  There are several other invasive and noninvasive procedures that can be done in an attempt to stop snoring once and for all.

Somnoplasty

A somnoplasty is a popular treatment for snoring.  It involves a series of doctors visits where heat generated energy actually creates scar tissue in the soft palate, making it more tough and hard.  When the soft palate tissues are hard, the vibration of air does not occur in the back of the throat, thus eliminating and preventing snoring from occurring.

Pillar Procedure

The pillar procedure is a simple non-invasive procedure where tiny implants are actually placed under the surface of your soft palate.  They provide a hardening support in the soft palate that deters the palate from vibrating when the airway is blocked.  The vibrating noises start when the fatty tissues of the soft palate vibrate, so with the implants in place, the vibration is not able to occur.  This results in the stopping of your snoring.

Whichever type of procedure you and your doctor end up deciding on, make sure you weigh all of your options carefully.  In the end, the importance of undergoing a surgical treatment to stop snoring is to, well, completely stop the snoring.  Choose the procedure that is the most effective at stopping your snoring once and for all.Share This Post:

When it comes to treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea, there are now more options available than ever. Two of the most popular treatment options are Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy and Oral Appliance Therapy.

There are several variations of both products. For instance, CPAP Therapy may include a number of different types of machines including the Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and Auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP).

Oral appliance therapy typically includes either a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) or Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD) sometimes referred to a Tongue Retaining Device (TRD).

While all of these acronyms may seem a bit intimidating, it’s really not as complicated as it may seem. Continue reading to learn more about these treatment options and the pros and cons of each. In the end, we will make a comparison between the two and tell you which one is better.

CPAP Options for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

CPAP Machine 

The most basic option for treating sleep apnea is the use of CPAP therapy which involves a machine that blows air through a tube and into a mask that is worn throughout the night. This pressurized air combats obstructive sleep apnea by blowing air down your airway at a pressure that is predetermined by your doctor. Generally speaking, the more severe the obstruction, the greater the force that will be required to clear the obstruction.  This forceful air opens the airway and creates an unobstructed path which allows air to travel. CPAP machines have been considered the ‘Gold Standard” for several years now and are most commonly prescribed by physicians.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)

The BiPAP machine is similar in nature to the CPAP but does offer one key feature that you do not receive with the CPAP.

As the name implies, there are 2 (Bi) separate pressure settings that are set which allow you to breathe more naturally. With a CPAP, one constant pressure setting is blowing at you non-stop throughout the night. While this constant pressure effectively opens the airway while inhaling, exhaling becomes works against your lungs while breathing out. The settings are typically set to an inhale pressure and an exhale pressure with the inhale pressure typically being stronger than the exhale pressure.

Those who have used a standard CPAP machine and switched over to a BiPAP often report a higher level of comfort as they are not fighting against the machine while exhaling.

Auto-Adjusting CPAP (APAP)

The APAP function is fairly self-explanatory. It constantly monitors your breathing and makes an adjustment “automatically” to correct an obstruction. APAP machines are by far the most advanced machines available as they are able to make adjustments on the fly to account for issues such as weight gain/loss, change in position or alcohol an sedative use. Generally speaking, APAP’s are typically issued to those with severe OSA.

Oral Appliance Therapy Used to Treat OSA

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

The Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), also commonly referred to as a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) utilizes a concept that is completely different from the CPAP type machines. The device consists of an upper and lower plastic tray that is molded to fit the mouth precisely. The lower tray is connected to the upper tray in order to form the mouthpiece. The trays are typically adjustable which allows your dentist to fine-tune the device to suit your needs.

In order for a MAD to work, it must restrain the jaw in a forward position which pulls and holds the muscles surrounding their airway. This relieves pressure on the airway and permits one to breathe without obstruction. If the lower tray of the mouthpiece is not adjusted far enough forward, it will not be effective. When this occurs, a qualified medical professional can make adjustments in order move the lower tray forward which will offer further advancement of the jaw.

MAD’s have been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea for nearly three decades now and are becoming an increasingly common treatment option for those with obstructive sleep apnea.

Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD)

The Tongue Stabilizing device (TSD) also known as a Tongue Retaining Device (TRD), is a different type of mouthpiece that is used to perform the same function as a MAD. With the TSD, a small device, which somewhat resembles a pacifier, attaches to the end of the tongue using a suction bulb device. The patient squeezes the bulb, places their tongue inside and allows the device to pull the tongue into place.

With a TSD, the tongue is held forward and it essentially performs the same function as a MAD which is to hold the muscles surround the airway open. TSD’s are a newer technology that has been scientifically proven to be just as effective as a MAD.

One advantage that a TSD has over and MAD is the fact that they are sort of a one-size-fits-all type of product which can be used straight out of the box with no special modifications necessary.

The Difference Between a “Snoring Mouthpiece” and Oral Appliance

If you have spent any time researching Oral Appliance, you have likely come across several over-the-counter type products that are collectively referred to as “snoring mouthpieces”.  You have probably looked at the appliances that are fitted by a doctor and then the DIY style mouthpieces and wondered exactly what the difference between the two. They are very similar in appearance although one costs several hundred dollars more than the other and requires going to a dentist to have it fitted.

Essentially, they are identical when it comes to function. They both hold the jaw forward to clear the airway. However, the similarities end here.

The primary difference between the two has to do with the intended use.

A snoring mouthpiece is used to treat benign snoring which does not include OSA.

Professionally fitted MAD’s are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. 

It boils down to this: simple snoring does not cause any harm while OSA is more serious and requires the care of a physician to ensure that it’s being used correctly to prevent apnea events. If you believe that you have sleep apnea, visit a qualified medical professional who can assess your condition.

CPAP Machine Vs Oral Appliance

Round 1: Convenience 

CPAP machines, although considered very effective, have a reputation for being inconvenient. There’s the machine itself, a long hose and a mask or nasal pillow. CPAP machines take up space in the bedroom and must be hauled around while traveling.It also requires electricity to operate. They have more moving parts which mean they are more likely to break down.

In comparison, an oral appliance is small, compact, and easy to travel with. There are no moving parts although they may sometimes need repair. Oral appliance can fit into your pocket and can be used without electricity.

The winner is…  The Oral Appliance

Round 2: Comfort

Comfort is a difficult subject when it comes to comparing the oral appliance to a CPAP. The level of comfort experienced by users will vary from one patient to another.

There is certainly no shortage of people reporting that their CPAP is difficult to sleep with due to the mask on their face and air constantly blowing down their throat. These people typically abandon use after just weeks or few days.

By the same token, there are plenty of oral appliance users claim that their device makes their jaw sore and causes drooling throughout the night.

The Winner is… It’s a tie

Round 3: Effectiveness

There is no denying that the CPAP is more effective than the oral appliance. In fact, it’s effective in an estimated 99% of cases which is why doctors prescribe it most often.

In comparison, an oral appliance is effective somewhere around 75% of the time. Some studies suggest that it’s more effective while others say that it’s less.

The Winner is… CPAP

Conclusion

Determining which product is better should be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

Those who don’t mind dealing with the awkwardness of a CPAP and are comfortable using the machine may choose to go this route because of its effectiveness.

If the idea of dragging around machine indefinitely is getting you down and you are able to tolerate an oral appliance, this may be a better route to go. It’s important to remember that it’s not as effective as the CPAP. Your doctor will be able to help you determine if an oral appliance is right for you.

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How to Deal With A Snoring Partner – 4 Step Solution to Speaking With Your Spouse

Snoring – it’s a problem that affects over ninety million Americans on a nightly basis. Although snoring is viewed by many in a joking manner, it can very easily cause a serious relationship strain, especially if one of the partners becomes sleep deprived due to being kept up by their significant others snoring. This issue can quickly lead to sleeping in separate bedrooms which some experts believe is bad news for a relationship.

While it’s true that men are more likely to snore than women, you may be surprised to hear that women are not as innocent as one would suspect. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 men snore while women are not far behind with 1 in 5 that snore. Whichever side of the fence you are on, snoring can become an issue and should be addressed in order to prevent further escalation of the problem. Discussing a snoring problem with your partner is not always easy because he or she may feel as if it’s a non issue.  So, how do you go about bringing the issue to your partner and coming up with a solution? Here’s a four-step solution that will help you get the restful night that you deserve.

Step 1: Start With A Conversation  

Tackling the issue or snoring starts with engaging in conversation with your loved one. Approach the situation with a level head while keeping in mind that their snoring is not intentional. It’s very likely that they are not even aware of how their snoring is impacting your sleep. After all, they are asleep and have no idea what goes on once their head hits the pillow. When approaching your partner, be sure to do so in an appropriate setting where you both are relaxed and less likely to overreact or become upset. For instance, discussing your partners snoring after they had a stressful day at work may not be the best time to engage in conversation. For instance, perhaps a low stress time after you have enjoyed a vacation together would be appropriate.

When starting the conversation, approach the topic without blaming the other person. By accusing your partner of intentionally keeping you up at night, you risk them becoming defensive which will get you nowhere fast. You may want to start the conversation off something like this:

“This is no fault of your own, but I haven’t been able to get much sleep lately. You probably don’t know this but you snore at night and I’m unable to fall asleep for several hours. Did you want to talk about this now?” If your partner agrees to talk about it, great, it’s time to continue on with the conversation. If they shut down the idea of discussing their snoring problem, it’s probably best to save the topic for another day.

Once they agree to talk about the problem, further explain to them that your lack of sleep is affecting your mood, alertness, and performance during the day. When going into further detail, describe it in a manner where you are simply explaining your situation and are not necessarily angered by their snoring. You may be surprised to find that your partner is actually embarrassed by their snoring and sympathizes with you.

Step 2: Ensure That Your Partner Understands

Now that your partner is engaged in a conversation, ask what their thoughts are on the situation. Beware, they may jokingly respond by telling you to get earplugs. If your partner is reasonable, they will likely empathize with you and agree to discuss a solution. If they disagree that snoring is an issue, it may take some work to get them to better understand where you are coming from. For instance, you may try to further elaborate by giving examples of how your sleep deprivation is affecting your life and potentially theirs. Perhaps you are so tired by the evening that you constantly take naps and are having difficulty waking up to prepare dinner. Maybe you don’t have the energy to do the activities that you once enjoyed doing together.

Explain how solving this issue can be mutually beneficial for the two of you. You may say “By getting enough sleep at night, I won’t have to take naps in the evening and can have dinner ready in the evening. Place an emphasis on the benefits of solving their snoring problem. With enough convincing and understanding on your partners part, you will be on your way to discussing a solution.

Step 3: Talk About Snoring Solutions

Now that you have opened up the conversation and have your partner agreeing, it’s time to discuss a solution. There are several snoring solutions out there, many are inexpensive (in some cases free) and highly effective.

Before going any further, let’s talk a moment about snoring as it relates to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition where the person stops breathing for several seconds throughout the night and resumes breathing once again. OSA can cause a number of health problems and is a condition that is grossly under-diagnosed. Unfortunately, one of the primary indicators of sleep apnea is heavy snoring paired with daytime tiredness among other symptoms. While laying awake at night listening to your partner snore, if you have noticed pausing in their breathing, it would be a good idea to have your partner evaluated by a physician to eliminate the possibility of sleep apnea. You don’t want to simply treat a snoring problem if it’s a symptom of OSA.

Moving on, there are countless snoring solutions available on the market. It’s a huge industry as it affects a lot of people. I have personally explored several snoring solutions and can offer my insight into each.

Positional Therapy

Reducing your partner’s snoring is often achievable by having them sleep on their side. If you notice that they snore loudly while on their back but not while on their side, there is a good chance that they are a positional snorer and could benefit from sleeping on their side.

There are several methods that can be used to achieve this. One of the least expensive methods is to have them wear a t-shirt to bed that has a tennis ball affixed to the back with a rubber band. When they try to roll over in their sleep, the tennis ball will be uncomfortable enough to cause them to roll back on their side. This method is fairly effective for most positional snorers.

If you find that your partner rolls over and sleeps on the tennis balls, it may be time to break out the big guns. There are anti-snore bumper belts that are worn around the waist and physically prevent the snorer from rolling over.  These can be purchased for $100 or less.

Weight Loss

While weight loss is not an instant solution, it can be a long-term solution that comes with numerous benefits aside from stopping the snoring. Asking your partner to lose weight may not be taken very lightly when first presented. Go over the overall benefits of losing weight and see if they are interested in doing so. If they are not interested, it’s probably a good idea not to push the idea as your partner will never be committed to losing weight.

Not all who snore are overweight but the two often go together. Being overweight can cause fat in the neck to push against the airway which aggravates snoring. Lose this fat, and the snoring problem will often disappear. If the snoring does not stop, your partner can benefit from the weight loss in several other ways.

Essential oils 

There are a number of different essentials oils that you can try to help relieve your snoring. Lavender, Marjoram, Eucalyptus, and Valor are a few that you may want to consider. While essential oils are not nearly as effective as weight loss or positional therapy, it may be worth giving a try.

Snoring Mouthpiece

A snoring what? Yes, A snoring mouthpiece, also known as a mandibular advancement device. These small devices are available online only and work wonders when it comes to snoring. The mouthpiece usually resembles a mouthpiece that is worn by football players, however, it’s not the same thing as the snoring mouthpiece that actually holds the jaw forward.  An athletic mouth guard is a simple layer of protection that prevents your teeth from becoming damaged during contact sports.

As mentioned, these devices work by holding the jaw forward which tightens the muscles around the airway and allows for unobstructed breathing. Snoring mouthpieces have been around for several years now and are a highly effective snoring solution. I have used several of these devices. You can find a complete list and review of each one here.

Step 4: Take action 

Now that you have presented several solutions, it’s time to decide which one will be best for you and your partner. This is where you may have to compromise a bit. There’s lots of great information on each snoring solution  online which will be helpful when making a decision. Talk about the Pros and Cons of each and decide on a solution together. Once the decision has been made, take action and be supportive of your spouses’ efforts. For instance, if they decide to lose weight, be sure to encourage them along the way.

Dealing with a snoring problem is never easy. Approach the situation carefully by identifying the problem, gaining their understanding, proposing multiple solutions and then choosing one, and finally taking action. Whatever you do, don’t become hostile towards your partner as they will immediately defend their self by building a wall, which will get you nowhere fast.Share This Post:

Snoring has become a serious nuisance in bedrooms across America.  Now 1 in 4 adults snore on a regular basis and of those snorers, many suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where you pause your breathing for several seconds or breathe a series of shallow unproductive breaths.  There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Long-Term Effects of Snoring – Memory Loss and Dementia

Researches are now finding that snoring and sleep apnea may be linked to the early stages of dementia and long-term memory loss.  Snoring is a side effect of sleep apnea, which is becoming a serious epidemic not only in the United States but worldwide.  Over 20 million Americans alone suffer from sleep apnea, many of which don’t even know they have it.

Sleep apnea occurs while you are asleep.  This disorder stops you from breathing hundreds of times during the night without even knowing it.    Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea where your airway becomes obstructed or blocked.  Typically, your breath stops for several seconds and is then followed by a loud gasp for air or snore, slightly awakening you and your partner.

The most recommended treatment for sleep apnea is using a CPAP machine.  This is a continuous positive airway pressure machine that uses a mask and hose connected to a small pump, which constantly pumps air into your nose through the face mask.  The machine maintains positive air pressure, like its name, constantly throughout the night.

If you are not using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea, researchers are now finding evidence that the lack of oxygen being delivered to the brain due to sleep apnea may actually expedite memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.  Have you ever woke up in the morning and just felt exhausted?  Most likely, this is due to you snoring the night before and your body is actually not getting the deep sleep you need.  If you feel tired during the day and find that you are not on top of your work or daily routine, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.  If you think you are showing signs of sleep apnea, you should consult your doctor so they can administer a sleep

study and analyze your sleeping patterns.

Memory Loss and Snoring

The lack of oxygen to the brain is not good for your heart, liver, or your mind.  It’s important that you have constant airflow to the brain at all times.  Many Americans may be suffering from sleep apnea and not even be aware of it.  This may be laying the brickwork for early stages of memory loss and dementia.

How Snoring Impacts the Brain

When the oxygen airflow to the brain decreases due to sleep apnea, the blood flow to the brain also slows down at that same time.  When you start breathing again, oxygen flows normally back to the brain, as does the blood.  There has been a link to Alzheimer’s  and sleep apnea because many Alzheimer patients have slow blood flow to the brain.  This slow blood flow is seen during the time period of when your body stops breathing due to sleep apnea.  It’s difficult to make this direct correlation, however, scientists continue to study how the two relate.

Snoring and Dementia Studies

A study conduced by Ricardo Osorio, MD for the American Academy of Neurology journal, had some surprising results that could link sleep apnea to the early stages of memory loss and dementia.  The study involved a group of nearly 2500 people.  Ages ranged from 50-90  years of age and were categorized into three groups:

1. Great memory and no cognitive memory loss
2. Those having mild cognitive impairment
3. Those with Alzheimer’s

Mild Cognitive Impairment linked to Sleep Apnea

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when a person’s memory and basic thinking skills start to decline.  It is usually noticeable to close friends or family but does not interfere with one’s daily routine.  It does put one at risk for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.   There are two types of MCI: amnestic and nonamnestic.

Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Amnestic simply means having a loss of memories.  Those with amnestic MCI are unable to recall recent memories or events that should have been “easy” to remember.  Examples include a hair appointment, a recent dinner they attended, or a phone call from a friend.

Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Nonamnestic MCI describes a person who is actually faltering at making decisions.  They have a difficult time processing the correct order of a sequence of events or do not understand why something is being done a certain way.

Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia.  Dementia is a common term for the loss of cognitive memories.  Alzheimer’s, specifically, is a slow starting disease that can take years to worsen.  The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is severe memory loss where one forgets how to conduct a normal daily routine.

Separately, the study placed the participants into 3 groups based on their breathing throughout the night:

• those without breathing problems throughout the night
• those with breathing problems throughout the night that was being treated
• those with breathing problems that were not being treated

The conclusions of the study found that those with breathing issues throughout the night were actually diagnosed with one form of MCI about 7-10 years earlier than those who did not experience breathing problems while they slept.  Another interesting conclusion that links snoring and sleep apnea to MCI or dementia is that the participants that were treating their breathing problems with a CPAP machine had a prolonged MCI diagnosis of nearly 10 years later than people who were not treating their breathing problem during sleep.

A separate study done by students at UCLA showed that people suffering from sleep apnea showed a loss of brain tissues that are responsible for storing memories.  The researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine claimed that the interrupted breathing patterns and oxygen levels being delivered to the brain can result in substantial brain damage over time.

How snoring stops oxygen to the brain

The body needs oxygen to survive, clearly.  However, the brain needs an uninterrupted flow in order to function properly.  Future research will involve the studying of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in depth in order to confirm a direct correlation between sleep apnea and memory loss.  For now, the evidence is shockingly clear.  Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea has also been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.  All of these are serious conditions and can be prevented if sleep apnea is treated.

There are several ways to treat sleep apnea and snoring separately.  Over the counter, products can be purchased to treat snoring, or you can treat snoring naturally by using essential oils or performing various yoga exercises.  There are also several surgeries that can treat sleep apnea – it’s best to check out all of the options available and choose the one that’s right for you.

Please consult your doctor if you think you or a loved one may have a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea.  The earlier you are diagnosed and can start using a CPAP machine for treatment, the quicker you are to achieve a good night’s rest and start to feel like you have your energy back once again.

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