Do you snore? Ever wake up choking or short of breath? Are you always tired? You may have sleep apnea. It is estimated that over 50% of adult males and 30% of adult females may be affected by snoring. (Maniglia, AJ. Sleep Apnea and Snoring: an Overview. Journal Ear Nose Throat. 1993; 72: 16-19) Snoring usually occurs when the back of the throat constricts. This causes an increase in the speed and pressure of the air that is being inhaled, resulting in the soft tissue in the back of the mouth to vibrate, creating the snoring noise. Often, heavy snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea which is frequently associated with hypertension, stroke and other cardiopulmonary problems. Several million people in North America are affected by sleep apnea, the most common form being obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In people who suffer from sleep apnea, breathing ceases or is interrupted during apnic episodes. Oxygen cannot enter the lungs due to constriction of the airway. This causes oxygen levels in the blood stream to fall forcing the heart to work harder to circulated blood. Blood pressure rises and the heart may beat irregularly or even stop beating!

If you do snore or have mild to moderate OSA Dr. Van Allen may be able to help. Firstly, we will arrange for you to be evaluated in a sleep lab. You will then be evaluated for The SUAD™ Device, a Premium Oral Appliance used in the treatment of snoring and OSA. The SUAD™ Device is similar in design to an orthodontic appliance or an athletic mouth guard. Custom molds of your mouth (impressions) are taken and a bite registration, which will help Dr. Van Allen to determine how far forward your lower jaw can be positioned. At your next appointment you will receive your appliance. While wearing the appliance, your lower jaw is positioned forward. This prevents your throat from constricting and your tongue falling to the back of your throat, thus treated snoring and sleep apnea.