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Oral Appliance Treatment for Sleep Apnoea
Custom-fit oral appliances are generally regarded as the most comfortable option for treating sleep apnoea, with a variety of unique models offering features such as being able to speak, sip water and freely move the jaw. Oral appliances work by comfortably holding the jaw slightly forward, preventing the tongue and tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing into the airways. Learn more about the different types of oral appliances. CPAP is also regarded as an alternative treatment for sleep apnoea, which works by delivering air under pressure to keep the airways open.
The Importance of a Sleep Study
The only way to be certain you have sleep apnea is to do a diagnostic sleep study. One of the main purposes of the sleep study is not just to detect the presence of sleep apnoea but to determine the severity. The degree of severity of the sleep apnoea will help determine what is the best available treatment. Sleep apnoea is classified as mild, moderate or severe, depending on the number of disturbances to breathing per hour of sleep. Traditionally sleep studies were done during an overnight stay in a hospital. The equipment used in hospitals has been miniaturised and can now be used in the home with great accuracy and comfort. A sleep study done at home replicates your usual sleep in your usual environment and allows for a great deal more confidence in the results. We encourage you to take our Online Self-Assessment as the first step in determining the chance of you having sleep apnoea. You can also call Sleep Wise Clinic on 1300 101 505 or submit a contact form through our website to find more about our proven sleep apnoea solutions.
