Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment in Marysville, WA

Do you frequently wake up feeling tired despite getting a full night's sleep? Does your partner complain of your loud snoring or gasping sounds during sleep? Both are common signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and at Blu Dental & Wellness, we offer solutions to help you get a restful night’s sleep. 

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

OSA is a sleep-related breathing disorder. It is characterized by frequent, extended pauses in breathing and occurs due to a partial or complete blockage of your upper airway during sleep. 

This blockage occurs as your body prepares for sleep and the muscles and soft tissue in the back of your throat relax. As they do, your tongue falls back and blocs your airway. 

Because you can’t breathe, your oxygen levels drop, and your body jolts you awake to breathe. As it does, you gasp for air, disrupting your sleep and that of your sleep partner. This cycle can occur hundreds of times and severely impact your sleep quality without you even being aware it’s happening.

Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Millions suffer from sleep apnea; unfortunately, as much as 80 percent of these cases are undiagnosed. That is why understanding and recognizing OSA symptoms is crucial. 

• Regular loud snoring
• Interrupted sleep or insomnia
• Waking up gasping for air
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Irritability and mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating

It’s also vital to understand that OSA doesn’t just affect your sleep; it is linked to numerous life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and stroke. 

OSA can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk, including: 

• Body weight — Being overweight creates extra tissue mass that can block the upper airway.
• Age — OSA can affect any age, but it is more prevalent as we age. 
• Gender — Statistics suggest men are more likely to experience sleep apnea.
• Genetics — Your risk of developing sleep apnea is greater if it runs in your family.
• Alcohol or sedatives — Because these substances relax the throat muscles, they increase the risk of OSA.
• Smoking —  Smoking inflames the upper airway and increases the risk of blockage.

 Determining the Right Sleep Apnea Treatment for You

A CPAP machine is the standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Because it delivers a steady stream of pressurized air, the machine ensures your airway stays open through the night.

However, while CPAP is highly effective, many people struggle to use it consistently. They may find the mask uncomfortable or the machine too loud and disruptive, so the machine sits in the closet unused, and sleep apnea symptoms persist. 

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

Dr. Timmerman understands and empathizes with these challenges and their impact on your life. He works closely with sleep physicians to explore treatment options for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea or who can't tolerate CPAP. 

One alternative is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). This appliance is worn like a mouthguard and helps keep the airway open, gently shifting the lower jaw forward during sleep. In this position, your tongue can’t block your airway, and you can breathe freely and comfortably.

You Need a Good Night’s Rest, and We Can Help!

Untreated sleep apnea threatens your overall health and well-being, robs you of restful sleep, and impacts others in your household. At Blu Dental & Wellness, we offer the treatment to help break the cycle so you can get the rejuvenating rest you need.

Please call our Marysville, WA, dental office so we can create a sleep apnea treatment plan for you.