sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea is a condition in which one stops breathing during sleep, often occurring hundreds of times a night. Greater than 20 million Americans suffer from this condition. With sleep apnea, one is being deprived of necessary sleep. This results in a lack of energy as well as the onset of other health problems, including a higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes, due to the chemical changes that take place in their blood when they are deprived from even a little oxygen. Therefore, treating sleep apnea is very important. Sadly, it is a potentially life threatening condition and is one of the most under diagnosed health conditions today.

Sleep apnea affects both men and women. In particular if has a tendency to affect people with weight issues, high blood pressure and those who snore loudly. It can also affect people with an abnormality in their throat or nose as well as people who have a family history of sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, the most prevalent treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. This device fits over one's face like a mask and air is powered into tubes which connect to the mask. While it does work well for many, for others it is too uncomfortable and noisy to tolerate.

As an alternative to the CPAP machine, Dr. Jennifer Splitt Krull, D.D.S. offers patients a custom fit, mouth device which leaves the airways open resulting in a full nights rest and diminished snoring. In fact, we are one of the only local dental practices to offer this much needed device. Because the device is custom fit, it is comfortable and patients rarely have trouble adapting to using it. When used on a regular basis, patients report feeling more energized, more alert and in a better mood. In fact, it's a life changing experience. Their sleeping partners also benefit from a quieter more peaceful night's sleep.

If you snore loudly or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, please don't hesitate to call us. We can help. We start with a consultation in which we discuss your situation and assess your condition. If this is the right solution for you, we then develop a custom fit oral device to treat your condition. It's an easier more comfortable alternative to CPAP machines and is proven to work great. In fact, it's endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a proven treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

To learn more or to schedule an initial consultation, please call us at 630 257 8669.