Many people who snore chronically aren’t aware that there may be a chronic underlying condition causing it. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is a common sleep breathing disorder, often causes repeated snoring every night, but the noise is only part of the problem. If you have sleep apnea, then snoring is only a precursor to a more severe obstruction of your airway, which can cause you to stop breathing altogether as you sleep. Today, we examine how a custom-designed sleep apnea appliance may help you address your snoring and sleep apnea problem so you can enjoy the peaceful, restful sleep that you need.

If you have obstructive sleep apnea

One of the reasons why sleep apnea is often confused with snoring is because the repeated occurrence of it may be the only noticeable symptom at first. It occurs because of the gradual obstruction of your airway as oral and throat tissues collapse into it while you sleep. The shrinking space of your airway makes your breathing more forceful, and causes the walls of your throat to vibrate loudly. However, this noise will stop once the obstruction becomes complete and you’re forced to stop breathing.

How a custom sleep appliance can help

When you experience sleep apnea, the chronic snoring associated with it may be an important hint. Unlike more common instances of snoring, the noise follows the distinct pattern of growing louder, then stopping, and repeating the cycle numerous times. The most effective way to address this obstruction and improve the quality of your sleep is to prevent it from occurring to keep your airway clear all night. A custom-designed sleep apnea appliance can help accomplish this by offering comfortable support for your jaw and oral structures. This helps ensure that your oral tissues don’t clog your airway while you sleep, and can help you avoid the need for a more cumbersome CPAP machine to address to your sleep apnea.

Benefiting from a sleep appliance

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a device that includes a small mask connected to a machine that generates a continuous, but gentle, stream of air. The mask directs this air to your airway to keep it open and clear as you sleep. However, with a custom-designed sleep appliance, many people with sleep apnea can enjoy the benefits of better breathing and sleep without having to accommodate a larger mask and potentially loud machine.

Learn if you can benefit from a sleep appliance

If you experience sleep apnea episodes, then a custom-designed sleep appliance may be able to help you improve your sleep and breathing patterns. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.