Women and Sleep Apnea

Typical Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients are usually men who are overweight and snore loudly with choking or gasping sounds at night.  There are over 20 million American adults suffer with OSA. While obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men, many women suffer from OSA as well.  Men are twice more likely to have sleep apnea than women, but men are diagnosed with the condition almost 8 times more often than women.   Are women with sleep apnea under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed? What are the symptoms and health risk factors of sleep apnea in women? What are the treatment options?

                  Under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis for women with sleep apnea

Women with sleep apnea are often diagnosed for other sleep disorders instead of sleep apnea. According to the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist, Dr. Angie Randazzo, at St. Lukes Sleep Medicine & Research Center, “Women often don’t have the stereotypical body type and don’t always say they are sleepy.  Many will say they are fatigued, leading clinicians to think they have insomnia versus OSA.”

For more information on sleep apnea and women, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team!

Why people don’t like CPAP devices?

                                

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a standard treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  It includes a small machine that supplies a constant and steady air pressure, a hose, and a mask or nose piece. 

These are some of the common problems with CPAP therapy:

1.     Patient compliance

·       Compliance has been an issue with CPAP therapy. Inconsistent use of the device undermines the effectiveness of CPAP therapy

·       Travelers find it inconvenient to bring the mask, tubing and a machine during their travel

·       Uncomfortable and difficult to get used to

2.     Wrong size or style CPAP mask

·       Sizes-too large a mask leads to leaking air, too small/tight a mask leads to pressure sores and discomfort

·       Styles

-full face masks cover the mouth and nose, with straps that stretch across the forehead and cheeks.  These masks may cause some people to feel claustrophobic.

-other masks have nasal pillows that fit under the nose and strap. They don’t work well if patients move/toss around a lot or sleep on the side.

3.     Trouble getting used to wearing the CPAP device

·       Some patients have claustrophobic and anxiety issues

-feeling “trapped” inside the full-faced mask may cause some patients to feel claustrophobic

-wear the mask all night causes anxiety for some patients

·       takes time and lots of practice (being consistent) to get used to wearing the CPAP masks

4.     Dry, stuffy nose or dry mouth

·       Requires proper adjustment of the humidifier setting of the CPAP device

·       Leaky mask causes dry nose

·       Mouth breather causes dry mouth; CPAP treatment is less effective

5.      Skin irritation or pressure sores

·       Skin irritation or pressure sore is caused by ill-fitting mask

6.     Difficulty falling asleep

·       Getting used to wearing the mask

·       Noisy machine

·       Anxiety, feeling trapped inside the mask

7.     Unintentionally removing the CPAP during the night

·       Ill-fitting mask and it falls off

·       Moving, tossing and turning during sleep could pull the mask off

8.     Can’t adjust to the noise

·       Running motor/machine

If you have experienced any of the common problems with CPAP therapy, talk to your physician and your dentist about other possible treatment options.  Glendoradentist, Dr. Anna Lee, can help you.  Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or email drannalee1@gmail.com

Taking a vacation this summer with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

Summer is just right around the corner.  Many Americans will be on family vacations, business trips and leisure travel.  For people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), travel can be a hassle of bringing along the continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) device that includes a face mask, tubing and a constantly running motor.  Is there an alternative device for treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea besides CPAP?  Fortunately, the answer is yes.  Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment option for treating patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a custom fit sleep appliance.  OAT is worn only during sleep and it fits like a sports mouth guard.   There is no mask, tubing or running motor. It supports the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway.   The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) recommends OAT for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed by the physician.  Once the patient is diagnosed with OSA, the physician and the patient can decide the best treatment option.  If OAT is the treatment option, the physician writes a prescription and refers patients to the Glendora Dentist who can provide OAT.