The Definitive Sleep Apnoea Treatment

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Do you feel tired during the day? You could be suffering from sleep apnea

Sleep apnea not only affects your rest, but also your general well-being. Find out how to diagnose and treat it.

If you identify with one or more of the following points, it is very possible that you have some degree of sleep apnea:

  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Snoring during sleep
  • Smoker
  • Overweight
  • Dry mouth upon waking
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Nasal congestion
  • Small mandible in relation to the upper jaw
  • Male sex (Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women)

Sleep apnea is a problem that occurs when, during sleep, breathing temporarily stops or becomes very shallow. It is as if the body "forgets" to breathe for a few seconds. This can happen many times during the night, and each time it happens, the brain receives an alert signal to start breathing again.

By not breathing properly, the body does not receive enough oxygen. This not only disrupts sleep, but over time can increase the risk of health problems.

What are the consequences of sleep apnea?

The most serious consequences of sleep apnea are:

  • Increased risk of hypertension: Lack of oxygen can raise blood pressure.
  • Increased risk of heart disease: Increased risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias and heart failure.
  • Accidents: Daytime sleepiness can lead to falls or car accidents.
  • Metabolic problems: Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Complications in surgery: Increased risk of complications during medical procedures that require anesthesia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome affects just over 25% of the population, negatively affecting the quality of life of those who suffer from it. This disorder affects not only nighttime rest but also daily activity, which is affected by drowsiness and chronic fatigue.
In extreme cases, sleep apnea can even lead to death, which is why it is very important to diagnose and treat it in its earliest stages.

The Ultimate Treatment for Sleep Apnea That Other Methods Cannot Offer

CPAP is the most widely used treatment for sleep apnea. It consists of a mask connected to a machine that blows pressurized air to prevent the airways from collapsing. However, many patients find it uncomfortable due to the noise, the mask, and side effects such as nasal congestion, leading up to 70% of users to want to abandon it.

Another option is mandibular advancement splints, useful for mild cases of apnea, although prolonged use can cause problems with the bite and jaw joint.

There are other palliative treatments, which are usually temporary and/or used in combination with different devices, but until now, orthognathic surgery has proven to be the only curative and definitive treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who have dentofacial deformities, as recent international studies have concluded.

These are just a few of our patients who have undergone surgery to eliminate sleep apnea. Their testimonies highlight how surgery has allowed them to leave behind the use of uncomfortable devices such as CPAP and return to a full and healthy life.

A first visit for sleep apnea treatment includes a cranial scan, an interview with our specialists and, if necessary, a referral to a sleep specialist for further testing. The cranial scan will allow us to see the width of the airways, while polysomnography will record apneas during sleep, so that we can classify the patient according to the severity of their case and advise them accordingly.

Benefits of treating sleep apnea

 

Proper treatment of sleep apnea has a positive impact on physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as improving overall quality of life:

  • Better quality of sleep: By reducing nighttime interruptions, sleep becomes deeper and more restful.
  • Greater energy and less fatigue: Daytime sleepiness is reduced, which improves concentration and performance during the day.
  • Reduced risk of heart disease: Proper treatment can help reduce the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and arrhythmias.
  • Better blood pressure control: By breathing correctly during the night, blood pressure tends to stabilize.
  • Lower risk of accidents: With more energy and better concentration, the risk of traffic or work accidents decreases.
  • Improved mood: Treating apnea reduces irritability, stress, and improves emotional well-being.
  • Longer life expectancy: By reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease or stroke, a healthier life is promoted.
    Better metabolic health: Improves glucose regulation and may help prevent type 2 diabetes.

If you have any questions or need to make a consultation, you can contact us by phone +34 933933185, the contact form or by sending an email to international@institutomaxillofacial.com

Frequently Asked Questions