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Oral Appliances: First-Line Therapy for OSA During COVID-19 Pandemic
An Oral Appliance (OA) can Easily be Disinfected to Kill COVID-19 Viruses by Patients and Does Not Share Any of the Aerosol Liabilities Associated with PAP Devices
The myTAP, an FDA-cleared, non-custom oral appliance, is an effective solution for patients seeking oral appliance therapy. Achieving a precision fit, myTAP can be quickly fitted in as little as 15 minutes, offering same-day treatment and immediate relief for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.
NO SLEEP TEST REQUIRED - FDA Cleared to treat snoring as well as mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. The breathing pauses repeatedly occur during sleep and last at least ten (10) seconds at a time for a minute or longer. In recent years, there is mounting data where obesity and obstructive sleep apnea sit at the epicenter and its control can lead to improvement and prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Symptoms related to sleep or screening for sleep apnea have been overlooked by cardiac, diabetic, pulmonary, and general medicine clinics despite recommendations for screening by several societies.
OSA was Found in Over 70% of Type 2 Diabetics in a Meta-Analysis, Therefore Clinicians Should Consider Treatments for Patients.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3449487
Data has been in the scientific literature for several years, indicating the associations of OSA with almost any disease like glaucoma, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, obesity, and DM. OSA has also been identified in non-obese patients and children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Moreover, the treatment has led to improvements in the underlying condition [36-38]. Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA will help in preventing the increased morbidity and mortality associated with those conditions. Studies have shown that improvement in ejection fraction, carotid intimal thickening and benefits in coronary artery disease, maintenance of sinus rhythm from A-Fib after cardioversion, and improvement in insulin resistance while untreated OSA is associated with an increased risk of death.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment of OSA can Significantly Reduce Morbidity and Mortality Risks
Not everyone who snores has Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), but it is a key symptom. The clinical difference with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), is that the snoring is accompanied by short pauses and people stop breathing because the airway collapses or is blocked.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) mainly treats sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The therapy aims to enhance breathing during sleep, but it can also benefit patients with hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular, and poor glycemic control indirectly. Collaborating with primary care providers and sleep medicine specialists can help achieve these benefits. Some of the expected benefits include:
1. Improved Sleep Quality: OAT can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, such as snoring and breathing interruptions, leading to better sleep quality. Improved sleep may positively impact overall cardiovascular health.
2. Reduced Cardiovascular Strain: Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Effectively managing sleep apnea with OAT may reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system.
3. Blood Pressure Management: Treating sleep apnea can improve blood pressure control. Many individuals with sleep apnea also have hypertension, and addressing sleep-related breathing issues may complement traditional hypertension management.
4. Enhanced Compliance: Some patients may find OAT more comfortable and easier to comply with than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Better compliance with treatment recommendations can lead to more consistent improvements in cardiovascular health.
5. Collaborative Care: Collaboration between cardiologists and sleep medicine specialists ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing cardiovascular and sleep-related problems. This interdisciplinary approach may lead to more effective and personalized patient care.
Medical providers, must consider the patient's overall health condition, specific cardiovascular issues, and the severity of sleep-related problems to determine the best course of treatment. Communication and collaboration among specialists are critical for providing the best patient care possible.
Benefits
FDA cleared to treat snoring, as well as mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Fit in 15 minutes, allowing same-day treatment.
Refit as many times as needed.
Most affordable sleep therapy.
OSA is as High as 80% in Patients with Hypertension, Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Pulmonary Hypertension, Atrial Fibrillation, and Stroke
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000988
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OAT vs CPAP
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy are both effective treatments for sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The choice between OAT and CPAP depends on various factors, each with its own benefits. Here are some advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy over CPAP:
1. Comfort and Convenience:
- OAT: Oral appliances are smaller, more portable, and generally more comfortable than CPAP machines. They do not involve masks, hoses, or the need for electricity, making them convenient for travel.
- CPAP: CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose or nose and mouth, connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air. Some individuals find the mask uncomfortable or experience difficulty adjusting to the airflow pressure.
2. Ease of Use:
- OAT: Oral appliances are simple to use and do not require extensive setup or maintenance. Patients can easily insert or remove the appliance without relying on complex equipment.
- CPAP: CPAP machines involve more components, including masks, hoses, and filters. Some individuals find the setup and maintenance of CPAP machines to be more involved.
3. Quiet Operation:
- OAT: Oral appliances do not produce noise, providing a quieter sleep environment for the user and their bed partner.
- CPAP: CPAP machines can be noisy despite their modern designs.
4. High Compliance Rates:
- OAT: Some people who struggle with CPAP compliance due to discomfort or claustrophobia may find oral appliances more tolerable, leading to higher adherence rates.
- CPAP: Compliance with CPAP therapy can be challenging for individuals who find the mask uncomfortable or experience difficulty adjusting to the airflow pressure.
5. Treatment for Mild to Moderate OSA:
- OAT: Oral appliances effectively treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
- CPAP:* CPAP is often recommended for moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. While it is highly effective, some individuals may prefer alternative treatments.
People with sleep-related breathing disorders should talk with their healthcare provider or sleep specialist about their symptoms, preferences, and lifestyle.
Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine Vol 7, Nov 3, 2020
ALERT
Oral Appliances: First-Line Therapy for OSA during the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.aadsm.org/docs/COVID_Position_Statement.pdf
It is the position of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) that oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be prescribed as first-line therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recommendation is being made based on the following information:
• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has indicated that PAP therapy potentially exposes individuals, especially those in proximity to the patient, to increased risk of transmission of COVID-19.
• A number of studies have found evidence that COVID-19 can remain suspended in the air in aerosol particles.
• It is unknown whether it is possible for patients to be re-infected from re-using PAP tubing, filters, and/or masks.
• There have been reported shortages of distilled water and other supplies necessary for optimal use of PAP machines.
• Oral appliances do not generate aerosols and can be easily disinfected by patients to kill the COVID-19 virus.
According to the AADSM and AASM clinical practice guidelines, oral appliances should be prescribed for adult patients who prefer alternate therapy to PAP. During this pandemic, it is reasonable to assume that patients would prefer a therapy that both treats their OSA and does not increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for OSA without increased risks for transmitting COVID-19. Patients who prefer OAT may be more likely to adhere to treatment if they are confident that their therapy is not putting those in their household at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure.
Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine Vol 7, Nov 3, 2020
OSA is as High as 80% in Patients with Hypertension, Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Pulmonary Hypertension, Atrial Fibrillation, and Stroke
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000988
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