Anti-Snoring & Sleep Apnea Devices in Knoxville
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a debilitating sleep-related breathing disorder. During sleep, the body’s muscles relax, allowing the soft tissue to obstruct the airway. The body reacts by disrupting deep sleep enough to start breathing again but deprives you of getting a night of restorative sleep. Sleep Apnea afflicts over 40 million Americans.
At least 80 million Americans snore (a sign of restricted airflow and blocked breathing during sleep). This results in excessive daytime sleepiness, and a higher rate of headaches adversely affects the sleep quality of bed partners and diminishes the overall quality of life.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as a front line of treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. Unlike CPAP, oral appliances fit inside the mouth, they do not use electricity or make any noise, and they allow the wearer to change sleep positions.
An EMA appliance works by opening the bite and gently advancing the lower jaw with interchangeable elastic straps to increase airway space.
Advantages of an EMA appliance:
- It fits entirely inside your mouth.
- You can talk while you are wearing it.
- It is completely free of metal and latex.
- You can easily change the elastic straps yourself.
For more information on anti-snoring and sleep apnea devices in Knoxville, contact James F. Kotsianas, DDS. Request an appointment online or call us at 865-584-0276.
