A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an option for treating snoring as well as sleep apnea. It’s also known as a mandibular repositioning device (MRD).
In the words of the American Sleep Apnea Association, millions of people in the United States snore while sleeping. Snoring isn’t just an annoying sound, but it can also disturb a person’s sleep and lower its overall quality.
A mandibular advance device might be one of the solutions. Keep reading to learn more.
More than 22 million people the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea. When the body relaxes, their throat also relaxes. The result is an increase in airway size, which produces distinct snoring sounds during breathing.
Sleep apnea can be described as a condition that causes the throat’s walls to close completely, obstructing breathing.
Many people are unaware they suffer from sleep apnea. Common symptoms, besides snoring, include:
being tired and sluggish throughout the day
awakening suddenly in the night
issues with focus and memory
Pauses in breathing during sleep or sleeping. A partner is likely to notice.
migraines that start in the morning
If you think you could be affected by this condition might think about the possibility of a sleep test, which will confirm the existence of sleep apnea. After diagnosis by a sleep specialist, they can suggest treatment options.
Sleep apnea treatments comprise:
Lifestyle adjustments, like changing sleeping positions, losing weight, and allergy treatments
surgery
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) appliance
oral devices, like an MAD
CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea.
A MAD is an alternative treatment method that you might attempt. It operates by temporarily moving the tongue and jaw forward that reduces constriction in the throat and also prevents sleep apnea, as well as snoring. Moving the tongue forward will increase the airway space.
Some MADs are custom or semi-custom and fit a specific person’s mouth. Others, also known as boil-and-bite MADs, can be purchased over the counter (OTC). They’re made of soft material that get more flexible with temperatures of boiling. By squeezing the mold’s flexibility helps it fit the device.
The authors of a 2018 review state that further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of each type of MAD.
It is important to note the fact that MADs are not suitable for patients who wear dentures , or who have significant dental issues.
The main benefit of an MA device is that it can reduce the amount of sleep apnea and snoring.
A study from 2000 on 22 people’s use of MADs over 12-30 months suggests that the devices are effective to treat sleep apnea and snoring.
All of the study participants wished to continue using the MADs. The number of participants was quite tiny.
In the report of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners those who are most likely to reap the greatest benefit from MADs are those who:
patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea
young people
People with sleep apnea whose condition improves when sleeping on their side
females
people who have a jaw structure that receds (also known as retrognathic mandible)
The following people are more likely to not see symptom improvement with MADs:
older adults
individuals with obesity and those with extra fat tissue around the neck
people with stiff jaws who have a stiff jaw, which can make advancement difficult
people with dental conditions including gum disease
those suffering from central sleep apnea. It is a neurologic condition, rather than a mechanical one
Learn more about central sleep apnea by clicking here.
Although a MAD can help limit sleep apnea symptoms as well as snoring, there are a few unwanted side results. This can include:
discomfort in the jaw and mouth region
toothache
excess drooling
dry mouth
gum irritation
The effects that come with wearing an MA device are typically minor. However, they might lead people to forego treatment by a MAD.
While CPAP is the gold standard for treating sleep apnea individuals are not always able to keep up with treatment. A majority of patients who are using CPAP treatment to treat sleep apnea ultimately stop treatment.
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An article in The Journal of Thoracic Disease indicates that MADs are helpful for patients who suffer from mild sleep apnea or have difficulty struggling with CPAP treatment.
CPAP is more effective than MADs to treat sleep apnea. However, patients tend to make use of MADs more frequently, and this treatment is less expensive than CPAP.
In comparison with CPAP, MADs are portable they take up virtually none of the space in your bedroom, and they do not generate noise. They also do not require electricity. However, they’re not for everyone.
The American Thoracic Society explain that MADs are useful for improving symptoms, but they are not effective in control of sleep apnea. They say it is that CPAP is more likely to give immediate relief from sleep apnea-related symptoms.
Alongside CPAP and MADs Sleep apnea treatment options include:
Surgery: Surgical intervention for sleep apnea usually entails taking out any excess tissue at the throat’s back to decrease airway restrictions.
Weight loss: This solution will help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms by reducing neck fat.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption: Doing both can lessen the risk of constricted airways in the course of time.
Allergy medications: Nasal decongestants and OTC allergy medications can increase the flow of air and assist people in breathing through their noses during sleep.
Change your sleeping position: You can try switching their sleeping positions and lying on their backs to determine the effects improve. Patients with this condition are more likely to suffer symptoms when sleeping on their back.
Mandibular advancement devices are a effective tool to treat sleep apnea and snoring.
They are safe for use with minimal negative side effects, are simple to utilize, and are more economical than CPAP.
However, MADs do not work for everyone. People with severe sleep apnea, or central sleep apnea might not be able to find relief the use of these devices.
Individuals who are concerned they may have sleep apnea need to consult their physician or consult an expert in sleep. A sleep test can confirm the suspicion of sleep apnea. A specialist can then suggest treatment options.