Irvine, CA -- (SBWire) -- 02/11/2016 --Although snoring seems harmless, it may be a red flag for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This happens when the air passage deflates, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the air passage seals.
The exhausting sleep apnea cycle starts out by falling asleep, the jaw relaxing and the air passage collapsing. Then the brain struggles to rouse itself before suffocation, the person unconsciously awakens with a gasp and then falls back to sleep only to start the cycle again.
"What has been shown to be effective at silencing snoring and preventing OSA, is a lightweight dental device worn by the snorer like a mouthguard that I mold, and then send to Glidewell Laboratories for a final fit," explains Dr. Stone. The snore-stopping appliance helps the snorer keep the lower jaw positioned slightly forward, preventing the airway from closing and ending the vibration of the soft tissues.
Dr. Frank Stone will conduct an Airway Analysis to see what is causing the OSA. The anatomic structure and airway level, which are most commonly involved in obstruction, are the soft palate and the oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth). The soft palate alone is the most common obstructed structure in mild OSA and the combination of the soft palate and the tongue base is more frequent in severe OSA.
Dr. Stone will then send the patient home with a Home Sleep Test with an ARES™ measuring device. This device is worn on the forehead and stores up to three nights of nocturnal data.
ARES™ Screener measures:
- Blood oxygen saturation
- Pulse rate
- Airflow snoring levels
- Head movement and head position
The results will allow Dr. Stone to fit the oral appliance accurately to the snorer's mouth.
"Everyone knows about the ugly results of second-hand smoke, but have you seen the news about how bad second-hand snoring can be to you?" asks Dr. Stone. Given that snorers can produce nearly 80 decibels of sound, a bed partners' noisy rumbles are detrimental to the snorer and the bedmate.
About Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone's ongoing commitment and involvement with his profession is a theme that is woven throughout his career in regard to teaching and extensive continuing education.
To make an appointment with Dr. Stone call, 949-786-8234.
