A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is the solution to snoring, as well as sleep apnea. It can also be referred to as mandibular repositioning devices (MRD).
As per the American Sleep Apnea Association, millions of people across America United States snore while sleeping. Snoring isn’t only an unpleasant sound but it can disrupt someone’s sleep and affect the overall quality of sleep.
A mandibular advancement device could be one option. Keep reading to learn more.
Around 22 million people in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea. When a person’s body relaxes, the throat does, too. This relaxation leads to an increase in airway size that produces distinct snoring sounds while breathing.
Sleep apnea is a condition where the throat’s walls stop breathing completely, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.
Many individuals do not know they suffer from sleep apnea. Common symptoms, besides snoring, include:
getting unusually tired throughout the day
awakening suddenly in the night
difficulties with memory and focus
The breathing stops while asleep the partner will usually notice
migraines that start in the morning
People who think that they might be suffering from this issue may think about the possibility of a sleep test, which can determine the presence of sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, a sleep specialist may suggest possible treatment options.
The treatments for sleep apnea include:
lifestyle modifications, such as shifting sleep positions, weight loss and allergy treatment
surgery
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) appliance
oral devices, like a MAD
CPAP is one of the common treatment for sleep apnea.
What Is a Mandibular Advancement Device?
A MAD is a different treatment method that you might attempt. It operates by temporarily moving the tongue and jaw forward, which eases throat constriction and also prevents sleep apnea, as well as snoring. The forward movement of the tongue increases airway area.
Some MADs are semi-custom or custom and are designed to fit a particular person’s mouth. Others are known as boil-andbite MADs, are readily available on the internet (OTC). They have soft materials that get more flexible with temperatures of boiling. Biting down on the mold’s flexible material helps to fit the device.
The authors of a 2017 review note that more study is required to determine the effectiveness of each type of MAD.
It is crucial to remember this MADs are not appropriate for patients wearing dentures or with grave dental issues.
The major benefit of using the MA device is that it helps reduce snoring and sleep apnea.
A study conducted in 2000 of 22 individuals’ use of MADs in the period 12 to 30 months suggests that these devices are beneficial for treating sleep apnea , as well as snoring.
All the participants would like to continue using MADs. The sample size, however, was very tiny.
As per the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners The people who stand to gain the most benefit from MADs are:
sufferers with moderate-to-moderate sleep apnea.
young people
people suffering from sleep apnea, which improves when sleeping on their sides
females
those who have a jaw structure that receds (also known as a retrognathic mandible)
The following people are less likely to see improvements in symptoms with MADs:
older adults
obese individuals and those with excess fat tissue around the neck
those with a stiff jaw and jaws that are rigid, making advancement difficult
patients with dental issues including gum disease
people suffering from central sleep apnea. This is a neurological problem rather than a mechanical one
Find out more information about central sleep Apnea here.
Although MAD can reduce sleep apnea-related symptoms and snoring, it can also cause negative side negative effects. These can include:
discomforts around the jaw and mouth area
toothache
excessive drooling
dry mouth
gum irritation
The effects that come with the use of an MA device are usually mild. However, they may cause people to avoid treatment with a MAD.
While CPAP is the most effective method for treating sleep apnea, patients aren’t always keeping up with the treatment. About half of the people using CPAP treatment to treat sleep apnea ultimately stop treatment.
A review published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease suggests that MADs are helpful for patients with mild sleep apnea or struggle struggling with CPAP treatment.
CPAP is more effective overall than MADs to treat sleep apnea. But, individuals tend to use MADs more readily and this treatment is less expensive than CPAP.
In comparison with CPAP, MADs are portable they take up virtually all the physical space of a bedroom, and they do not generate noise. They do not even require power. But, they’re not appropriate for everyone.
The American Thoracic Society explain that MADs are useful for improving symptoms but are not a complete solution for stopping sleep apnea. They also note the fact that CPAP tends to provide instant relief from symptoms of sleep apnea.
In addition to CPAP and MADs, sleep apnea treatment choices include:
Surgery: A surgical procedure to treat sleep apnea typically involves taking out any excess tissue at the throat’s back to reduce airway restriction.
The loss of weight is a solution will help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms through reducing the amount of fatty tissue that surrounds the neck.
Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption: Doing both can lessen the risk of airway constriction in the future.
Allergy medications: Nasal decongestants and OTC allergy medications can enhance the flow of air and assist people in breathing through their noses while they sleep.
Changing sleep position: People may try changing their sleeping position , and then resting on their backs to determine how symptoms improve. People with this condition are more likely to experience symptoms when sleeping on their back.
Mandibular advancement devices are useful tool for treating the apnea of snoring as well as sleep obstruction.
They cause no adverse side effects, are easy to use, and are much more economical than CPAP.
However, MADs are not suitable for all. People suffering from severe sleep apnea (also known as central sleep apnea) might not get relief using these kinds of devices.
Anyone who is concerned they may have sleep apnea must consult their physician or consult with a sleep specialist. A sleep study could confirm a confirmation of a diagnosis for sleep apnea. A specialist may then recommend solutions.