Sleepwell Appliances
Snoring and sleep apnea treatment has been made smaller, simpler and more comfortable. Sleepwell Appliances incorporate the latest technology for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. They provide a reversable, non invasive treatment without the use of drugs or moving part machinery of any kind.
What is Sleepwell?
A Sleepwell is a custom made oral device, which is worn in the mouth during sleep to reduce snoring and/or sleep apnea. It is a Patent Pending design, which looks similar to two sports mouthguards. These are worn simultaneously, allowing the coloured acrylic bite-ramps to interface and gently position the lower jaw forward. There is a soft inner surface which fits snuggly around the teeth and gums, holding the appliance securely in place.
How does it work?
A Sleepwell Appliance falls into a category of dental appliances known as Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS). These are dental devices which, in the case of snoring and sleep apnea, are used to treat a medical condition. It Works by gently positioning the lower jaw forward during sleep. This tightens the muscles in the throat, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. There is strong scientific evidence to suggest that this method of treatment is extremely effective in reducing snoring and sleep apnea.
In recent times, MAS have gained enormous recognition from sleep practitioners and are now part of the protocol of the American Sleep Disorders Society. They are regularly prescribed to people who can not tolerate CPAP machines.
What makes Sleepwell so successful?
The most decerning features of a Sleepwell Appliance are simply it’s effectiveness and comfort. It is constructed from ultra modern materials of the finest quality into an advanced Patent Pending design.
The two component system is the key to the success Sleepwell has enjoyed to date .It is strong and robust and allows the jaws a large degree of movement whilst remaining functional, permitting the wearer to yawn and swallow etc., without the fear of dislodgment.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring: Approximately 40% of people in industrialized countries snore, and this figure is increasing. Snoring is the sound made when soft tissue vibrates. This commonly occurs during sleep, when the muscles of the pharynx (throat) relax, causing the airway to narrow. Air passing to and from the lungs is forced to travel this restricted passage, resulting in the vibrations we know as snoring. Sleepwell Appliances are extremely effective in treating this condition.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: OSA is a form of respiratory arrest occuring when the airway becomes completely restricted for more than 10 seconds. This obstruction deprives the lungs of oxygen, which is usually cleared with a loud desperate gasp for air. These interruptions may occur repeatedly, thus preventing a deep and restful sleep. Sufferers of OSA commonly wake feeling unrested and experience extreme daytime tiredness as a result. OSA is the only form of sleep apnea that can be treated with a Sleepwell Appliance.
Basic criteria for use
You will need:
1) To have healthy teeth and gums
2) A sound Temperomandibular Joint
3) More than two thirds of your own teeth on each jaw
Persons with full dentures are unable to wear a Sleepwell Appliance, however, use is possible with a partial denture if the remaining teeth provide enough support.
Your Dentist will advise you on your Suitability.
Caution:
Sleep apnea varies considerably from person to person. An apnea index is used to
determine the severity of the disease and this can only be done in a sleep laboratory. In cases of known or suspected sleep
apnea, it is strongly recommended that a sleep physician be consulted. Testing should be undertaken before and after
fitting a Sleepwell Appliance, to determine its efficacy.
Additional / Supplemental appliances
Because Sleepwell is a specialist oral sleep appliance laboratory, almost any design of MAS ( Mandibular Advancement Splints ) can be provided. We welcome suggestions and feedback and pride ourselves on providing quality custom manufactured appliances to suite the individual. Please contact us to discuss your particular needs.
Examples of appliances we can provide are catagorised below, please click on the relevant thumbnail to enlarge the image in a new window.
Silensor
Sleepwell III
MDSA
Sleepwell II
