Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when you stop breathing for short periods of time while you sleep. This break in breathing causes the blood oxygen to drop starving the body briefly of much needed oxygen. When muscles and tissues in the neck, throat, soft palate, uvula, tongue or tonsils relax too much they fall back on other muscles causing the airway to become so narrow, air can't pass through it. When you breathe in while sleeping, the air can't go into the lungs and the breathing stops for a short time. This is why some people wake suddenly gasping for air or choking.

Some symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, waking up suddenly gasping for air or choking, waking up with a sore throat or a dry mouth, observed stopped breathing while asleep, mild confusion, mood swings, and decreased libido. Loud snoring alone does not mean you have OSA. The only way to confirm a diagnosis is by having a Sleep Study done.

Untreated OSA is known to cause future heart conditions, stroke, heart arrythmias, High Blood Pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, liver problems and metabolic complications.

Some new studies are now finding a correlation with untreated OSA and dementia and cognitive decline.

Nasal obstruction occurs when the nose cannot take in free air that connects with the oral airway at the lower back of the throat. Many factors can cause nasal obstruction, such as allergies, chronic sinus problems, a deviated septum, inflamed tissue inside the nose, common colds, or injury.

If you have nasal obstruction, DreamVent is the perfect oral appliance for you. Our ExValve can be placed into the open air vent in the device to create natural positive air pressure, providing extra support to open the obstruction. The ExValve can also be used occasionally for times when you suddenly experience nasal congestion due to allergies or a cold.

It is a Mandibular Adjustment Device (MAD) specially designed to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The device uses an upper and lower tray to fit into your mouth while sleeping. It moves the lower jaw into a forward position to physically separate the airway obstruction. Unlike CPAP or BiPAP machines that use air to force its way through the obstruction, the DreamVent uses jaw position to pull the muscles and tissues away from each other, opening the obstructed airway for normal breathing.

No, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years old or over
• Not have Central Sleep Apnea
• Have a minimum of 18 teeth
• No loose or damaged teeth
• No advanced periodontal disease
• No extensive dental restorative needs
• No other severe respiratory diseases
• No physical malformations that would interfere with adjusting the position of the lower jaw.

Each DreamVent is custom-made just for you. Your dentist will take either a 3D image scan of your mouth or physical impressions with the protruded bite position, and these will be sent to the lab to create your custom device. It typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks for your device to be ready after it's ordered. Once it arrives, the dentist will schedule a fit test to ensure everything fits correctly.

The dentist will also create a titration plan, gradually adjusting the jaw position over several weeks to ensure comfort and proper tolerance. After the titration period is complete, a sleep test is the best way to analyze how well the DreamVent is working, though some patients may notice improvement in their symptoms even without the test.

Yes, using a DreamVent or any oral appliance for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can have potential risks and side effects, most of which are minor. Some of the possible side effects and risks include:

• Mouth, Teeth, Jaw (TMJ), Tongue, or Gum Soreness: The appliance may cause discomfort or soreness in these areas, especially during the initial period of use.
• Tooth Movement: Prolonged use of the device may cause some teeth to shift position.
• Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums can occur if proper oral hygiene is not maintained while using the appliance.
• Temporary or Permanent Bite Changes: Some patients may experience changes in their bite due to prolonged wear.
• Dental Sores: The device may cause pressure points or friction that could result in sores on the gums or inner cheeks.
• Excessive Salivation or sometimes a Dry Mouth

Following the manufacturer's and dentist's instructions will help mitigate many of these concerns. Your dentist will also explain signs that indicate the need for medical care before issues become serious.

Clean your teeth before and after using the DreamVent: Proper oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease and other dental issues while using the device.

Check for sore spots: Use your tongue to feel inside your mouth for any sore spots and inspect them with a mirror if you find any.

Avoid mouthwash: Do not use mouthwash once you begin using the DreamVent, as it may damage the device and dry out the delicate membranes in your mouth.

Manage excessive salivation: If you experience excessive salivation while sleeping, try sleeping on your side so it doesn’t trickle down your throat.

Do jaw exercises: Perform jaw exercises to stretch the muscles each time you remove the device. This helps keep the jaw muscles flexible and reduces discomfort.

Use the bite help strip: Accelerate the re-orientation of your jaw when you wake up by using the bite help strip after removing the DreamVent. Ask your dentist whether a morning jaw repositioner splint will also be useful for you.

Monitor for loose teeth: If you notice any loose teeth, stop using the DreamVent immediately and contact your dentist.

Clean and dry the DreamVent properly: Ensure you clean and thoroughly dry the DreamVent after each use to maintain hygiene and device longevity.

Inspect the device regularly: Check the device and any Connector Bands before each use to ensure that all parts are in good condition.

Consult your dentist promptly: Contact your dentist immediately if you have any concerns or discomfort to prevent potential issues from worsening.

There is no guarantee that any treatment for OSA will work 100% as expected. The effectiveness of the DreamVent can vary from person to person. The success of the device may not be fully known until you complete the titration period and become comfortable with the device.

Each individual has differences in their anatomy and the severity of OSA affecting them. If the DreamVent cannot achieve the optimal jaw position to keep the airway open enough for air to pass freely, it may not adequately treat your OSA.

Evaluation by your healthcare provider is also important. Your dentist will monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure the device is as effective as possible. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will help in assessing the overall effectiveness and making any needed modifications to your treatment plan.