By Dr. Sam Merabi, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Dr. Merabi grew up in Massachusetts, attended college at Brandeis University, worked at Franciscan Childrens’ Hospital as a Mental Health Specialist, attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, for his D.M.D. where he obtained numerous community service and research awards. He further earned an M.P.H. from the Harvard School of Public Health. In addition to running his practice, Portside Family Dental in Newburyport, Dr. Merabi has worked for Cambridge Health Alliance as an Attending Dentist teaching Dental Residents in general practice and has been an Instructor for Harvard School of Dental Medicine for several years.

Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Provides Alternative to CPAP Machines

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. There is a broad range in regards to impact on breathing. Pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes, and can occur up to 30 times or more within an hour. If not treated it can interrupt sleep hundreds of times within a night meaning the brain and the rest of the body may not be receiving enough oxygen. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly, and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. If you think you might, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Treatment is necessary to avoid heart problems and other complications.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax.
• Central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Many people impacted by sleep disorders use a CPAP, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine to regulate airflow and ensure continuous breathing. Although CPAP machines are effective at regulating breathing, many patients find it extremely difficult to sleep with a mask adhered to their face.

If you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea there is a much better solution. We provide an oral appliance alternative to the CPAP machine, and medical insurances can be billed for the device. If you have already had a sleep study and either cannot tolerate, or do not want a CPAP machine, this is a very effective alternative. This oral appliance gives a patient a restful night and the ability to travel.

As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, I have extensive experience helping provide significantly improved quality of life for many patients. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea call my office, Portside Family Dental in Newburyport to schedule an appointment, 978-462-4590. A restful sleep awaits!