Debunking 3 Super Common Myths About Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA, is a widespread issue affecting over 22 million Americans, as well as many, many others who haven’t received a proper diagnosis! However, did you know that many people neglect seeking treatment simply because they don’t fully understand the severity of the condition? Here are a few eye-opening misconceptions about sleep apnea, so that if you suspect you’re dealing with the condition, you can confidently get help without waiting a moment longer.

Myth #1: Snoring Is the Same as Sleep Apnea

While snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s not always indicative of the condition’s presence. Snoring is caused by the vibrations of the soft tissues of the throat and airway, and it’s a sign that air is having some trouble moving in and out of the lungs. However, a person can still snore and not suffer from sleep apnea, which is why it’s crucial to be on the lookout for other common symptoms such as consistent daytime fatigue, memory problems, or other related issues. If you have sleep apnea, you’ll also wake up frequently during the night, possibly gasping or choking.

Myth #2: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Adults

Believe it or not, as many as 10 to 20 percent of children who snore may have sleep apnea; in fact, it’s estimated to affect around 3 percent of all children, and this includes all age groups. If you’ve noticed your child experiencing symptoms related to sleep apnea, including daytime fatigue, moodiness and irritability, or memory problems, it’s worth bringing it to the attention of a pediatrician.

Myth #3: Using a CPAP Machine is the Only Way to Treat Sleep Apnea

Many people who are familiar with sleep apnea are also familiar with how it’s often treated: through the use of a CPAP machine. This form of treatment requires a patient to wear a soft nasal mask to bed that’s connected to a machine by a hose, which provides them with proper oxygen flow as they sleep. However, this is not the sole form of sleep apnea treatment; custom-made oral appliances, which are a special type of mouthguard, can also be used! They’re worn to bed and help to keep the airway open throughout the night, and as you might imagine, they’re smaller, quieter, and simpler, as well as more comfortable to use compared to a CPAP machine.

It almost goes without saying that sleep is vital to a healthy life—it lets you feel your best and function at peak capacity! That said, you shouldn’t let any misinformation about sleep apnea prevent you from seeking treatment and getting your nightly rest back on track.

About the Practice

Under the talented leadership of Dr. John Moneyhun, our team here at Parkside Dental has proudly served patients and families in Landrum and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of dental services as well as sleep apnea treatment through the use of custom-made oral devices. If you have any questions about the blog, or if you believe you have sleep apnea and you’d like to set up a consultation with us, please feel free to reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (864) 800-1691.