The Snoring Solution: Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)
Relieve Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Chicago
Whether soft and relatively quiet or loud and obnoxious, nobody likes to learn upon waking that they’ve been snoring in their partner’s ear. This noisy breathing is generally caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat and mouth during sleep or a mispositioned jaw caused by tension in the muscles. This results in a constricted breathing airway and vibration of the respiratory structures that manifest as the “sawing logs” sound of snoring when air is inhaled and exhaled. However, snoring does more than just annoy your sleeping partner; it can be an indication of a more serious problem that occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by instances of pauses in breathing during sleep. The majority of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which case the airflow is physically blocked, and snoring often accompanies this type of sleep apnea. When the airway is blocked, the person’s breathing pauses for several seconds up to a few minutes, during which time carbon dioxide (CO₂) builds up in the bloodstream. Once high CO₂ levels are reached, the brain signals the body to wake up so it can resume breathing. Those with sleep apnea rarely realize that they have difficulty breathing during their sleep cycle. However, the sleep disturbances often make them feel mentally and physically fatigued during the day and can cause a range of other health issues.
Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)
Dr. Fiss offers the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) to treat snoring and sleep apnea so that patients (and their partners) can get a good night’s sleep. The TAP is a comfortable oral device that moves the lower jaw into a forward position, which effectively increases the size of the breathing airway. Without a constricted air passage, the TAP allows for a minimum 85 percent reduction in soft tissue vibration and snoring and has a 96 percent success rate among patients. The device is custom-made from a mold of the unique structures of each patient’s mouth so that it is comfortable and does not risk moving the teeth or structures of the mouth out of position.
Whether you’d simply like relief from snoring or think it might be an indication of sleep apnea, schedule your appointment with Dr. Benjamin S. Fiss today. Call 312.642.6631 or fill out our online contact form for more information.