PolySom Diagnostics, LLC

DIAGNOSING OSA / for the Dental Proffesional

Introduction:Since the previous parameter and review publication on oral appliances (OAs) in 2006, the relevant scientific literature has grown considerably, particularly in relation to clinical outcomes.  The purpose of this new guideline is to replace previous and update recomendations for the use of OAs in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. ..... We recommend...... 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE

​

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Oral Appliance Therapy: An Update for 2015

​

Obstructive Sleep Apnea per AASM

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder that involves a
decrease or complete halt in airflow despite an ongoing effort to breathe. It occurs when
the muscles relax during sleep, causing soft tissue in the back of the throat to collapse and
block the upper airway. This leads to partial reductions (hypopneas) and complete pauses
(apneas) in breathing that last at least 10 seconds during sleep. Most pauses last between
10 and 30 seconds, but some may persist for one minute or longer. This can lead to
abrupt reductions in blood oxygen saturation, with oxygen levels falling as much as 40
percent or more in severe cases.

The brain responds to the lack of oxygen by alerting the body, causing a brief arousal
from sleep that restores normal breathing. This pattern can occur hundreds of times in
one night. The result is a fragmented quality of sleep that often produces an excessive
level of daytime sleepiness.

Most people with OSA snore loudly and frequently, with periods of silence when airflow
is reduced or blocked. They then make choking, snorting or gasping sounds when their
airway reopens.

A common measurement of sleep apnea is the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). This is an
average that represents the combined number of apneas and hypopneas that occur per
hour of sleep.