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Sleep Apnea Facts:
75
million people in the U.S. suffer from snoring.
As many
as 18 million Americans suffer from undiagnosed and
untreated sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway
completely closes during sleep.
Snoring &
Sleep Apnea increase the risk of hypertension, heart
disease and stroke.
Oral
appliances offer non-invasive treatment. Surgery is
invasive and costly with unpredictable results, while
cumbersome CPAP is worn by less than 50% of its owners.
60% Males
and 40% Females over the age of 60 snore.
Loudness
of snoring can reach as high as 90 decibels, the range
that ear protectors are required in the workplace.
Several
states have announced legislation that requires
commercial drivers undergo medical evaluation for sleep
disorders before issuing renewal licenses.
A
published research (April 1997 - Thorax),
establishes dental appliances as the first line
of treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep
apnea. Ten of the eleven patients successfully
treated with both the CPAP and the dental appliance
preferred the dental appliance as their long term
treatment option.
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