I do not snore, so I cannot have OSA

FALSE. OSA is commonly associated with snoring. However many OSA patients DO NOT SNORE. Snoring is only one sign of OSA. In fact, if a long time snorer no longer snores, this may actually indicate that their OSA has increased in severity in that there is now complete blockage of their airway. This blockage will not allow them to make a snoring sound. One should consider all of the signs when screening for OSA. If you exhibit some of these signs mentioned above, please contact your sleep professional.

I only snore mildly, so there is no real concern

FALSE. We used to think that light snoring is harmless, especially if a person does not have any signs or symptoms and/or OSA has been ruled out with a sleep study. However, new research data suggests that the trauma from snoring on the soft tissues may cause the formation of “nervous lesions” in the soft palate. These nervous lesions impair the reflex capabilities of those tissues, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse. We are taking the stance that all snoring should be viewed as the lowest threshold of sleep disordered breathing, the same way as hypertension is the beginning threshold of cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, the vibration from snoring can cause any present atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery to break off, increasing the chances of a cardiovascular event such as a stroke. There are some studies that demonstrate that cardiovascular events such as strokes commonly occur during 12 am and 6 am in severe OSA patients.

I am not overweight, so I cannot have OSA

FALSE. One of the reasons why OSA could be so under diagnosed is that it is commonly thought of as a disease of obesity. It is true that OSA risk increases with weight gain because excess fat tissue can constrict the airway. However, it is very important that everyone understands that if many world-class athletes can suffer from OSA, so can many men, women and children who are not obese. To think of it in another way, a skinny person born with a large tongue, large tonsils and adenoids can suffer from OSA. A skinny person with a deviated septum or sinus problems can have a reduced airway which puts them at higher risk of having OSA. Therefore, anyone of any body type can have OSA as adipose tissue (fat) is only one of many factors which may cause one’s airway to be constricted and/or collapse. If a skinny individual has hypertension, it would not be uncommon to find out that OSA is also involved. Therefore, if you suspect that you may have OSA, please contact your Sleep Health Professional.

Since I am overweight, my OSA will go away if I just lose the weight

FALSE. OSA patients may find it difficult to lose weight as increased cortisol released by the adrenal cortex during distressed sleep increases blood glucose levels, which in turn is converted to fat. Insulin intolerance can also occur. In addition, an overweight individual who suffers from OSA will oftentimes report the lack of energy to go out and properly exercise as a result of the over stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. If one is 5 pounds overweight and has mild OSA, it is more likely that their OSA can be handled with losing weight alone than an individual who is 15 pounds or more overweight with moderate or severe OSA. And even for the slightly overweight individual, the cortisol factor may make it difficult to lose the weight with diet and exercise. The answer lies in the proper diagnosis so please contact your sleep health professional.

Drugs, alcohol, and caffeine worsen OSA symptoms

TRUE. Absolutely! Many drugs including Benzodiazepines, Opioids, and Viagra can cause OSA symptoms to worsen. We do not recommend any alcohol within 4 hours before and any caffeine 6 hours before bedtime.

Children are too young to have OSA

FALSE. Many children suffer from OSA. If a child exhibits some of the signs listed above, please contact your sleep health professional. Unlike adults, many OSA children may exhibit signs of ADHD and could be incorrectly given medication. OSA in children can cause delayed physical and mental growth. Many parents have reported that their child’s behavior and grades have improved following proper treatment. It is also very important to note that the growth and development of the face of an OSA child can be affected because mouth breathing does not allow for proper palate arch formation. These children tend to develop long and narrow faces. Following completion of growth and development, this becomes permanent unless corrected by surgery. If a child is still growing, treatment for OSA along with proper Orthodontic treatment may correct these developmental abnormalities. It has been documented that Olympian Michael Phelps suffered from OSA as a child, had ADHD, and was a mouth breather. We bring this example up so parents can relate to the appearance of an OSA child, as Mr. Phelps is one of the most recognizable individuals in the world.

Children cannot be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy

TRUE. Oral appliances may affect the growth and development of a child and is not recommended.

Medical insurances may cover oral appliance therapy

TRUE. Many medical insurances, including PPOs and Medicare do cover a portion of oral appliance therapy under durable medical equipment. For more information, please contact us.

There are many other sleep disorders besides OSA that could explain patient signs and symptoms

TRUE. That is why Polysomnography performed in a sleep laboratory is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders. Other sleep tests, such as home ambulatory tests and pulse oximetry does not test for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, Restless Leg Syndrom (RLS), and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). However, OSA is the most common sleep related breathing disorder.