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UPPer airway resistance syndrome

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is caused when soft tissues in the throat relax, reducing the size of the airway and increasing the effort required for breathing. These are exactly the same conditions that cause OSA. While the symptoms and the condition are not as severe, UARS is still a serious medical condition, and left untreated can progress to OSA.

 

Common symptoms of UARS:

  • Chronic insomnia

  • Daytime sleepiness

  • Fatigue

  • Frequent awakenings

  • Low blood pressure

  • Unrefreshing sleep

 

UARS restricts airflow during sleep like OSA, but the level of resistance is lower than what is required for a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. UARS can cause awakenings and interrupt the sleep cycle, leading to many of the same symptoms as OSA.

Oral Appliance Therapy


Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) uses a custom fitted dental appliance, similar to a retainer, to ensure unrestricted airflow during sleep. The device positions the lower jaw forward, which moves the base of the tongue slightly to ensure the airway remains open during sleep. The appliance fits in the palm of your hand, uses no power and has no hoses or pumps.​ Not all cases of UARS qualify for treatment with an oral appliance. Patients seeking an alternative to CPAP should consult with a qualified physician to determine if oral appliance therapy is appropriate for their case. 

Oral Appliance Therapy consists of four steps:
 

  • Screening and home sleep test schedule on first visit

  • Home sleep test results are reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician who makes a diagnosis and therapy suggestion

  • Delivery of custom-made oral appliance

  • Easy follow-up maintenance once or twice a year
     

Do not mistake OAT with a drugstore snoreguard, which is not FDA cleared for treating OSA. Attempting to treat OSA with an unapproved device and not under the care of a trained professional could exacerbate the condition leading to potentially serious complications.​

How it Works

  1. Schedule a screening at our office

  2. If the screening indicates you are at risk for OSA, we will arrange a Home Sleep Test

  3. Sleep in your own bed while the device monitors your sleep

  4. Results from the test are downloaded and sent to a board-certified Sleep Physician for review and diagnosis

  5. If the physician recommends Oral Appliance Therapy, we will take impressions of your teeth and create a custom device for you

  6. After the device is made, it may require adjustments to ensure optimal airflow

  7. A follow up home sleep test is used to verify the device is working as intended

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DreamSleep Certified

Our office has been DreamSleep Certified for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. DreamSleep is a national network of Dentists and Physicians working together to raise awareness and treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

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