Sleep Apnea is a Problem for Women Too!

Sleep apnea is often consider a male issue, but while over 42 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a good portion of those troubled sleepers are women. Some studies show that one of out every four people suffering from sleep apnea is female. In fact, a 2008 study found that roughly 9% of middle-aged women suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (compared to 25% of middle-aged men).

Sleep apnea symptoms are often subtle in women, showing up as headaches and fatigue. This leads to a underdiagnosing of the condition in women. Those who suffer from sleep apnea are at an increased risk of being involved in a traffic accident, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer, including breast cancer.  

This unpleasant condition could be helped with simple interventions like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or a customized oral breathing device.

A lightweight, non-invasive, vacuum-form appliance that consists of two sturdy acrylic arch trays formed to fit tightly over the teeth. 

The device advances the lower jaw – holding it forward to maintain an open airway - while the custom Green Zyppah Tongue Band stabilizes the tongue and keeps it from obstructing the breathing passage.  The elastics can be switched out within a range of incremental sizes to ensure the best individual fit and function for each patient.

If you suspect that any of your female patients suffer from sleep apnea, encourage them to speak with their doctors to determine if CPAP or an oral device is worth trying. At Space Maintainers Laboratories, our network of well-regarded labs can create customized oral breathing devices for your sleep apnea patients.  

 Contact us for more information on help for sleep apnea.