Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a disorder where breathing randomly stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Sleep apnoea needs to be treated because it can lead to more serious problems.

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Dr. Sandeep Jain

Director / General Dentist

BDS, MDS, Adv Dip (Perio)
MRD RCSEd (UK), MRACDS (Aust)
Speaks English, Hindi

How To Know If I Have Sleep Apnoea

While you are sleeping, you might stop breathing for short periods, make strange noises like gasping or choking.

Snoring loudly and waking up often is also very common with people who have sleep apnoea making gasping, snorting or choking noises.

During the day, you may feel very tired and find it hard to concentrate, have mood swings, and have a headache when you wake up!

IT CAN BE HARD TO TELL IF YOU HAVE SLEEP APNOEA. IT MAY HELP TO ASK SOMEONE TO STAY WITH YOU WHILE YOU SLEEP SO THEY CAN CHECK FOR THE SYMPTOMS.

What To Do If I Suspect I Have Sleep Apnoea

You can see a medical practitioner if you have any of the above symptoms of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea can be serious if it’s not diagnosed and treated.

If a GP thinks you might have sleep apnoea, they may refer you for tests.

Treatments For Sleep Apnoea

Lifestyle changes

Sleep apnoea can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink.

CPAP machine

A CPAP machine gently pumps air into a mask you wear over your mouth or nose while you sleep. It is helpful but some people find it cumbersome and difficult to use. You need to sleep in a particular position while using CPAP.

Mandibular Advancement Device

Your dentist can make a gum shield-like device that holds your airways open while you sleep (mandibular advancement device).

These are very comfortable to wear, easy to use hence resulting in higher patient compliance, meaning you are more likely to wear it every night and see results.

This device is small and portable, making them ideal for travel or use outside the home. Mandibular Advancement Devices are more economical as compared to CPAP machines.

Anti-Snoring Device

What is Snoring?

Snoring occurs when airflow is obstructed during sleep, causing the respiratory structures to vibrate and produce sound. Snoring may be an early sign or warning of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Health?

Sleep apnea can lead to:

Lower blood oxygen levels (reducing oxygen supply to the body)
Increased heart rate (affecting heart health)
Elevated blood pressure (raising the risk of hypertension)

Over time, this may lead to serious cardiovascular conditions:

Hypertension
Heart disease
Stroke

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptom is persistent and loud snoring, feeling unrefreshed despite sufficient sleep, daytime drowsiness, and even dozing off while driving.

Other common symptoms include:

Frequent loud snoring at night
Difficulty breathing while asleep
Waking up in the middle of the night feeling suffocated
Restless sleep, frequent turning in bed
Sweating while sleeping
Waking up feeling unrefreshed
Sexual dysfunction
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Morning headaches
Daytime drowsiness, lack of concentration
Mood swings, irritability
Difficulty remembering things, forgetfulness
Fatigue, feeling tired easily
Increased risk of obesity
Frequent nighttime urination

Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

📌 Individuals with upper respiratory tract disorders
📌 Those who are overweight or have a BMI over 35 kg/m²
📌 People with high blood pressure
📌 Regular smokers and alcohol consumers
📌 Males (higher risk compared to females and children)

How Do Anti-Snoring Devices Work?

Anti-snoring appliances consist of two pieces designed to fit over the upper and lower teeth. They move the lower jaw forward, widening the airway, improving breathing, and reducing snoring and sleep apnea risks.

Mechanism:

Advances the lower jaw
Pulls the tongue muscles forward
Upper airway space is regained
Snoring and sleep apnea are diminished or eliminated

Who is a Good Candidate for an Anti-Snoring Device?

✔ Those who snore loudly and continuously
✔ Those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
✔ Those who opt out of surgery
✔ Those who do not want to use a CPAP machine

Benefits of Anti-Snoring Appliances

✅ 3D digital scanning ensures a highly accurate, custom-made fit
✅ Personalized design for a perfect fit
✅ Reduces snoring and helps with sleep apnea
✅ Enhances sleep quality for better daytime performance
✅ Small, portable, and requires no power source
✅ Easy to clean and maintain
✅ Comfortable to wear, suitable for Hong Kong’s climate
✅ No embarrassment while wearing it, allowing normal daily activities
✅ No annoying noise disturbing your partner or roommates
✅ Prevents tooth wear for those who grind their teeth at night

Book Your Sleep Apnoea Consultation Today!

Take the first step towards better sleep and health. Contact Smith & Jain Dentists in Central, Hong Kong, to book a professional consultation with our expert team.