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Our Sleep Apnea Blog


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis: X-Rays

Although thorough sleep apnea diagnosis generally involves an overnight stay at the sleep lab, but doctors are always working on new techniques. In this technique, doctors use x-rays to look at the position of the tongue and hyoid bone in suspected apeneiacs to perform diagnosis. Although the test is not currently very effective (allowing for only a 70% diagnosis rate), the hope is that future refinements may make it a substitute for the complete sleep study.

The hyoid bone is located in the neck, the only human bone not attached to any other bone. It is only attached to the muscles of the neck and the tongue muscle. Therefore, when the muscles of the throat relax, the hyoid bone can shift and become one of the main constrictors of the airway passage. By analyzing the position of the hyoid bone, researchers hope to use x-rays as a pre-screening tool to look for sleep apnea.

Since sleep apnea is significantly underdiagnosed, and since the x-rays that might be used are routinely given to teens in preparation for orthodontic treatment with braces, the assessment can be used to direct people to sleep apnea diagnosis at a young age, hopefully allowing them to avoid the dangerous consequences of untreated sleep apnea.

If you suspect you may suffer from sleep apnea, please set up a free initial consultation with the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center, where the latest and best diagnostic tools are used to identify your sleep apnea and design an appropriate course of treatment.

posted by Patti at 9:23 AM 0 comments

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Play Your Didgeridoo, Blue, to Reduce Obstructive Sleep Apnea

According a study published in the British Medical Journal, regular didgeridoo playing can reduce the negative effects of obstructive sleep apnea. In the study, half of a group of patients who complained of snoring and had apnea-hypopnea indices of 15-30 (a shortcut method for a rough diagnosis of sleep apnea) practiced the didgeridoo an average of 25.3 minutes a day, 5.9 days a week for four months. As a result, the people who practiced the didgeridoo had significantly decreased daytime sleepiness and reduced apnea-hypopnea indices. In addition, their sleep partners reported that they had significantly less sleep disturbances.

Researchers believe that the improvement was due to the training of the upper airways which made their airways less susceptible to collapse during sleep.

This study shows one example of the wide range of behavioral therapy options available for sleep apnea treatment. Although it may not be the only answer, for many people with sleep apnea, behavioral therapy can be a big help and lead not only to reduced apnea, but increased overall quality of life.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition, made even more dangerous by underdiagnosis. If you snore or have any symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center today for a free initial sleep apnea consultation.

posted by Patti at 9:15 AM 0 comments

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Sleep Apnea Increases Risk of Heart Attack, Death

In a study by researchers at Yale University and reported at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in 2007, obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a 30% greater risk of heart attack and/or death over a 4-5 year period. The study followed 1,123 patients who were evaluated for sleep apnea during an overnight sleep study for 4-5 years, and recorded every incidence of heart disease (heart attack, coronary angiography, etc.) or died.

According to researchers, sleep apnea triggers the body's threat response, which distributes blood to the body in preparation for a "fight or flight" response and decreases the blood pumped to the heart. Repeated apneic events every night for years can starve the heart of oxygen, leading to the increased risk of heart failure and death.

Although sleep apnea and heart disease have common risk factors, such as obesity, this study was large enough to take that into account and adjust the findings to reflect the real risk of sleep apnea independent of other known heart disease causes.

If you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it may be deadly to wait for treatment. Please contact the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center today for a free initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 9:06 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Research Confirms Sleep Apnea Sufferers' Increased Accident Risk

The scientific journal Thorax recently published a study showing that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to be involved in an auto accident as those who enjoy uninterrupted sleep. Researchers from the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and the University of British Columbia studied 1600 people, some with and some without apnea. And they found that sleep apnea sufferers tended to be involved in even more serious crashes as well. Sleep apnea sufferers were 3 to 5 times more likely to be involved in a crash that involves personal injury.

Although previous studies have identified the risk of car crashes among sleep apnea sufferers, this is the largest study yet, and the first time that researchers investigated the severity of the crashes. The study also found that the risk of crash was not necessarily correlated with the severity of sleep apnea. Said one researcher, "Even those patients with fairly mild sleep apnea had an increased risk of serious crashes." Even though daytime sleepiness is a common sign of sleep apnea, researchers found that the risk of crashes was not correlated with self-reported sleepiness, leading them to conclude that "patients may not be aware of the potential driving hazards caused by sleep apnea."

As a result of this increased risk, the co-author of the study said, "we feel it is important for people with suspected sleep apnea to be assessed for this common disorder for which there are several effective treatments."

If you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center today for a free initial sleep apnea consultation and avoid risking your life on the road.

posted by Patti at 3:43 PM 0 comments

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Local Dentist To Lecture On Sleep Apnea At "The Big Sleep Show" - May 9-10, 2008-Chicago, IL

Gurnee, IL (April 2008)- Dr. Ira L. Shapira, of Delany Dental Care, will be participating in "The Big Sleep Show," An Alertness & Healthy Sleep Expo being held at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, May 9-10, 2008. Because sleep is a vital human need, our productivity, attitude, alertness-our very well being depends on its quality and quantity. An Institute of Medicine report estimates that 50 to 70 million Americans chronically suffer from sleep disorders and confirms links to "increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack and stroke." Regrettably, 95% of people with sleep Disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated.


Dr. Shapira has successfully treated hundreds of patients with sleep apnea for over 25 years. Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition in which an individual repeatedly stops breathing while he or she sleeps. Typical solutions for patients with sleep apnea include a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. A CPAP device includes a mask, tubes and a fan that uses air pressure to push the tongue forward and open the throat. Although the industry's gold standard, CPAP is only 23-45% successful due to lack of patient compliance.


Dr. Shapira, a pioneer of oral appliance titration during sleep tests, will be lecturing on the benefits of intra-oral appliances, an alternative to CPAP. He will explain how intra-oral devices eliminate sleep apnea through Titration, which changes the position of the jaw causing mandibular advancement. His exhibit will display intra-oral sleep appliances. associated literature and other related materials.


For more information on Dr. Ira L. Shapira and "The Big Sleep" contact Delany Dental Care at 847-623-5530 or visit www.IHateCPAP.com.


Local Dentist To Lecture On Sleep Apnea At "The Big Sleep Show" –May 9-10, 2008-Chicago, IL

posted by Admin at 3:18 PM 0 comments

Friday, February 29, 2008

Testimonial From Rita, Patient of Dr. Siegel's

Dear Dr. Marc,


I would like to "Thank You" and your staff, for helping me in my great need.

I couldn't be happier with my new mouth piece. It works so wonderful for me. Since I have had my mouth piece, I sleep all night, I don't "snore" or "blow up with air in my stomach," like I did with the C-Pap.

I joined the BAC Health Club, I go most every day. I have a lot more energy, and I have been breathing much better. I am so very happy I got you, Dr. Siegel, off the Internet. You are my life saver! Before I got the splint, I had chest pains and breathing like I was taking my last breath. I didn't sleep at night at all. My poor husband said I was "restless" and "snoring" almost all night.

So you have made me and my husband very happy, Dr. Marc. Also, I would like to add that your staff has been the best.

Thank you again,

Rita

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Siegel, and his work, please visit Snyder Dental Group.



posted by htorbit at 11:43 AM 0 comments

Monday, April 30, 2007

Comments dated April 2007 read:

I've had my new appliance for over a year and a half and more than happy! I chose to come and see Dr. Shapira because I would wake up with my breathing machine and rip my mask off. Being able to sleep through the night and most importantly keep my wife from not kicking me is the best. Thanks again, Dr. Shapira.

LAB

posted by Jori Taylor at 5:50 AM 0 comments

Thank You Note dated April 2007 reads:

I'm a biology major and art minor at DePaul University in Chicago. I am
currently a junior (3rd year). From the very begin of college, I decided
to pursue a career in dentistry. It was towards the end of high school
that I took a great appreciation for the work that Dr. Shapira and Dr.
Amidei do at Delany Dental Care. From that point, I decided to commit
myself to follow their example and become one of the few true masters of
dental health care and art. Ultimately, my goal is to start my own dental
practice that service patients in all fields of dentistry.

My experience during spring break with Delany Dental Care was more than I
expected it to be. I looked forward to dedicating my spring break to
shadowing Dr. Shapira and Dr. Amidei and I thought I had a basic idea of
what their daily routine looked like. However, from the first hour when my
shadowing began, I realized how much more interesting, exciting, and
intense this professional career really was. I was blown away by the work
I observed and I left the office each day very excited, looking forward to
the next days procedures. It really is incredible how within a few hours
you can reconstruct and improve a person's mouth, and further more improve
their health and quality of life. The way I see it, it's preventative
health care that also makes you look good.

I chose Delany Dental because my family has a very close relationship with
them. For over a decade we have been their patients as a whole family. We
pretty much grew up with Dr. Shapira, Dr. Amidei, and Barb (our hygienist).
I was confident that this was the best practice for me to shadow and learn
from; after all, I know first hand that they are one of the best in quality
work. And I mustn't forget to mention that the entire staff is fun,
friendly, and professional. I look forward to visiting the Delany Dental
very soon.

I think I covered most of it. Let me know if you need more. Thanks again.
Say hi to everyone in the office for me.

-Arash Hosseini

posted by Jori Taylor at 5:41 AM 0 comments

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Thank You Note dated April 2007 reads:

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how appreciative I am of you going out of your way for me and all the calls, faxes and letters you sent in to the insurance companies in order to get my dental appliance covered by insurance. Financially I was really in a bind and your extra time, effort has not gone unnoticed. This gift card can not nearly tell you how thankful I am for all your work. Insurance paid in full thanks to you!

MM

posted by Jori Taylor at 5:24 PM 0 comments

Comments dated April 2007 read:

After being diagnosed with sleep apnea, I wasn't given too many choices for a cure. Surgery was one, but I was told chances were 50/50 whether it would work. Tried the CPAP machine and could not do it. I was very discouraged until I saw a small ad in the paper for Dr. Shapira's services. At first, I was skeptical but upon trying the TAP device, I would recommend it to anybody. I am on my third device and know I could not function without it. I know this for a fact because my dog got a hold of my second device and chewed it up. I tried to go on without it but couldn't. Now I am on my third appliance. Thank you, Dr. Shapira.

JW

posted by Jori Taylor at 5:20 PM 0 comments

Friday, April 27, 2007

Letter dated January 2007 reads:

Dear Dr. Shapira:

Thank you so much for your very kind contribution to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in my name. Their work is so important to all of us. It is a wonderful gesture on your part.

This is an opportunity for me to tell you how grateful I am to you for your knowledge and expertise, which have been so beneficial to my health! I had a sleep test last week at Lake Forest Hospital and the technician (whom I have had twice before) told me that the appliance has cured, or is curing, my apnea! I knew that because I have been feeling so much better every day, and sleeping so much better every night. I carried it in my purse to Israel recently. I have told almost everyone I know about it and about You!

I am very thankful to you and wish you and your wife and family good health. May you continue to do your wonderful work for many, many years to come.

Very sincerely,

EK

posted by Jori Taylor at 11:44 AM 0 comments

Letter dated July 2002 Reads:

Dear Dr. Shapira:

I must admit that at my first appointment with you I was very apprehensive about your alternative option to the CPAP machine.

I thought that the mouthpiece would never work for me and I was very concerned about the hook that attached the upper and lower mouthpieces together. I have claustrophobia.

I decided to give you a chance to prove me wrong and you certainly did do that.

I made an appointment and went to your office. I had my mouth fitted with lots of plastic and that dreaded bar on the lower appliance and the dreaded hook on the upper appliance. That very night I tried the appliance with my CPAP because I was very nervous about my apnea. My husband, Andy, was out of town and I felt that I needed someone to monitor my sleeping. I drooled a lot that night just like you said I would.

When Andy returned, I tried the mouthpiece without the CPAP and he told me that I did not snore and that I had a restful night’s sleep.

I have had a sleep study done at Condell Hospital and I was told that the “Dr. Shapira device” passed with flying colors-Hallelujah!!!

Dr. Shapira, thank you for your patience with me and thank you for inventing this wonderful plastic mouthpiece that will free me from my CPAP machine.

I travel quite a lot and my new appliance lets me sleep without the machine; I am able to hear the birds chirp in the morning; I am able to smell my fresh sheets; I can hear thunder approaching instead of only hearing the long noises when the storm is directly over my house; I do not look like a Martian when I am sleeping with my CPAP over my face; I can fall asleep on an airplane and not worry about disturbing fellow passengers; and I can go camping with my grandchildren.

Thank you again,

AS

posted by Jori Taylor at 11:37 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 12, 2007

Blog Posts

All blog posts submitted will be reviewed for language, objectional material and suitability for this site.

Thank you,
Dr Ira L Shapira

posted by ilshapira at 2:26 PM 1 comments

TAP APPLIANCE Saved my Trip to China

What a difference the TAP made!

My previous trip to China was the worst experience in my life. The stewardess woke me at least twenty times because my snoring was so loud that other passengers were complaining. I was in first class and I understand there were a ton of complaints even in the coach cabin about the noise. Not being able to use my CPAP always leaves me exhausted and the stewardess made it worse. I was on a business trip and could barely function and fell asleep during meetings. I hope to forget the embarassment of hearing everyone talking about my snoring being worse than a crying infant.

This trip was a huge success due to the TAP appliance! The stewardess did not wake me, I slept soundly the entire trip and arrived with more energy than I have felt in years. I was so pleased with how well the appliance worked on the plane that I used it the rest of the trip and never unpacked my CPAP. My meetings went smoothly and I had enough energy to do a lot of sightseeing. I have never done that in any of my previous trips.

I have never unpacked my CPAP since returning home. My wife is actually sleeping in the same room with me.

My only problem was leaving my appliance on the nightstand at the hotel and having to retrieve it before leaving for the airport. Luckily I made the plane.

Best investment I ever made and my insurance reimbursed me almost 80% of the cost.

JWP

posted by ilshapira at 1:59 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Welcome to Our New Blog!

I would like to welcome both my patients and visitors to our new blog on sleep apnea and oral appliances.

Ira L Shapira

posted by ilshapira at 8:07 PM 1 comments


CPAP alternative - treatment of sleep apnea

 

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Disclaimer: Chicago, Illinois Dentist Dr. Shapira's website only provides information on sleep apnea treatment,sleep apnea appliances, sleep problem remedies and on the prevention and cure of snoring in Gurnee, Kenosha, Lake Geneva, Milwaukee, Racine and Chicago, Illinois. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.

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