CPAP and SomnoSeal
For those managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard, providing significant relief. However, it’s not always easy to adapt to, particularly for those who breathe through their mouths. If you use a nasal CPAP and tend to open your mouth, you might notice the air escaping, which can reduce the therapy’s efficiency as the necessary pressure drops. Some Auto-CPAP machines may even ramp up the pressure to compensate, which can make the leakage issue worse. Traditional fixes include wearing a large full-face mask that covers both nose and mouth or using a chin strap to keep the mouth shut, but these can be uncomfortable and clunky. SomnoSeal is an innovative solution designed to seal your mouth comfortably while you sleep. This unique device works seamlessly with CPAP and oral appliance treatments, enhancing both comfort and effectiveness for sleep apnea patients.
What Is SomnoSeal?
SomnoSeal is a flexible mouthpiece crafted from body-friendly silicone. Its flexible design rests comfortably between your lips and gums, forming a seal that prevents mouth breathing. This device is the brainchild of a sleep specialist who recognizes the critical role of nasal breathing in boosting overall health and effectively managing OSA. SomnoSeal is particularly beneficial for CPAP users who struggle with mouth leaks during their treatment. Here are some of the key advantages of integrating SomnoSeal into your CPAP therapy:
- Minimize dry mouth by dramatically reducing air leakage through the mouth
- Those with facial hair can use SomnoSeal without any issues
- Say goodbye to uncomfortable chin straps and mouth taping.
- SomnoSeal is versatile and can be used alongside a variety of nasal CPAP masks and oral devices
- Even some full-face CPAP mask users find the SomnoSeal improves comfort by decreasing dry mouth
SomnoSeal is an ideal solution for those who are using full-face (over the mouth) CPAP therapy but want to switch to a nasal-only mask that is less invasive. Nasal CPAP masks include over-the-nose masks as well as nasal pillow style or ‘under the nose’ masks such as the Respironics Dreamwear mask. Wearing the SomnoSeal with nasal CPAP masks enables mouth-breathers to successfully use these popular masks.
SomnoSeal to Stop Mouth Breathing
Many people who have sleep apnea or snore are mouth breathers who have difficulty switching to nasal breathing. There are many negative effects of mouth breathing, namely an uncomfortable dry mouth. SomnoSeal was designed by a sleep specialist to make the transition to nasal breathing easier and comfortably eliminate dry mouth. The medical-grade silicone is soft and flexible and designed to help mouth breathers learn to breathe through their noses without the irritation of mouth tapes or chin straps.
Whether you use an oral appliance to control snoring or CPAP for OSA, SomnoSeal can be used in conjunction with either device to improve comfort and stop mouth breathing. Those who habitually breathe through their mouth and are able to breathe through their nose can also use SomnoSeal on its own to control mouth breathing. Individual starter kits are available to the public online as well as clinic starter kits for health professionals.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA), occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Awakening with a dry mouth
- Morning headache
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia
- Irritability
