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HOW IT WORKS...AND WHY ITS DIFFERENT
As you probably know, conventional approaches to treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring include CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and M.A.D. devices, or Mandibular Advancement Devices. CPAP works by blowing pressurized air through the mouth or nose and past any airway blockage causing an apnea. This method is highly effective, but requires the user to wear a face or nasal mask and be tethered to an air pump throughout the night. Many people have difficulty getting used to this discomfort. In fact, it is estimated that 40% to 50% of those prescribed a CPAP machine discontinue using it completely within 60 days of beginning treatment.The units are costly as is the proceedure to have a physician or technician adjust, or titrate, the device. They are also dificult to travel with, not only due to the requirement for electricity, but also in getting past security checkpoints at airports. The MAD devices work by forcing the bottom jaw to a more forward position. In doing this, the tongue is moved to a more forward position also, thereby increasing the distance between the back of the tongue and the soft palate. This decreases the chances of the soft palate causing an airway obstruction when it collapses and falls into the airway when the user falls asleep. These devices are also effective, although not as effective as CPAP. They are also expensive as they utilize acrylic molds that are fit over the upper and lower teeth, and must be custom formed at a laboratory. The upper and lower molds are then connected together using a spring and/or screw mechanism which moves the lower jaw forward. This puts a lot of stress on the muscles, joints, and connective tissues. It also stresses the teeth which are used as a fulcrum to effect the forward movement. In some cases, thousands of dollars in prepatory dental work must be done to prepare the teeth to perform this function. This is why dentists provide and fit these devices. Often, the necessary dental prep work costs much more than the device itself. Some users have to do jaw exercises after awaking to get everything back to its normal position.  The RespireAide Appliance takes a completely different and unique approach. It is a combination of two separate components, each recognized as a safe and effective approach to treating OSA and heavy snoring. A Soft Palate Lifter is coupled with a Tongue Retainer to simultaneously address the two organs involved in creating an apnea and snoring; the soft palate and the tongue. As the Soft Palate Lifter resides under and supports the soft palate, the tongue retainer inhibits rearward movement of the tonguu towards the soft palate. This keeps both the tongue and the soft palate in the same positions relative to each other as when we are awake and maintains an open airway through which one can breathe easily. In taking this approach, no mask or airhose is needed, and no virtually no stress is put on the teeth, muscles, joints, or connective tissue in the oral cavity. The unit is fully adjustable to fir a wide range of users and is best adjusted by the person wearing it. It can be used by those with weak teeth, dentures, or no teeth at all.
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