The EZ SleepÔ oral appliance was developed to treat people who suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. The EZ SleepÔ appliance is a small dental device that is worn at night. It gently repositions the lower jaw forward, allowing the upper airway to open. As a result, it stops snoring.

'Where was the EZ SleepÔ appliance developed?'

A dentist with a general practice in Toronto developed the EZ SleepÔ appliance in 1998.

'What is Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea?'

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea are both breathing disorders that occur during sleep due to the narrowing or total closure of the airway. Snoring is a breathing noise created by the partial closure of the airway.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious condition where the airway totally closes many times during the night and can significantly reduce oxygen levels in the body, and disrupt sleep. 'What other treatments might I consider?'

• surgical treatments:
  * Laser
  * Radiowave frequency
  * Jaw advancement
  * Tongue resection
  * Tonsillectomy
  * Nose septal reconstruction
  * and others

COST -

· 'How much is it?'

The cost of creating a custom fitted EZ SleepÔ appliance includes both the dental and lab services and is about $1700.00.

· 'Is it covered by insurance?'

More and more insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost provided that it has been diagnosed through medical channels.

TIME and PROCEDURE

· 'How much time is required in getting one?'

This really depends on diagnosis being done after sleep tests. Generally, it takes between 3-4 weeks after diagnosis is made by the sleep specialists.

'What do I need to do to get one?'

Firstly, consult an authorized EZ SleepÔ dentist. These dentists have been trained to see which appliance is best suited for you. An approved EZ SleepÔ dentist works closely with medical doctors.

'Why do I need to see both a doctor and a dentist?'

The EZ SleepÔ dental appliance therapy is successful because it uses a team approach between sleep specialists, care providers and dentists. First your medical assessment is made and since the appliance is custom made to your teeth, it is critical to let a dentist construct your appliance.

'I don't understand why my dentist is involved with a medical issue like snoring?'

The EZ SleepÔ dental system ensures that your medical condition is properly assessed first. An authorised EZ SleepÔ dentist has been trained to provide you with this service.

'What is a sleep study?'

A sleep study or polysomnography is a test taken while one is sleeping. The goal is to monitor ones' life signs such as their heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, breathing patterns, movement, and sleep cycles during sleep. This helps the EZ Sleep team determine the cause of their snoring.

'What are the main advantages of the EZ SleepÔ appliance?

* it is small, comfortable and easy to wear
* it is easy to speak with the apppliance in place
* it is also easy to drink with the appliance in place
* easily carried when travelling
* reversible and non-invasive treatment (no surgery involved)

*more room for the tongue

'My bed partner won't listen.'

Allow us to send you our EZ SleepÔ brochure that explains the effects of snoring and sleep apnea. Let him/her read it and hopefully him/her will schedule an appointment. You may even consider helping him/her to schedule an appointment with an authorized EZ Sleep dentist.

'Will nasal strips help me stop snoring?'

Nasal strips will certainly help in opening the nasal cavity and may alleviate some snoring. However, if sleep studies identify that the snoring is caused because of vibrating tissues in the upper airway of the throat- nasal strips will not help. Treatment options such as surgery and dental appliance therapy are clinically proven to be more effective.

'How do I clean my EZ SleepÔ appliance?'

Simply brush and rinse your appliance thoroughly after wearing it.

'What are some of the common factors among people who snore?'

Common factors are being overweight, daytime fatigue, restlessness, high blood pressure.

'Does the appliance cause any discomfort while wearing it at night?'

Most patients experience no pain or discomfort. In fact, you can even talk and drink water with the EZ SleepÔ appliance in place! Some patients may initially experience increased saliva . Of these, most adapt very quickly. And because it is a non-invasive treatment, unlike surgery, the potential for pain is minimal.

'How is smoking linked to snoring?'

Smoking is a risk factor for sleep apnea in partly because smoking causes an irritation to the airway, as well as causing swelling and further narrowing. Smoking also affects oxygen levels in the bloodstream.