Alexandria, VA -- (SBWire) -- 12/17/2015 --Patients who wear a CPAP mask at night to aid in stopping snoring and/or sleep apnea find it problematic. Most individuals who wear the mask wish there was a more comfortable solution for their snoring related issues. The solution comes in the form of a dental appliance.

Common problems with CPAP are:
- Sweat soaks into the straps and irritates the skin
- Removal of mask during sleep and have apnea episodes
- The mask rubs on the nose and forehead
- Air pushes into the stomach causing burping and/or flatulence
- The mask leaks air onto the face (especially with facial hair)
- The pressure of the CPAP is oppressive
- The CPAP machine is too noisy to allow sleep
- The tubing gets in the way of sleeping movements
- Awareness of the mask and can't forget about it
- The mask triggers claustrophobia
- Nose might be stuffed up from a cold or allergies
- The air is too hot, too cold or too dry

Sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing while asleep. Each pause, called an apnea, can last from at least 10 seconds to minutes and may occur five to 30 times or more per hour.

"A solution accessible to those who snore and have sleep apnea is actually an oral appliance that I offer," remarks Dr. Longman. The oral appliance is comparable to an athletic mouthguard and is worn while sleeping. The appliance helps prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the throat.

Recently the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) approved dental appliances as a first line of treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea and for patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. "Over 95% of patients are satisfied with the level of improvement with their snoring when assessed and treated correctly," states Dr. Longman.

The (AASM) journal, Sleep, stated that, "Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with obstructive sleep apnea who prefer oral appliances to CPAP, or who do not respond to CPAP, are not appropriate candidates for CPAP, or who fail treatment attempts with CPAP."

Dr. Longman's compassion for his patients and keeping up with the latest dental technology is what his patients and staff most appreciate about him.

For an appointment, call 703 549-1331.