Sleep Apnea -Terms & Values

• Anti-apnea splint (AAS) – Apnea bite splint (ABS) – Apnea splint – Snore splint: A splint that pulls the lower jaw forward and thus helps prevent the tongue from falling backwards and blocking the airways. Consult a doctor/dentist.
• Apnea: Apnea, respiratory arrest for more than 10 seconds. 
• APAP: A(uto Adjusting) P(ositive) A(irway) P(ressure)  A device/machine with a breathing mask (nasal/full face mask) that provides a adapted positive pressure in the upper airways and thus keeps the airways open.
• Bite splint: A splint you get from a dentist when you clench/grind your teeth.
• CPAP: C(ontinuous) P(ositive) A(irway) P(ressure) = A device/machine with a breathing mask (nose/full face mask) that provides a constant positive pressure in the upper airways and thus keeps the airways open.
• Habitual snoring: More or less regular snoring. 
• Hypopnea: Reduced airflow by at least 50% for more than 10 seconds.
• Mouth breathing: Most people who snore breathe through their mouths. The tongue falls back, making it difficult for air to flow.
• Nose breathing: The nose cleans, regulates temperature and humidifies the air you breathe in. You get better oxygenation and sleep more soundly.
• Obstructive: Clogging, stopping, preventing.
• RSVP: Obstructive sleep apnea means that you have repeated breathing pauses during sleep. 
• OSAS: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, from 5 breathing pauses per hour of sleep and upwards, is classified as a disease. The diagnosis entails an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and type II diabetes.
• PAP: CPAP + APAP (see above).
• Situational snoring: People who snore in certain situations, such as after drinking alcohol, are extremely exhausted, on certain medications, have a cold, or just have a stuffy nose for other reasons.
• Snoring sound: Vibration, tissues vibrating in the upper respiratory tract.
• Social snoring: Snoring without breathing pauses or fewer than five breathing pauses (apneas) per hour of sleep. Social snoring can eventually develop into obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, which is classified as a disease and needs to be treated.

If OSA/OSAS is suspected – from 5 breathing pauses per hour of sleep and upwards – ask for a referral to a sleep clinic for investigation and effective treatment.

Difficulty breathing through your nose – talk to your doctor – if necessary, they can provide a referral to an ear/nose/throat clinic.