Patient Frequently Asked Questions
If I snore does that mean I have sleep apnea?
No, not necessarily. Not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea. However, frequent and/or loud snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common and potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. The biggest indicator of sleep apnea is how you feel during the day. Normal snoring shouldn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea does. For example, you’re less likely to experience extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day from snoring during sleep. These symptoms are an indicator for sleep apnea.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. Apnea means the absence of breath, or a period of time, a person does not breathe. OSA refers to when a person stops breathing during sleep due to an obstruction in the airway. An obstruction can occur for many reasons. However, the most common causes are the tongue blocking the airway or the sides of the airway collapsing.
What are the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Typical signs and symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, waking up feeling unrefreshed, waking gasping for air or choking, night sweats, waking up with a sore throat, poor memory, nighttime urination and/or sexual problems.
What are the risks of not treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If OSA is not treated or not treated effectively you may have an increased risk of developing obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and mood disorders. The risk for stroke and heart attacks also increase along with being at risk of a motor vehicle and/or workplace accident.
What is nasal obstruction and do I have it?
Almost everyone experiences some sort of nasal congestion at some time throughout the night while sleeping. Some of the most common causes of nasal obstruction or a “stuffy nose” are chronic or acute sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and environmental conditions such as seasonal allergies, smoke or atmosphere irritants (dust or dirt). The common cold, flu, alcohol and certain medications such as blood pressure medications, can lead to dryness and congestion also. Some people have anatomical conditions that can also lead to nasal congestion or resistance, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. Nasal congestion is important to recognize because it can influence how effective your therapy will be for the treatment of OSA.
What is the Oventus O2Vent oral appliance?
The Oventus O2Vent oral appliance is a removable medical device that is custom fitted to your mouth for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. It incorporates an airway that allows for air flow through the device while sleeping even in the presence of nasal obstruction.
How does the Oventus O2Vent oral appliance work?
- The Oventus O2Vent works in two different ways:
Firstly, all Oventus oral appliances are adjustable.This means that over time the lower jaw will be slowly positioned forward to open the airway, to decrease or eliminate apnea episodes while sleeping. This adjustment is made with the help of your healthcare practitioner. Once the best jaw position is found for you, the O2Vent will be set at this position. - Secondly, all Oventus oral appliances are made with a custom airway which allows for airflow even when your nose is blocked. This will allow you to breathe through your nose when you can do so without any issues. Should any nasal congestion and/or obstruction occur you can switch to mouth breathing.The airway allows for uninterrupted breathing even in the presence of nasal obstruction. This allows you to enjoy a quality sleep and feel refreshed in the morning.
Doesn’t the airway encourage mouth breathing?
No, it doesn’t. It manages mouth breathing while still allowing the patient to get enough airflow when it would otherwise be obstructed by high nasal obstruction.
Isn’t nose breathing ideal?
Yes. Oventus Airway Technology does not prevent nose breathing. To the extent that a patient can breathe through their nose, they will continue to do so.
How do I use the O2Vent?
For information on how to use the O2Vent, please refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) located in the Product section of O2Vent.com
How long will it take for me to get used to wearing the O2Vent?
As with anything new, an acclimation period is to be expected. Each person’s experience will be different and unique to them. Always refer back to your Prescribing Professional or referring Dentist for any issues or concerns. Listed below are some common side effects that you may experience, along with some helpful hints on how to overcome them:
- Excess saliva-According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) “Watchful waiting is considered first-line treatment to manage excessive salivation/drooling”, meaning that the excessive saliva will stabilize within a few weeks. The increase in saliva is the body’s response to something new in the mouth and will gradually start to decrease.
- Possible dry mouth or a dry spot in the mouth-If you feel that you can’t work up a good mouthful of saliva, use an over-the-counter saliva substitute or gel, such as Biotene Oral Balance, Oasis orMEDOral Dry Mouth Treatment.
- Soft tissue, gum or tongue irritation–This is another common side effect that usually resolves in a few weeks. You should always refer back to your Prescribing Professional or dentist.There could be slight adjustments that can be made to your O2Vent. Your dentist may also recommend temporarily discontinuing use of the oral appliance for a short time. If these treatment options are insufficient or inappropriate, orthodontic wax may also be considered appropriate.
- Jaw pain–you may need to acclimate to the device over time and build up usage by: Placing the device in your mouth while awake for several hours, gradually increasing time until you better adapt to the product.oUse Tylenol or similar medication to manage any discomfort.
- Tooth tenderness-will reduce over time with the acclimation of several weeks.
How do I clean and care for my new O2Vent device?
It is important to clean your device every day, just like you do you own teeth. For more information on how to clean and care for your device, refer to the “Instructions for Use” (IFU) located in the Product section of O2Vent.com
How do I get an Oventus O2Vent device?
If you suspect that yourself or a loved one has OSA, you/they should be examined by a sleep physician to determine if there isa diagnosis of OSA. The O2Vent is a medical device. All patients should contact a qualified dentist to be evaluated and properly fitted for an O2Vent device. An oral exam, impressions or scans of the oral cavity will be taken to produce this customized device.
Is oral appliance therapy suitable for everyone for the treatment of OSA?
There are a few conditions where an oral appliance is not suited to a patient for the treatment of OSA.These conditions include if you are:
- diagnosed with central sleep apnea
- have another type of severe respiratory disease
- have loose or missing teeth or suffer advanced periodontal disease
- have restorative needs
- You must also be 18 years of age or older and it may also not be the first choice for person that suffers temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ).
- Your options for treatment should be discussed with your physician or sleep specialist.
Can I travel with my device and how do I store it?
Traveling with your O2Vent is as easy as packing your toothbrush. Be sure to place your device in your carry-on bag when flying to avoid extreme temperatures. During flights, it is suggested that you store your device dry in the container until you reach your final destination to avoid any security stops for liquids. When traveling in a vehicle, avoid leaving your device in a warm vehicle.
Is there a warranty for my device?
Yes. For information on O2Vent device warranties, refer to the Products page of O2vent.com
How much does the Oventus O2Vent device cost?
The cost varies depending on your level of medical insurance. Contact your dental specialist to determine your health plan’s level of cover with regards to oral appliance therapy for treating sleep apnea.
What is the O2Vent® Optima?
The O2Vent® Optima is a removable oral appliance that is fitted in the mouth and is intended to reduce or alleviate snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.
What comes with my O2Vent® Optima?
The O2Vent® Optima will be delivered fully assembled with 19mm length connector bands attached. You will receive 9 length options for the connector bands, ranging from 13-21mm. After initial use, your dentist will work with you to help you find the right length connector bands to receive the best therapy. You will also receive an Oventus tub, instructions for use, warranty information and antibacterial cleanser tablets for cleaning.
Are there side effects to using this device?
There are a few minimal side effects that could have an impact. Your dentist will review any side effects with you. Most side effects resolve or lessen over a few weeks with continued use. Use of the O2Vent® Optima may cause the following side effects:
- Tooth discomfort or pain
- Gum irritation or soreness
- Dry mouth or excessive salivation
- Jaw discomfort or pain
How do I clean my O2Vent® Optima device?
It is recommended after every use to rinse the device with warm water and clean with a soft clean toothbrush (not the same toothbrush you use to clean your teeth, as toothpaste may damage the device).
Daily cleaning
- Thoroughly rinse the device with warm water including through the airway entry and exit points.
- Dry the device after each cleaning with a clean tissue or towel and shake to clear water from the airway.
- Return the device to the Oventus tub for storage with the lid open to allow to air dry.
Twice weekly
- Clean the Optima device using the Oventus tub and an antibacterial cleanser that is free from chlorine, bleach, acetic acid or alcohol based products.
- Conduct the daily cleaning as stated above
Always refer to the instruction for use booklet (IFU) that you received with your O2Vent® Optima.
How do I change the connector bands?
Please consult with your dentist first before changing the length of connector bands, once the length has been established and both you and your dentist are comfortable. Follow the below steps, as outlined in the instruction for use booklet.
- To remove a connector band from your O2Vent® Optima device, pull the upper and lower device apart. Peel the band away from the wider end of the lug and off the lug point.
- To apply a connector band, hook the band over the pointed end of the lug and pull gently to hook over the wider lug end.
Dentist Frequently Asked Questions
Are all oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea the same?
Most mandibular appliances improve the shape of the upper airway to prevent collapse by bringing the jaw and tongue forward. However, patients may have varying and/or multiple levels of obstruction in the upper airway such as tongue, soft palate and lateral wall collapse.
While these appliances are limited to those aforementioned areas of collapse, there is a common and important missing contributor to facilitate more effective treatment. The missing contributors are nasal issues. These include nasal congestion, resistance and anatomical factors all of which promote mouth breathing.
The Oventus Medical O2Vent device with its patented airway management technology, allows air to flow through the device to the back of the throat. This technology addresses all areas of collapse including the nose, allowing uninterrupted airflow and increasing treatment outcomes.
How is the Oventus Medical O2Vent device different from other oral appliances?
The Oventus Medical O2Vent device incorporates a unique patented airway technology directly into the appliance. This airway enables an uninterrupted flow of air even in the presence of nasal obstruction, therefore ensuring the patient has efficient and effective therapy.
Does the Oventus Medical O2Vent device promote mouth breathing?
No. Patients will breathe through their nose to the extent they can, and when they can’t, they mouth breathe. This is because as nasal resistance increases during the night, patients have an adaptive response to switch over to mouth breathing. Once mouth breathing occurs, there is an actual increase in upper airway collapse.
With the Oventus Medical O2Vent device in place the patient will instead of opening their mouth, automatically begin to breathe through the “mouthpiece/duckbill” which will result in a stable airway and normal ventilation.
How does breathing through the O2Vent device differ from mouth breathing?
Mouth breathing offers up to 2.5 times more resistance than nose breathing1. This increase in resistance will result in higher negative pressure swings in the airway, possibly causing airway collapse. Breathing through the O2Vent device offers little to no resistance which will reduce negative pressure swings and provide a more stable airway. The design and cross-section of the bi-lateral airway management technology was made to mimic an average patent airway.
Why is it important to have an airway built into the oral appliance?
With multiple areas of the airway associated with collapse and contributing to airway instability, an airway channel effortlessly increases the likelihood of efficacious treatment. Nasal restriction may be intermittent, given that allergies may be seasonal or environmental, whilst obstruction such as a deviated septum may be a more chronic condition. The integrated airway allows the patient to maintain a closed mouth while still receiving the airflow needed to breathe without compromising the stability of the airway. It also allows for continued, uninterrupted therapy and sleep for the patient. Cutting a hole in an oral appliance to facilitate mouth breathing can now be negated. This practice creates risk of airway destabilization.
Is there a way to know if a patient is having difficulty breathing through their nose?
Yes. A common physical exam is often used whereby the patient holds one nostril closed while trying to breathe through the other and the clinician can assess nasal breathing restriction. However, as previously mentioned congestion may be intermittent depending on allergies, environment or weather related factors.
Another tool that is easily performed and complements the physical examination is the use of a validated questionnaire called the NOSE questionnaire. Consisting of five questions that the patient will answer based on their level of nasal congestion, the questionnaire also includes a scoring severity scale. Using this questionnaire can assist in properly diagnosing nasal congestion which is critical for oral appliance compliance.
A copy of the NOSE Questionnaire (PDF) can be found in Healthcare Professionals Resources page of O2Vent.com.
Why should I choose an Oventus Medical device over what I am currently using?
Oventus Medical O2Vent devices are the only devices that offer a tangible solution for patients who suffer from multiple levels of obstruction; including soft palate collapse, nasal obstruction, tongue-based obstruction and epiglottal obstruction. By breathing through the incorporated airway, it has been shown to reduce negative pressure swings in the airway which can lead to airway instability and collapse2. Therapy adherence has been shown to be 82.8% 2. It has also been demonstrated that by using Oventus Medical O2Vent devices, effectiveness has improved by up to 50% 3, 4
Is there going to be adequate room for the tongue when using this appliance?
Yes.All Oventus Medical O2Vent devices allow for adequate tongue space and with cases where an extremely large tongue is involved the lingual acrylic on the upper arch and the distolingual acrylic on the lower arch can be reduced to create additional space.
Can I take digital scans of the patient for this appliance?
Yes. Digital scans as well as impressions can be used to fit the appliance to the patient. More information about digital scans can be found in the O2vent Ordering page.
Are there special considerations that need to be addressed when taking patient records?
The only consideration is that there is a 5mm vertical bite clearance when taking the scans or impressions.
How can I order the Oventus Medical O2Vent device?
Dental Providers can register to place orders at ordering.o2vent.com or reach out to Oventus Medical Customer Support for assistance at support@oventusmedical.com
Are there more training materials available?
Yes, Oventus Medical offers several no cost options for training that include print, video and on-demand webinars provided on order.o2vent.com
References
1. Genta PR, Sands SA, Butler JP, Loring SH, et al “Airflow shape is associated with the pharyngeal structure causing OSA.” Chest DOI; 10.106/j.chest.2017
2. Lavery,D., Szollosi,I., Czyniewski, S., Beer, F., McCloy,K., Hart,C. “Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Oral Appliance in theTreatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine. 2017 Jul
3. Amatoury J, Tong B, Nguyen C, Szollosi I, EckertDJ.“The role of a novel oral appliance therapy device on pharyngeal pressure swings and cpap requirements during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.”Abstract Supplement ADSM Boston 2017
4. Walsh J, Pantin C, Lim A, Maddison K, Baker V, Szollosi I, McArdle N, Hillman D, Eastwood P. “The Effect of a Novel Oral Appliance Therapy on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Preliminary Results.” Abstract Sleep DownUnder Auckland 2017
What is the difference between the O2Vent® Optima and previously sold titanium O2Vent®devices?
The O2Vent® Optima is a 3D printed nylon version of the O2Vent®. It incorporates the same airway technology while also being a low profile, light, comfortable and durable oral appliance.
Does the O2Vent® Optima work the same way as previously sold Oventus O2Vent® oral devices?
Yes, the O2Vent® Optima works exactly like the O2Vent® T and O2Vent® W. The O2Vent® Optima not only provides mandibular advancement but also incorporates a proprietary airway channel that bypasses common areas of obstruction, such as the nose, tongue, soft palate and lateral walls. The in-built airway “channels” the breath of the patient through the device to the back of the throat, providing further airway stability. This additional support means less mandibular advancement may be required, resulting in greater comfort.
What is the range of lower jaw positioning with the O2Vent® Optima?
There are 9 different connector band lengths that alter the jaw position, ranging from 13mm to 21 mm.
Connector bands are attached to lugs on either side of the device for lower jaw positioning. Using proprietary Oventus software, the placement of the lugs is calculated and customized for each patient, in such a way that they always correspond with the ideal starting titration (utilizing the 19mm length bands). This placement is typically 50%-70% protrusion. Starting at this point allows the clinician to titrate the mandible up to 6mm forward to the 13mm connector band and/or to titrate the mandible up to 2mm backwards to the 21mm connector band.
Do I need to use anything special to take the bite registration?
The Oventus Bite Fork is a single use disposable device that is intended to be used in a clinical setting to record a 5mm vertical bite registration. There are two variants available to record bite registrations:
Double sided – to be used to record an edge to edge bite registration
Single sided – to record bite registration using a suitable bite measurement tool that will allow incremental and reversible advancement of the patient’s mandible anteriorly, with respect to the maxilla.
What patients would benefit from the O2Vent® Optima?
Most patients will benefit from the O2Vent® Optima. It is a durable oral appliance that has the ability to treat a variety of patients from mild sleep apnea all the way through to some severe sleep apnea patients. It can also offer an alternative treatment option to those unable to tolerate traditional oral appliance therapy or who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
Is the bite registration the same for the O2Vent® Optima as previously sold titanium O2Vent® devices?
Yes, there is no difference when taking bite registrations between the O2Vent® Optima and previously sold titanium O2Vent® devices. They all require a 5mm vertical universal clearance to incorporate the airway.