The Association of OSA and COVID-19

Just like all responsible Clinics, we’ve followed staled hygienic Guidelines before and during these unprecedented times of COVID-19 and its consequences. We can provide online, and indirect care and also safe direct care environment when required. Even after vaccination, Advice Groups recommend that a Healthy Upper Airway is a barrier to infection and possible transmission. Clearly, in the midst of an Upper Airway Infection Epidemic treating a potentially serious Upper Airway Disease makes good common-sense. Also good quality sleep is known to optimize the immune system.

According to studies, patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may be at increased risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19(1,2), including death(3).

If you experience any of the common symptoms of OSA listed below, I encourage you to contact us today.

Common symptoms of OSA include:·      

• Loud or frequent snoring

• Silent pauses in breathing during sleep

• Choking or gasping sounds during sleep

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

• Waking in the morning and not feeling refreshed

• Insomnia

• Morning headaches

• Repeated waking during the night to go to the bathroom

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory loss

• Decreased sexual desire

• Irritability 

Dentists trained in Dental Sleep Medicine, have the training to screen, treat and manage OSA using oral appliance therapy (OAT).

Although CPAP is commonly the first-line therapy to treat sleep apnea, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) recently published a position statement declaring that OAT is an appropriate first-line therapy to treat sleep apnea without increasing the risk of spreading COVID-19 (3,4).

As a member of the AADSM and an experienced provider of OAT, I support this position. 

As we all navigate these uncertain times, we are here to help you stay healthy. If you have concerns about OSA, (5,6) please reach out to us.

 Thank you, 

Dr. Stephen Bray 

Treatment for OSA is indicated during COVID-19 outbreak.   

References  

1. A systematic review of COVID-19 and obstructive sleep apnoea, Sleep Medicine. Miller MA, Cappuccio FP, , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101382.

2. Sleep apnoea is a risk factor for severe COVID-19. Strausz et al.

3. Sleep Apnea and COVID-19 Mortality and Hospitalization. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. Cade BE, Dashti HS, Hassan SM, Redline S, Karlson EW. Sep 18. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202006-2252LE. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32946275.

4. Oral appliance therapy should be prescribed as a first-line therapy for OSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Dent Sleep Med. Schwartz D, Addy N, Levine M, Smith H.(3). http://dx.doi.org/10.15331/jdsm.7138

5. COVID-19 Increases Value of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

6. COVID-19 and dental sleep medicine: risks, precautions and patient guidance

7. What can a dentist and dental sleep apnea researcher do under COVID-19 lockdown? -  British Columbia, Dental Sleep Medicine during COVID-19 outbreak.