Snoring / Obstructive Sleep Apnea Therapy

Sleep Apnea Therapy

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) carry real health risks. At Ricci Orthodontic Studio we offer the ExciteOSA appliance, a daytime therapy with clinical evidence behind it for mild OSA and snoring. It is the first FDA-authorized device designed to work during waking hours so that nighttime sleep improves.

Understanding the Problem: Reduced Tongue Endurance

Apneas and hypopneas (pauses or shallow breathing during sleep) happen when the upper airway collapses. A frequent underlying cause is poor tongue-muscle endurance. People with OSA often have a weakened genioglossus (the main tongue muscle) that cannot keep the airway open once they fall asleep.

How ExciteOSA Works: Targeted Daytime Therapy

ExciteOSA delivers Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) to the upper-airway and tongue muscles. Strengthening those muscles helps stop the airway from collapsing, which in turn reduces apneas, hypopneas, and snoring.

The Science Behind the Solution

Researchers have linked tongue endurance to airway stability, and NMES is already used to build muscle endurance in other areas of medicine. Putting those two facts together produced this daytime therapy for OSA-related tongue weakness.
eXciteOSA sleep apnea

The ExciteOSA Therapy Process

Placement

You insert the medical-grade silicone mouthpiece yourself. It fits snugly around the tongue without irritation, positioning the electrodes over the muscles that need stimulation. Most patients get the hang of insertion and adjustment quickly.

NMES Therapy

Once the mouthpiece is in place, the device runs a 20-minute NMES session. The electrical pulses are calibrated to stimulate tongue muscles without causing pain. Patients usually feel a mild tingling or fluttering as the muscles activate. Over time the tongue learns to stay forward and out of the airway on its own.

Results

After the initial six-week treatment period, many patients notice better sleep. The tongue has built enough endurance to hold its position away from the airway at night, so snoring and apnea episodes drop. Sleep becomes deeper and less fragmented, and patients report waking up more rested.

If you already use a CPAP machine for moderate-to-severe OSA, which is the gold-standard treatment, you can still add ExciteOSA during the day. The extra muscle tone can let you lower CPAP pressure and improve nightly compliance.

Research is ongoing, but existing studies are promising. More than fifteen thousand patients have used the device so far.

If snoring is disrupting your sleep, or you have any level of obstructive sleep apnea, call us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ricci and find out whether you are a candidate.

ExciteOSA device used for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea therapy at Ricci Orthodontic Studio

Contact Us to Get Started!

We look for practical ways to improve patient health. The ExciteOSA appliance is one option for people with mild OSA or snoring who want a daytime, non-mask approach. If you think it might fit your situation, contact us today to set up a consultation.

Yes, the appliance is designed from soft, medical-grade silicone for comfort during the 20-minute daily sessions.

Patients often report improvements in snoring and sleep apnea symptoms after the initial 6-week therapy period.

ExciteOSA is indicated mainly for mild obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. A consultation with Dr. Ricci can help determine if it's the right option for you.

ExciteOSA is a daytime therapy that addresses the root cause of OSA, offering a patient-friendly alternative to nighttime CPAP machines for those with mild OSA. For patients with more severe obstructive sleep apnea who need a CPAP, the ExciteOSA appliance can still be used during the day to help minimize the pressure and increase your compliance with your CPAP at night.

Insurance does not currently cover the ExciteOSA appliance, but you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account) to purchase this medical device.

Most patients experience no significant side effects. Some may feel a slight tingling sensation during therapy, which is normal.

ExciteOSA can be used by most patients, including those with dental work. It's important to discuss your dental history with Dr. Ricci during your consultation.

Schedule a consultation at Ricci Orthodontic Studio. Dr. Ricci will evaluate your condition and discuss whether ExciteOSA therapy is right for you.

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