Full Breath Solution Provides Relief for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Chronic Snoring

Sleep apnea-plagued firefighters and emergency medical services responders now have access to an easy-to-use sleep-time mouthpiece that is achieving a consistent 78 percent reduction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea events and 95 percent reduction in snoring, as acknowledged by recent FDA certification. An alternative to those intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure machines -- and with five FDA certifications (more than any other mouthpiece used for sleep apnea) -- the device is the most successful oral sleep mouthpiece available for the treatment of those suffering from the condition.

by Jim McMahon

Many firefighters and emergency medical services responders are plagued with the problem of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring. OSA is a condition usually caused by the tongue falling back and blocking the airway for anywhere between 10 and 90 seconds while the person is sleeping. This creates breathing pauses where the person is not getting oxygen.

There are many who suffer from this problem, with episodes occurring 15 to 100 times each hour while sleeping. This is not only a dangerous condition to their long-term health, but it also deprives them of the necessary sleep required to function effectively while performing their job. For emergency responders, consistent lack of sleep due to sleep apnea can result in impaired analytical skills, reduced physical capability and dozing off while driving, which can put lives at risk.

Firefighters and sleep apnea

A 2009 study commissioned by the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and conducted by Oregon Health and Science University reported that, "sleep deprivation severely affects the health of firefighters," and that, "50 percent of illness and injury seen in the fire service may be due to sleep deprivation."

The report recommended that, "fire chiefs should assess firefighter's threat risks for sleep apnea." The report found that 2 percent of firefighters nationally stated that they have sleep apnea, but its findings suggest the actual incidence of OSA with firefighters to be between 10 and 15 percent, as the malady has historically gone undiagnosed.

Firefighters working a 12-, 24- or 48-hour shift will often work overtime to fill for vacation, sick leave and other staffing needs. These may require a firefighter to stay at work 72 or even 96 hours at a stretch. Despite the scheduling, firefighters and EMTs are expected to operate with a high degree of competency in very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations. But recent statistics imply that firefighters with sleep apnea may be falling short of these criteria.

According to a 2007 report, "The Effects of Sleep Deprivation of Firefighters and EMS Workers" conducted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), "Firefighters who suffer from sleep apnea exhibit chronic daytime fatigue and decreased alertness. Those individuals with untreated sleep apnea are six times more likely to have a vehicle accident."

Road vehicle crashes are the second greatest cause of firefighter fatalities according to a 2008 report, "Firefighter Autopsy Protocol," conducted by the USFA. This is supported by a later 2009 report by the USFA, "On-Duty Firefighter Fatalities in the United States," that shows 2008 vehicle crashes accounted for 25.4 percent of firefighter fatalities, the second leading cause of death among these professionals.

Sleep apnea labeled 'Major Safety Issue'

Firefighters are not the only group being looked at for the effects of sleep apnea. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), for example, has taken a firm stand toward the implications of sleep apnea regarding all forms of commercial transportation.

In a statement issued in March 2010 by the Honorable Deborah A.P. Hersman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, regarding commercial transportation accidents (trucking, airlines, rail, shipping) she stated, "One risk factor that we have seen linked to many fatigue-related accidents is sleep disorders, particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea -- where operators were impaired because of undiagnosed or improperly managed OSA."