Pharyngometer – Lawton, OK
Using Sound Waves to Map Your Airway
A sleep test is the best way to determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It not only reveals whether OSA is present but also how severe the condition is. Certainly, such data is indispensible. However, a sleep test does not reveal why the OSA is occurring. A pharyngometer in Lawton can help with that. Read on below to learn more about this technology and the role in can play in helping you to enjoy enhanced sleep.
What Is a Pharyngometer?
A pharyngometer is a machine that uses sound waves to map a patient’s airway. Basically, you breathe into it through your mouth. First, you do so without any breathing restrictions. Then, you voluntarily restrict your breathing. The entire test takes just a few minutes and can provide Dr. Drummond and our team with information about your airway’s anatomy. For example, it can reveal whether your airway is unusually narrow or has other problems that are contributing to your nighttime breathing problems.
Benefits of Pharyngometry
Some noteworthy benefits offered by our pharyngometer include:
- It aids in treatment planning. Armed with information from the pharyngometer, Dr. Drummond can design a truly customized plan for designing your oral appliance and addressing your obstructive sleep apnea.
- The test is simple and noninvasive. In just a few minutes, we can collect information about your airway that would be difficult or impossible to gather through other means. Plus, little to no patient discomfort is involved!
- It is low-risk. The pharyngometer uses sound waves, similar to the SONAR used on boats (but the pharyngometer does not need to be nearly as powerful). Patients are not exposed to radiation or anything else that might pose a risk to their health.
Would you like to learn more about our pharyngometer and how it may be able to play a role in helping you achieve better sleep? Get in touch with us today!