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Jared Gergen

How the Herbst Device Can Transform Your Sleep Apnea Experience

January 22, 2025

By Edd Thiele

Dear David Gergen,

I am writing to thank you for adding energy back into my life, and I hope for many extra years added to my life! By a stroke of good fortune, you invited my business partner to attend a Phoenix session of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, which you founded 17 years ago.  In addition to the academy, I found you to be a visionary and man of many accomplishments in the field of orthodontic and sleep dentistry.

You had about 25 dentists from around the country learning and adding to their knowledge of sleep disorders, and your methods for treating them. Everyone I met expressed enthusiasm about what they were learning and doing.

I have been using a CPAP machine for almost fifteen years with mixed results, so when you offered me the opportunity to try one of your Herbst devices, I jumped at the opportunity. So, I met you Friday afternoon,  Saturday morning you used me to demonstrate your special technique for taking a impression of my mouth for the device, and on Wednesday, I was in the Gilbert, AZ office Bruce Herr, Jr., DDS fitting the device made from the impression.

Dr. Herr certainly deserves my praise. He spent several hours fitting and adjusting and explaining how to use the Herbst Device, the accompanying exercises and how to adjust it. That night I popped the device in my mouth, hit the pillow and woke up seven hours laterwith no discomfort whatsoever and most importantly I felt about 30% more rested!  And I still do, every day!

As for snoring, Dr. Herr recommended a mobile app called Snore Lab. It records how much and how loud you snore each night. My results so far have improved. So, Good-bye CPAP!

How important is it to deal with a sleep disorder? Extremely important! And there are many millions of people in the USA who are undiagnosed or unaware of the trouble they could be in.

Understanding Sleep Apnea: A Silent Disruptor

Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, affects millions worldwide. (“Sleep Apnea Through Time: A Comprehensive Look at Its History and Evolution”) While it may seem like a benign issue, its impact on health and quality of life is profound. Sleep apnea disrupts the natural sleep cycle, preventing individuals from achieving restorative rest.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea manifests in three primary forms:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most usual form, OSA, occurs when throat muscles relax excessively, blocking airflow. Factors like obesity, age, and anatomical variations can increase susceptibility.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, CSA originates in the brain. It fails to signal the respiratory muscles to breathe, leading to pauses in airflow.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of OSA and CSA, this form highlights the multifaceted nature of the condition.

Symptoms and Health Risks

Symptoms of sleep apnea often go unnoticed but can significantly affect daily functioning. They include:

• Loud, chronic snoring.
• Gasping or choking during sleep.
• Daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
• Morning headaches.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to:

• Cardiovascular problems: Hypertension, heart attacks, and arrhythmias are common among sufferers.
• Metabolic disorders: Sleep apnea has been linked to diabetes and obesity.
• Cognitive impairments: Poor sleep affects memory, decision-making, and mood.

Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes that treating sleep apnea improves not only sleep quality but also reduces risks of associated conditions (NIH, 2023).

 

Exploring Treatment Options

Traditional Methods

Treatment for sleep apnea varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Common approaches include:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A device delivering a steady stream of air through a mask to keep airways open. Though effective, many patients struggle with discomfort and compliance.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol can reduce symptoms, particularly for those with mild OSA.
• Surgical Interventions: Procedures like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) restructure the airway to prevent obstructions.

Modern Alternatives

Emerging treatments offer promising solutions for those seeking less invasive or more personalized approaches:

• Oral Appliances: Devices like the Herbst appliance adjust the jaw's position to maintain airway patency.
• Positional Therapy: Encouraging side-sleeping can reduce airway collapse in positional OSA.
• Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: This implantable device stimulates tongue muscles to keep the airway open during sleep.

 

Introducing the Herbst Device

What Is the Herbst Device?

The Herbst device is an FDA-approved oral appliance specifically designed to treat mild to moderate OSA. Unlike CPAP machines, they are discreet and user-friendly, resembling a custom-fitted retainer.

How It Works

The device repositions the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward, increasing the space in the airway and reducing the likelihood of obstruction. Its adjustable hinges allow for personalized settings, ensuring both comfort and efficacy.

According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), the Herbst appliance is particularly effective for patients with OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy (AADSM, 2023).

 

Benefits of the Herbst Appliance

Clinical Effectiveness

Studies show that oral appliances like the Herbst device can reduce apneic episodes by up to 50%, particularly in patients with mild to moderate OSA (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2022).

Comfort and Convenience

Unlike CPAP machines, which can be cumbersome, the Herbst device is lightweight and easy to travel with. Patients report improved compliance due to its simplicity and adjustability.

Improved Quality of Life

Many users notice immediate benefits, such as reduced snoring and fewer nighttime awakenings. Over time, they experience increased energy, better focus, and improved overall health.

 

Beyond the Herbst Device: Comprehensive Snoring Solutions

Addressing Lifestyle Factors

Snoring, a hallmark symptom of OSA, can often be mitigated through lifestyle changes:

• Weight Management: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can exacerbate airway obstruction.
• Dietary Adjustments: Reducing alcohol and sedative use before bedtime minimizes throat muscle relaxation.
• Sleep Hygiene: Maintaining consistent sleep schedules and creating a restful environment enhances overall sleep quality.

Complementary Tools

For those seeking additional support, the following tools may help:

• Nasal Strips: These improve airflow by opening nasal passages.
• Anti-Snore Pillows: Designed to support the head and neck, these encourage optimal sleeping positions.
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can ease breathing and reduce snoring caused by dry airways.

 

Personalizing Your Herbst Treatment Experience

Fitting and Adjustment

The Herbst device is custom-made by dental professionals to ensure a precise fit. Regular follow-ups allow for fine-tuning, ensuring optimal results as the jaw adapts.

Monitoring Progress

Tracking sleep patterns with wearable devices or sleep journals can help patients and clinicians assess the effectiveness of the device. Adjustments can then be made to maximize benefits.

Collaborative Care

Effective treatment often involves a team approach. Sleep specialists, dentists, and primary care providers work together to address the unique needs of each patient.

 

Reviews and Testimonials

Common Themes

Patient reviews of the Herbst device frequently highlight:

• Its comfort compared to CPAP machines.
• Significant reductions in snoring and daytime fatigue.
• Ease of integration into daily life.

Success Stories

Many users share transformative experiences, describing how the device has improved their relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life. These testimonials underscore the Herbst appliance’s potential to bring meaningful change.

 

Advanced Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research continues to refine oral appliance therapy. Innovations include:

• Smart Appliances: Devices equipped with sensors to monitor usage and effectiveness in real-time.
• 3D Printing: Enhancing customization and comfort.
• Combination Therapies: Exploring synergies between oral appliances and other treatments, such as positional therapy or nasal decongestants.

 

Tips to Improve Sleep Quality

Environmental Adjustments

Creating a sleep-friendly environment can make a significant difference. Key tips include:

• Temperature Control: Keep the room cool for optimal comfort.
• Noise Reduction: Use earplugs or white noise machines to block disturbances.
• Lighting: Invest in blackout curtains to eliminate light pollution.

Behavioral Strategies

Establishing healthy routines can promote better sleep:

• Wind-Down Rituals: Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation or reading before bed.
• Screen-Free Time: Avoid electronic devices at least an hour before sleeping to reduce blue light exposure.

Professional Support

If lifestyle changes do not yield results, consult a sleep specialist to explore additional interventions.

 

Conclusion: A Path to Restful Nights

The Herbst device represents a powerful tool in the fight against sleep apnea. By addressing the root cause of the condition—airway obstruction—it offers a practical, patient-friendly alternative to traditional treatments.

Whether you are new to sleep apnea management or exploring alternatives to CPAP therapy, the Herbst device can serve as a steppingstone toward better health and vitality. With the guidance of healthcare professionals and a commitment to personalization, restful nights and energized days are within reach.

Take the first step today by consulting with your provider about the Herbst appliance and other treatment options. Reclaim your nights and transform your life—because everyone deserves the gift of quality sleep.

 

References

1. American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (2023). Oral Appliance Therapy Overview.
2. National Institutes of Health (2023). Sleep Apnea and Health Risks.
3. Mayo Clinic (2023). Sleep Apnea Treatment Options.
4. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2022). Efficacy of Oral Appliances in Sleep Apnea Management.

By Edd Thiele

Copyright © American Sleep and Breathing Academy
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