It May Save Your Life but What Will It Do to Your Face?

It May Save Your Life but What Will It Do to Your Face?

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Hello everyone, and welcome to the podcast. I am Dr. Michael Bennett, here with my sweetheart, Cathy Bennett, and we're excited to share more information with you today.

You might ask, why in the world are the Bennetts doing this podcast? And the answer to that is we genuinely want to inform people about the incredible ability our bodies have to heal themselves—if we get a good night’s sleep and can breathe well. Of course, nutrition and exercise are important too, but good sleep and breathing are critical.

We hope that this is a service to you, and that you'll use the information to speak with your healthcare provider about your ability to breathe and sleep well. What we find is that when people focus on these healing properties built into our sleep, their overall therapy and recovery outcomes often improve.

I'm reminded of studies on post-operative surgical cases where patients with underlying sleep apnea experienced delayed healing compared to those without it.

Exactly. A recent personal example—our brother-in-law had hand surgery, and before the operation, they asked him detailed questions about his sleep. Thankfully, his wife spoke up and noted that he snores heavily and seems to gasp for air at night. That’s so important.

I love that doctors are starting to ask more questions about sleep during surgical assessments. That didn’t used to be standard, but it’s now becoming common—and it’s very necessary.

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Recognizing Sleep Breathing Disorders

Thinking about our brother-in-law, I’ve noticed from a dental perspective that he’s had significantly worn-down teeth—even from a young age. That’s a clinical sign we look for.

Check your own teeth, your kids’, your spouse’s—do they show signs of wear, cracks, or extensive dental work? These can be risk indicators for a sleep breathing disorder.

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Understanding a Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

If these signs prompt you to get a sleep test and the report shows obstructive sleep apnea or fragmented sleep, you need to understand your next steps.

There’s also a condition called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). You could stop breathing 4.9 times per hour and have a 3% oxygen drop—and still not be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Unfortunately, insurance often won’t cover treatment unless your score is 5 or higher.

Still, both conditions cause disrupted, fragmented sleep—and you’ll wake feeling unrefreshed.

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What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?

After receiving a diagnosis, you’ll likely review your sleep test results with your prescribing physician. Important questions include:

• How serious is my condition?
• What are my treatment options?
• What is the root cause of my breathing issue?
• Can other specialists assist with this condition?

That leads us to today’s deeper dive.

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Historical Case Study: Napoleon Bonaparte

While preparing for today’s podcast, I came across a fascinating article suggesting that Napoleon Bonaparte may have suffered from chronic snoring—medically referred to as “chronic bronchorrhea.” Researchers pieced together insights from historical descriptions of his physical traits and behaviors.

Napoleon had a short, thick neck, and as he aged, gained more abdominal weight. According to the article, he rarely slept through the night, and instead worked during brief intervals of rest—likely taking naps to manage fatigue.

Later in life, he experienced obesity, daytime sleepiness, and declining intellectual function. Based on sculptures and paintings, researchers noted he had a recessed jaw (retrognathia) and narrow nasal passages.

That’s interesting. Whenever I hear about Napoleon, I think of “little man syndrome”—this idea that he was a fierce, aggressive leader, possibly trying to overcompensate. If he truly suffered from chronic fatigue due to sleep apnea, it could explain his irritability, poor decision-making, and mood swings.

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Was Napoleon’s Behavior Driven by Exhaustion?

Possibly. People suspected he had nasal pathology—either due to underdeveloped nasal passages or chronic allergies. And when do our bodies grow? During sleep—particularly in REM and delta wave stages when growth hormone is secreted.

If he had nasal congestion as a child, it could have hindered his sleep, stunting his growth, both vertically and developmentally. That may have prevented him from reaching his genetic potential.

Just one bad night of sleep can leave you irritable and foggy. Imagine night after night of poor sleep—you’d be anxious, depressed, mentally fatigued. That changes everything: your thinking, your relationships, your behavior.

Exactly. So, imagine Napoleon sitting here as a patient. Let’s explore how to support someone like that today. What should someone do after a sleep apnea diagnosis?

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Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Your physician will usually recommend CPAP therapy—positive airway pressure through a mask and machine. It splints your airway open during sleep.

There’s also oral appliance therapy, involving a device worn in your mouth nightly. It moves your lower jaw forward to maintain airway openness. But it’s a lifetime commitment—just like CPAP.

When patients ask me if they should treat “mild” sleep apnea, I always say: you’re still dealing with a condition that disrupts your healing and health. Think of it like being “mildly pregnant”—it’s still significant.

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Why You Should Treat Sleep Apnea—Even Mild Cases

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is linked to:

• A 5x greater risk of heart attack or stroke
• Increased risk for diabetes, cancer, and early death

Ask yourself: do you want to avoid those? The answer is obvious.

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Understanding the Side Effects of CPAP Therapy

CPAP can be life-changing for many people. When patients use it consistently, some say, “I’ve never felt this good!” It restores oxygen and can dramatically improve sleep quality.

But let’s not overlook its drawbacks. CPAP masks apply constant pressure to the upper lip and nose. Over time, that pressure can affect facial structure—especially in children.

One study in the journal Chest (2010) examined 46 adult patients using nasal CPAP for two years. It found significant retrusion (backward movement) of the upper jaw (maxilla) and a change in the angle of the front teeth. The face appeared more sunken or less convex over time.

Another study at Seattle Children’s Hospital looked at CPAP’s effects in children. After nearly three years of use, it found that pressure from nasal masks altered normal midfacial growth. One young patient developed an unusually box-shaped dental arch due to long-term mask pressure. Kids are especially vulnerable because their bones are still developing.

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Oral Appliance Therapy: Another Option, But Not Without Drawbacks

Oral appliances work by moving the lower jaw forward, which opens the airway. But if you do that every night for years, you’re likely to see permanent changes in your bite.

Yes, and those changes can include:

• An open bite (back teeth no longer touching)
• Pressure on the upper jaw, leading to altered jaw growth
• Shifting of teeth or dental misalignment

Studies have even shown that some patients who used oral devices long-term had worse sleep apnea when they stopped wearing the device. One 15-year study found that apnea events doubled after discontinuing treatment.

So, these therapies work—but they come with trade-offs. They don’t correct the root cause: underdeveloped jaw structures and airway space.

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A Different Approach: The Vivos System

This is what led me to the Vivos System. Unlike CPAP or oral appliances that manage symptoms, Vivos targets the underlying anatomical issue—often a narrow or underdeveloped airway due to restricted jaw growth.

Vivos uses a specialized oral appliance to gradually guide jaw development and improve airway volume. The goal? To correct the structure so that, eventually, you may not need any device at all.

And I’ve seen the difference first-hand. Mike treated himself using Vivos. He used to snore loudly—sleeping next to him was tough. But after remodeling his airway, his snoring all but disappeared. Occasionally he snores if he’s congested, but it’s night and day compared to before.

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Personal Experience and Treatment Outcomes

One thing that’s been really eye-opening is how much impact airway development can have on daily life. Before treatment, Mike’s upper dental arch was narrow, almost V-shaped. After going through the Vivos protocol, his dental arch widened to resemble a natural U-shape—similar to mine, and I’ve never had braces.

He had eight permanent teeth removed during traditional orthodontic care as a child. That, combined with the narrow arch, created long-term airway issues. Correcting that not only reduced his snoring but improved his overall sleep quality and mental clarity.

Yes, and we joke about “bite envy,” but it highlights how oral anatomy reflects airway health. Narrow arches restrict nasal volume. Remember, the roof of the mouth is also the floor of the nasal cavity. So, if your arch is narrow, chances are your airway is too.

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The Value of Vivos in Treating Children

Where we’ve seen some of the most transformative results is in children. Kids adapt quickly, and the earlier you start, the more profound the impact. The airway grows with them—no need for lifelong device dependency.

Parents can tie device use to screen time. For example, the rule can be: if you’re watching a movie or on your phone, your appliance needs to be in. Most studies show that even three to four hours a day (plus sleep time) is enough to see developmental improvements.

This approach empowers families to make proactive decisions. The devices are non-invasive, and when worn consistently, they reshape the jaw and airway during the critical years of growth. That’s why it’s so important to recognize signs early—like snoring, mouth breathing, or crowded teeth—and work with providers trained in growth guidance.

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Choosing the Right Path for Long-Term Health

Whether it’s CPAP, oral appliances, or airway development systems like Vivos, every option has pros and cons. CPAP can be lifesaving, especially in emergencies. Oral appliances can manage symptoms. But if the root issue is skeletal—such as an underdeveloped jaw—then fixing the structure is the key to long-term wellness.

Yes, Vivos requires time, commitment, and lifestyle adjustments. You must wear the appliance for at least 12 hours per day and maintain good nasal hygiene. It’s not for everyone—but for motivated patients, especially children, it can eliminate the need for lifelong therapy.

And if you’re unsure where to start, visit VivosLife.com to find a provider near you. If your dentist isn’t familiar with this system, refer them to it. Everyone deserves options beyond symptom management.

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Final Thoughts: Rethinking Sleep Health for Generations to Come

We’ve covered a lot today: how treatments work, what side effects to watch for, and how you can take action. Ultimately, our mission is to help families understand that the body can heal itself—but only if given the right conditions: deep sleep, open airways, and proper development.

The story of Napoleon Bonaparte reminds us how chronic fatigue and poor sleep can influence everything from mood to legacy. Imagine what might have changed if he had access to these tools.

Let’s take that lesson forward. Whether for yourself, your children, or your patients—know that sleep health is whole-body health. And it’s never too late to begin the journey.

Thanks for joining us. Be well—and breathe well.

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