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What are common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Loud or frequent snoring, silent pauses in breathing, choking or gasping sounds, daytime fatigue or sleepiness, unrefreshing or restless sleep, insomnia, morning headaches, waking up frequently at night to go to the bathroom, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, decreased sexual desire, difficulty maintaining an erection and irritability

 

Do I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea if I snore?

While snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Snoring is likely to be a sign of sleep apnea when it is followed by pauses in breathing or choking and gasping sounds. 

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What are risk factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Weight: You are much more likely to have sleep apnea if you are overweight or obese.

Neck size: 17 inches or greater for men and 16 inches or greater for women

Age: Sleep apnea can occur at any age, but it is more common between young adulthood and middle age.

Gender: Sleep apnea is more common in men than in women. The risk increases in women with menopause.

Hypertension: High blood pressure is common in people with sleep apnea

Substance Use: Taking prescription pain medications, sedatives or alcohol can increase and prolong episodes of sleep apnea.

Airway Anatomy: Size and positioning of a person’s neck, jaw, tongue, tonsils, and tissues near the back of the throat can affect airflow. Nasal polyps and a deviated septum can also affect airflow.

Family History: You are at a higher risk if a family member has been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

 

How do I know if I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The most common way to diagnose obstructive apnea is by completing a sleep study. This testing can be done in a sleep lab or by using a home sleep apnea test that is given to you by a medical provider. There are numerous apps and sleep tracking devices that are accessible but be cautious of these results, as they can be unreliable.

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What is the difference between a CPAP and an Oral Appliance?

CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask at night. This mask is connected to a hose, which is connected to a machine that uses pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep. An oral appliance is similar to a retainer and is worn on the upper and lower teeth during sleep. It prevents the airway from collapsing by keeping the lower jaw and tongue in an optimal position. It is important that your oral sleep appliance is fitted for you by a dentist that has been trained in dental sleep medicine.

 

How do I know if an Oral Appliance is the right therapy for me?

Oral appliance therapy is recommended for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea and for patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or do not wish to try CPAP therapy. 

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What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy? 

Oral appliances are comfortable, have little side effects, are easy to care for and are convenient for travel. Unlike a CPAP device, they do not require electricity and do not have any parts that need to be frequently replaced or serviced.

 

Is it important to treat my sleep apnea? 

 Yes. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that needs to be treated. The lack of oxygen your body receives can have a negative impact on your health, including but not limited to, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, dementia, pre-diabetes/diabetes, and depression.

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Will my insurance cover an Oral Appliance? 

Oral sleep appliances are considered durable medical equipment and are billed through your medical insurance. Insurance plans vary widely, so our experienced medical team will contact your insurance to determine your benefit coverage.