About Sleep Apnea Common Questions

Snoring is usually associated with sleep apnea, however, it is not always indicative of the presence of this sleep disorder.

Snoring, on the other hand, may suggest that bulky throat tissue is obstructing airways, particularly if the patient has specific lifestyle characteristics that predispose to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the treatment for snoring and sleep apnea is the same. The diameter of the airway can be enlarged with a tailored mouth appliance to avoid snoring and apnea episodes. These oral gadgets are gentle and pleasant to use. Book a consultation to come in to speak with our doctor for sleep apnea at our Sleep Advantage WA office located Arlington, WA. 

At our sleep apnea clinic we will explore alternative sleep apnea treatments and you get fitted with the best sleep apnea mouth guard.

They work by moving the lower jaw forward slightly so that the airway is no longer occluded. Sleep apnea can affect people of any age.

Even though snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, it is not necessarily a symptom. As a result, having a sleep study performed to detect if apnea is present is critical. Our sleep apnea clinic offers take-home sleep study equipment to detect apnea episodes while sleeping. The device will be returned to our office after use, and the data will be analyzed. If sleep apnea is discovered or snoring is shown to be hindering one's quality of life, we will make treatment recommendations.

Every person's cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different. It can be developed by anyone, regardless of age or gender. The following are the most common risk factors:

• Being over age 40
• Having a large neck (over 17 inches in men, 16 inches for women)
• Being overweight – approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight
• Being male – more men than women suffer from OSA
• Having a large tongue or small jaw
• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children)
• Using alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles in the airway
• Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems

While CPAP is an effective treatment for sleep apnea, many people find the mask uncomfortable and the machine inconvenient and noisy. As a result, many users find it difficult or impossible to wear them. 

An oral appliance is a common CPAP substitute. This gadget is smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to use, and it can give equal treatment effects.

You will have a follow-up sleep study while wearing your oral appliance to ensure that it is working well. To interpret the data, a consultation with a sleep medicine expert will be required.

Due to the broad variety of insurance policies, our knowledgeable staff will work with you to determine whether your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If it isn't covered for whatever reason, we will notify you and work with you to build a financing plan if necessary. 

Your medical insurance carrier will provide coverage for dental appliances if it is accessible. Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is usually not covered by dental insurance. 

Our sleep apnea center patients tell us that treating their sleep apnea is well worth the effort and money because of the enhanced quality of life they enjoy. 

Don’t hesitate to contact our Sleep Advantage WA office located in Arlington, WA.

Our sleep apnea center offers a variety of financing options and will work with you to find one that meets your requirements.

Within 5-10 days, the majority of patients will have adjusted to the appliance. It will take a few days to become used to sleeping with a gadget in your mouth. Your teeth will not be harmed by the appliance. We can easily alter it for your comfort if your teeth are painful after the first use.

They are composed of extremely durable hard acrylic. Depending on wear and tear, they are usually replaced every 3-5 years. If you grind your teeth, you may need to repair or replace them more frequently.

It's possible that your bite will change.Your teeth may shift depending on the position of your teeth and the state of your bone. The use of a morning repositioning device can help to reduce this.

Morning muscle soreness is the most prevalent adverse effect, which normally passes quickly. Dry mouth or excessive salivation may occur in some people. Minor tooth movement happens in some patients, as previously indicated.

Because obstructive sleep apnea is unlikely to improve with age, your oral appliance will almost certainly be a lifelong treatment. Certain health issues, such as major weight loss, may, nevertheless, help you feel better.

While you can acquire over-the-counter equipment to cure sleep apnea, keep in mind that these are not FDA authorized. Furthermore, if they are not properly placed, they may create undesired side effects like jaw difficulties or excessive tooth movement.

Oral Appliance Therapy involves using a custom-fitted oral appliance (similar to a mouthguard) to treat sleep-related breathing disorders, such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, OAT is a non-invasive, more comfortable alternative that works by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.

OAT is often effective in treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and can also be considered for severe cases in individuals who cannot tolerate or are unwilling to use CPAP. The success of OAT depends on factors such as the severity of the sleep apnea, the patient's anatomy, and their ability to adapt to the appliance.

The comfort level of an oral appliance varies from person to person. Many individuals find it more comfortable than CPAP. It may take some time to get used to wearing the appliance, but most people adjust within a few weeks. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help address any comfort issues and make necessary adjustments.

Proper care and cleaning of the oral appliance are essential for maintaining its effectiveness and longevity. Typically, it involves regular brushing with a toothbrush and mild soap, along with periodic soaking in a denture cleaner. It's important to follow the specific care instructions provided by the healthcare provider who prescribed the appliance.

While OAT is primarily used for sleep-related breathing disorders, it can also be beneficial for addressing issues such as snoring and mild to moderate cases of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The repositioning of the jaw can sometimes have positive effects on these conditions, and your healthcare provider can determine if OAT is suitable for your specific needs.