Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep apnea diagnosis. This disorder is caused when the soft tissue on the back of your throat relaxes during sleep and blocks your airway. As airflow stops, this is called an apnea, the oxygen level in your blood drops, causing your brain to kick start the breathing process, which is accompanied by gasping or choking.

Major warning signs:

  • Loud and chronic snoring almost every night
  • Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
  • Pauses in breathing
  • Waking up at night feeling short of breath
  • Daytime sleepiness and fatigue, no matter how much time you spend in bed

Other warning signs:

  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Insomnia or nighttime awakenings; restless or fitful sleep
  • Going to the bathroom frequently during the night
  • Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
  • Uncharacteristic moodiness, irritability, or depression
  • Morning headaches

Once a patient has been diagnosed with a sleep apnea condition by a physician, Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) is recommended for moderate to severe cases. Oral appliances are recommended in mild and moderate cases and in severe cases if patients are unable to tolerate CPAP.

Oral appliances require specific design, fabrication and customized fittings to meet individual patient needs for proper forward repositioning of the lower jaw and tongue in order to improve the opening of the upper airway during sleep for successful treatment results.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has stated that an oral appliance is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).

Also for:

  • Heavy snoring
  • Poor tolerance to CPAP
  • Failure of surgery
  • Use during travel
  • In combination with CPAP

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and an oral device has been recommended for you by your sleep apnea physician or you cannot tolerate using a CPAP then come and talk to Dr. Do.  He has extensive training with sleep apnea devices and he can select and fabricate a custom fit oral device for you.  

Most medical insurances carry coverage for sleep apnea oral devices and our office will be more than happy to file the claim and accept medical benefit assignments from your medical insurance carrier.