Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious and potentially dangerous condition that affects your breathing, heart health and overall well-being. Mild obstructive Sleep apnea free consultation involves 5 to 14 interruptions of breathing per hour; moderate is 15 to 29 events; and severe is 30 or more interruptions per hour.

A home sleep study (HST) is a simplified version of a sleep lab used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of this test.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral Appliance Therapy is a non-invasive CPAP alternative for snoring and sleep apnea. These appliances support the tongue or jaw to keep airways open, eliminate snoring, protect teeth from clenching (bruxism), and reduce daytime sleepiness.

These appliances look similar to sports mouth guards and orthodontic retainers, and are custom-designed for the best fit. They can be effective for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea and are highly portable and easy to maintain.

They can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, like septoplasty and turbinectomy, for those who have a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates. Combined treatment typically leads to higher compliance rates than either solution on their own. These appliances can even help those who are unable to tolerate CPAP. They are considered durable medical equipment and are usually covered by health insurance, minus your deductible and co-pay.

NightLase

NightLase is a non-invasive laser therapy that reduces snoring and effectively manages mild to moderate sleep apnea without the requirement of a CPAP machine. This treatment uses precision laser energy to tighten muscles in the throat, enhancing airflow and decreasing vibrations which cause snoring.

Using Fotona’s LightWalker Er: YAG laser, this technique targets and heats tissues in the throat. This promotes collagen remodeling and tightening which improves the tone of the soft palate and throat muscles. It also reduces enlargement of the uvula.

NightLase can alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea including snoring, dry mouth and choking during sleep. It can also decrease the risks associated with OSA, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Patients can expect to see results after three treatment sessions. They will experience a noticeable improvement in their snoring, as well as an increase in energy and focus during the day. The treatment is painless and requires no sedation.

Orthodontics

Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are common problems that can have severe health effects. If you think you have these symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor who may refer you to a sleep specialist for diagnostic testing.

You can also contact a sleep center or an otolaryngologist to learn more about your options. They may ask you to keep a sleep diary and perform a physical examination. They may also suggest that you try a home sleep test, which is often used as the first diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea.

You might not expect to see an orthodontist as part of your sleep apnea treatment plan, but there is a good chance that you can improve crooked teeth, jaw alignment, and bite problems with orthodontics. These treatments can also help to correct long-held habits such as thumb sucking that can contribute to the development of sleep apnea. In many cases, an orthodontist can also provide relief from snoring and sleep apnea.

Home Sleep Test

Home sleep tests are a more convenient version of the overnight in-lab polysomnography test used to diagnose sleep apnea. They aren’t available as over-the-counter devices, but you can get a prescription from your doctor to have one shipped to you. These tests collect data over the course of several nights, which is then uploaded and analyzed.

The device typically features a tube beneath your nose to evaluate airflow, a band across your chest to measure breathing, and a clip that goes over your finger to track oxygen levels. The sensors are connected to a data collection device via wires or flexible tubes, and the device includes buttons you press to start and stop data collection.

Once the device is returned and the data analyzed, your physician will make a diagnosis. If your results indicate sleep apnea, they will prescribe CPAP therapy. If your results are inconclusive, they may recommend an in-lab test.