Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Many patients do not realize that sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. Much more than just snoring, OSA results when a person is unable to breathe periodically throughout the night. This can put extensive stress on the lungs, diaphragm, and heart. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea are at a higher risk for developing high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. This is why it is so important to seek effective and compassionate treatment for you sleep apnea as early as possible. When you find a doctor who can provide you with the care and support you need to address your symptoms, you can enjoy better sleep and increased energy while reducing your risk of serious health complications.

If you or a family member have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is likely that you have used or watched someone use a CPAP machine. These devices, while effective, can be inconvenient to travel with, in addition to requiring a significant time commitment for cleaning and disinfecting. If your CPAP mask does not secure tightly, the noise it makes can be as disruptive as the snoring caused by your OSA. At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we have dedicated ourselves to helping patients broaden their treatment options for sleep apnea. We combine experienced sleep apnea doctors and exceptional dental staff to create customized treatment protocols focused on improving the alignment of your jaw in order to maintain an open airway naturally. Customized oral appliances are created specifically for each patient, which makes them as comfortable as possible for the wearer. These devices are discreet, easy to maintain, and even easier to travel with. Because they are only worn at night, they do not interfere with your daily activities, but are extremely effective for many sleep apnea patients. For extreme cases of sleep apnea, oral surgery techniques may be the Top way to permanently address anatomical issues that cause sleep apnea. However, most of the patients we treat with oral appliance therapy notice significant symptom improvement and can avoid these more invasive procedures.

The number one thing patients can do to improve their OSA symptoms is to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is the leading contributing health factor to sleep apnea. Reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking can also help improve your sleep apnea symptoms as well as your health overall. Some patients report that using a humidifier in their sleeping area can also be beneficial, as can altering your sleep position so that you either sleep on your side, or with your head slightly elevated. During your consultation with a sleep apnea doctor at one of our clinics, you will be provided with a comprehensive approach to your sleep apnea treatment, including lifestyle changes that may benefit not only your sleep, but your overall well-being.

If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea and would like to discuss treatment options other than daily use of a CPAP machine, contact Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders today. We believe in exploring non-invasive treatment options that are safe, comfortable, and effective for our patients.