Sleep Apnea Treatment
"Why am I so tired?"
"I've never been a good sleeper...."
Maybe it's sleep apnea
Symptoms & Health Risks
Many patients come to us asking, "Why am I so tired?" Wanting to treat their excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the key reasons people seek help. Common sleep apnea symptoms include:
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Loud, chronic snoring
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Feeling like you could fall asleep easily during the day
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Gasping, snorting, or choking during sleep
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Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
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Morning headaches
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Difficulty concentrating, "brain fog," memory problems, or irritability.
Untreated sleep apnea can significantly increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
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Are You Just Tired—Or Is It Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea doesn't just affect your breathing; it affects your energy, your mood, and your quality of life. As our patient Ryan discovered, you don't have to accept "tired and hurting" as your new normal.
Dr. MacNeill specializes in custom-fit oral appliances that keep your airway open, allowing you to have the deep, restorative sleep your body deserves.
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"I thought it was age and stress, or nutrition. I would awaken during the night short of breath and sometimes would not get back to sleep again. My normal was tired, hurting and brainfogged. I was falling asleep in meetings. It hurt to be awake and I could not find rest. Dr. MacNeill recommended trying the oral appliance for this (sleep apnea) and it was no less than life changing for me on the first night! I awoke without my alarm, without the usual soreness and I felt awake. This has made a huge difference in my alertness, energy and my anxiety level. It is not hard for me to go on about the difference this has made! If you have sleep apnea, try this! Don't wait as long as I did."
- Ryan
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the throat and the base of the tongue relax, causing them to fall back and completely block the airway. No air can get through at all for periods of time when this is happening during sleep.
Myth: CPAP is the only therapy for sleep apnea
Not true! Oral appliance therapy uses a "mouth guard-like" device worn during sleep. The appliance stabilizes the jaw so it cannot fall back and the tongue therefore doesn't block the airway. This custom sleep apnea mouthpiece is a type of Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD).
Myth: Oral appliance therapy isn't as effective as a CPAP at treating sleep apnea
Studies show that a CPAP is very effective at treating sleep apnea, if you can wear it regularly. Some people cannot tolerate the masks and tubes though. Many patients are more satisfied with an oral appliance because they are more comfortable, are noise-free and are more portable than a CPAP.
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How Can I Get Started With An Oral Appliance?
1. We will discuss taking an easy sleep test at your home.* We are able to bill your medical insurance, including Medicare, and are able to give you out of pocket estimates prior to any treatment.
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2. Sleep test results will be reviewed and discussed with you with the help of your physician or one of our partnered sleep physicians. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your options will be discussed. These include a CPAP or sleep appliance.
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3. If you prefer a sleep appliance, our team will take dental impressions and have our dental laboratory make the oral appliance custom fit for you.
4. Dr. MacNeill will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit so that you get maximum results and comfort. She will have follow up appointments with you to make any needed adjustments.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacNeill to learn more about sleep apnea treatment options!
Sleep Apnea Appliance FAQs
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1. Is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as effective as CPAP?
OAT is clinically proven to be highly effective for patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea. While a CPAP is effective, OAT often boasts higher patient satisfaction rates because it is more comfortable, portable, and easier to use regularly, making it a powerful CPAP alternative Sandpoint.
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2. What is the first step to getting an oral appliance?
The first step is an evaluation and a sleep study (often a convenient home test) to confirm an official diagnosis of sleep apnea and obtain a physician’s prescription for a medical oral appliance.
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3. Will my insurance cover the cost of a prescribed oral appliance?
Treatment for diagnosed sleep apnea is typically covered by medical insurance, not dental. We will verify your benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
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4. How long does the process take from start to finish?
Once you have a prescription, the process involves taking impressions, laboratory fabrication (a few weeks), and fitting appointments with Dr. MacNeill at our convenient Sandpoint dental office to ensure your custom sleep apnea mouthpiece is perfectly adjusted for your comfort and effectiveness.
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5. Does OAT only treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Yes, oral appliance therapy is specifically designed to treat OSA, which is caused by a physical blockage. It is not used for Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), which is a failure of the brain to signal breathing.
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Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacNeill to learn more about sleep apnea treatment options in Sandpoint!