CPAP & Its Alternatives
Obstructive sleep apnea is an issue that’s currently affecting nearly 22 million Americans. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine, which has provided positive results for a number of patients.
But CPAP isn’t right for everyone. Many people have discontinued CPAP because it restricts their freedom and makes sleeping difficult.
In contrast to CPAP, an oral appliance is a convenient solution for snoring and sleep apnea that won’t hamper your freedom. We feature oral appliances that are effective in many cases for treating patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. The appliance works by slightly shifting the position of your jaw to keep the airway open while you sleep.
Our patients really appreciate how easy it is to use their oral appliance. It’s so small you can take it anywhere. And unlike CPAP, oral appliances are quiet and they don’t require a power source, so you can use them anywhere.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
Patients often don’t realize that sleep apnea and loud snoring are not the same thing. Snoring is a loud vibration that occurs when air flows through constricted soft tissue while you sleep. Many patients who are heavy snorers also suffer from sleep apnea, which is a serious medical issue that causes you to stop breathing several times each night while sleeping.
Dr. Aragona is an experienced sleep dentist who provides effective care for both snoring and sleep apnea. He partners with local sleep physicians who will diagnose your sleep apnea and prescribe an individualized treatment plan.
If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, go ahead and take this Sleep Disorder Assessment. It helps us see if you require a home sleep test. A home sleep test allows a sleep doctor to determine if your heavy snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health
Once you’ve received an official diagnosis for your sleep apnea, it will allow us to treat your condition. This is crucial for protecting your health.
Sleep apnea doesn’t just interfere with you and your partner’s ability to get a good night’s rest. When left untreated, sleep apnea increases your risk for a variety of negative health consequences, including strokes, heart disease, depression, weight gain, insomnia, type 2 diabetes, mood swings, and potential liver problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I snore, does that mean I have sleep apnea?
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but it doesn’t always mean it’s caused by the sleep disorder. Sleep apnea causes a blockage in the airway, interfering your ability to breathe properly. If your snoring is accompanied by large gasps for air and abrupt awakenings, then it’s recommended that you receive a sleep study.
What are other symptoms of sleep apnea besides snoring?
The most detectable signs of sleep apnea aside from loud snoring are:
- Fatigue
- Abrupt awakenings
- Shortness of breath
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Mood swings
How do I get diagnosed for sleep apnea?
At Aragona Sleep Solutions, we work with local care physicians and dentists to help properly diagnose your condition. You’ll undergo an official screening and sleep study overnight to determine your individual condition. We can also offer you an at-home sleep study if you feel you’d be more comfortable in a personal setting.
If you’re looking to receive a sleep study, take this Sleep Assessment first to help us understand your case better.
How is sleep apnea treated?
The first line of defense for treating sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Though effective, most patients stop using it because it’s loud, intrusive, and uncomfortable.
Dr. Aragona is offering you a chance to live a healthier, longer life with the help of an oral appliance. These mouthpieces are customized for each patient and are silent, portable, and easy-to-use in comparison to the CPAP.
What happens if I don’t seek treatment?
Not seeking treatment for sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences, such as stroke, diabetes, depression, and more. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis and seek treatment as soon as possible to ensure a more healthy, happy life.
Can my child have sleep apnea?
Yes, it’s possible your child can suffer from sleep apnea, especially if they’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects between 1 and 5% of children between the ages of 2 and 8. However, due to their closely related symptoms, OSA is often misdiagnosed as ADHD. It’s best to bring your child to their pediatrician to receive proper testing for sleep apnea and understand all the signs and symptoms.