Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

How We Treat Sleep Disorders

Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may include a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine and/or Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Upon completion of a diagnostic sleep study, treatment is determined based on the severity of the sleep-breathing disorder. Patients with mild to moderate apnea often benefit from treatment with a customized oral appliance (OAT) (sleep apnea treatment without a CPAP), while patients with severe OSA may benefit from use of a CPAP and/or OAT. Patients with severe sleep apnea can be treated with OAT if they cannot tolerate a CPAP.

CPAP treatment is initiated through the sleep physician who works closely with our office to develop a course of treatment that is best suited for the patient.

CPAP therapy requires wearing a mask on your face at night that blows air (positive pressure) through your nose and/or mouth to keep your airway from collapsing during sleep. This breathing machine is kept on all night and can require adding distilled water to humidify the air that you breathe. CPAP machines are not custom made but prefabricated with a number of different masks to attach to the hoses.

OAT allows patients to manage their sleep-breathing disorder with a customized oral appliance This appliance serves to physiologically prevent the collapse of your airway by stabilizing your lower jaw, tongue, and soft palate. There are over 115 different variations of these customized appliances, making a comprehensive evaluation paramount for selecting the best device and specifically customizing it to you. OAT can be very effective in treating patients who snore and those suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea. Additionally, for patients with severe sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate a CPAP machine, then treatment for severe sleep apnea can be with an appliance that positions the lower jaw and tongue to provide optimal airflow during sleep.

After treatment has been initiated, a home sleep study will be used to measure the success of the therapy. If needed, adjustments will be made to the oral appliance.