Phone: (940) 498-2264
Treatment Options
Oral Appliance Therapy
The number one alternative to PAP therapy is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). OAT is also known as a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). These devices are custom fabricated by dentist who specialize in treating sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. A MAD is similar to a sports mouth guard or a retainer. These appliance are intended to advance the lower jaw forward and stop the airway from collapsing.
There are several different makes and models of an OAT or MAD. THESE APPLIANCE ARE NOT THE SAME AS AN OVER THE COUNTER SNORE GUARD! These appliances are custom made for each individual.
There are several pros to using an oral appliance as an alternative to PAP therapy. One of the biggest pros is it is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand which makes it way easier to travel with. With this treatment option, you do not have any hoses or masks to wear.
Oral Appliances are covered by Medicare and most insurances!
PAP Therapy
There are several different ways to treat sleep apnea. One of the most common and most effective ways to treat OSA is through PAP therapy. PAP is an acronym that stands for Positive Air Pressure. There are three common types of PAP therapy known as Auto PAP (APAP), Continuous PAP (CPAP), and Bilevel PAP (BiPAP/BPAP).
These machines are similar in the sense that they hold the airway open by blowing a continuous stream of air into the airway. The individual would wear a mask that covers both nose and mouth or just their nose. This mask is connected to the machine by a hose.
Some patients have difficulty using PAP therapy because they find it too cumbersome, loud, it can be claustrophobic, or it can cause them to have sinus issues. For those who cannot tolerate PAP therapy or have a mild to moderate case of OSA there are other treatment options.
Surgery Options
One alternative to PAP therapy is surgery. There are several different types of surgeries that can be performed. One of the more common types is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The goal of this surgery is to enlarge the airway by removing some of the soft tissues in the back of the throat. Once this soft tissues are removed the size of the airway has increased, and the likelihood of the airway collapsing has decreased.
There are several other types of surgeries that can be performed to treat sleep apnea. These surgeries are recommended based off of what type of sleep disorder was diagnosed in the patient.
Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Life!
Take Charge & Get Better Sleep
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans and thousands more are diagnosed each year. Most people know someone with sleep apnea or have it themselves. Many people live with sleep apnea without even realizing it - and it could be wreaking havoc on their daily lives. Could you or a loved one be one of those people? Take this short quiz to find out.
- Do you snore at night?
- Do you wake up gasping for air?
- Do you often have high blood pressure?
- Are you diabetic or prediabetic?
- Do you feel tired throughout the day?
- Do you feel sleepy while driving?
- Do you grind your teeth?
- Do you wake with headaches?
If you answered YES to two or more of these questions, you may suffer from sleep apnea. This is a potentially deadly sleep disorder that only gets worse the longer it is left untreated.
In short, sleep apnea is defined as breathing interruptions during sleep. While a person is asleep, they may stop breathing dozens, if not hundreds of times. It can lead to snoring, headaches, fatigue, anxiety, heart attacks or strokes.
The root causes of sleep apnea differ from person to person. There have been a number of studies done to better understand what sleep apnea is, how it affects the body, and how it can be properly treated.
But that's the good news! Sleep apnea can be treated. You don't have to live with the awful symptoms of this disorder. There are several treatments available, and we can help you find the right one for you. All you have to do is make the call to our office. 940-498-2264
