Sleep Apnea Treatment Pantego

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night. These pauses disrupt the sleep cycle and can lead to numerous health risks. There are a few different types of sleep apnea, the most common of which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is caused by tissues in the back of the throat that block the free flow of air. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper breathing signals to the respiratory system.

The Prevalence of Sleep Apnea

According to the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, at least 25 million adults in the United States are experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. About 26% percent of adults around ages 30 and 70 are afflicted by this condition. Data published in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that this problem has increased significantly over the past 20 years, and the reason is most likely due to obesity. With too much weight, a person is more likely to struggle with hypertension, which can result in the airways closing off during rest and disrupting their sleep cycle.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea may seem like a harmless annoyance at first. However, it has several potential — and very serious — consequences that many people do not know about. These include:

• Health risks – OSA is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia.
• Increased risk of accidents – Daytime fatigue can impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in collisions.
• Impact on relationships –Snoring can put a strain on intimate relationships. Plus, sleep apnea may cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
  

Different Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Although there are common symptoms to look out for (such as snoring, fatigue, pauses in breathing, and mood swings) sleep apnea can still vary from person to person. That’s why it’s crucial to consult a professional to determine your next best steps. In the meantime, here are some of the typical indications of sleep apnea in different people:

Common Symptoms in Men

• Snoring
• Frustration
• Reduced concentration
• Sleepiness
• Dry mouth when waking up
• Headaches

Common Symptoms in Women

• Restless legs
• Insomnia
• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Sleepiness
• A sense of being overwhelmed

Common Symptoms in Kids

• Restless sleep
• Mouth breathing
• Snorting, choking, or coughing
• Pauses in breathing
• Sleep terrors
• Bed-wetting
  

How TMJ Disorder & Sleep Apnea Are Connected

Recent medical research has found that about half of those struggling with TMJ disorder also have difficulty sleeping. Whenever a person is experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, their airway can typically collapse, which will then result in the lower jaw being pushed forward to open it back up. This repetitive motion during sleep can lead to stress and tension on the jaw joint, increasing the likelihood of developing TMJ disorder. Furthermore, TMD/TMJ is generally associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, which can end up aggravating your sleep apnea symptoms.

Sleep Disordered Breathing & ADHD in Kids

About one-third of people who struggle with ADHD are affected by sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including sleep apnea. In many cases, some of the typical symptoms in those with a hyperactive disorder can be caused by SDB, which can involve disturbed sleep or sleepiness throughout the day. For this reason, if you have a child with ADHD, you might want to consult a professional in case they’re also struggling with sleep-disordered breathing. By treating SDB, you may be able to reduce their need for stimulants in the long run.

Sleep Well with the Vivos Protocol

At our practice, Dr. Shah is proud to offer the innovative Vivos protocol for OSA sufferers. This unique treatment strives to address the root cause of airway obstructions — abnormalities in the structure of the throat and mouth that make it easier to become blocked. All a patient has to do is wear a custom-made appliance (that looks like a retainer) to bed, and this will slowly change the orientation of their oral tissues over time.

For many patients, such tissues can be gently remodeled over 12-24 months. This process is often accompanied by an exercise regimen that trains the patient to properly use the muscles of their upper respiratory system. In many cases, this can lead to a dramatic or even a complete reduction of sleep apnea symptoms.

Other Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Over the years, certain methods have proven successful at treating sleep apnea. Choosing the right one will be determined by your needs, Dr. Shah, and a sleep physician. In addition to making lifestyle changes that can directly influence the condition (such as losing weight, improving sleep hygiene, or cutting back on tobacco/alcohol use), here are additional sleep apnea treatments to consider:

• CPAP Therapy – This involves wearing a face mask that connects to an air pump that helps you breathe correctly and prevents your airway from closing.
• Combined Therapy – This method requires patients to both wear an oral appliance as well as use the CPAP machine for optimal results. Instead of a face mask, you’ll simply wear a nasal mask for improved comfort and convenience.
  

Sleep Testing

The first step to learning whether you have sleep apnea or not is to undergo a sleep test. Our office is equipped to help you get the answers you need with an in-office sleep study or at-home test. Based on your preference, budget, and severity of symptoms, one may be better than the other. No matter which one is recommended, this process will allow for a complete analysis of your sleep habits so that a formal diagnosis can be provided.

Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment

The cost of sleep apnea treatment varies from case to case. When you visit us to learn about your treatment options, we will discuss some specific numbers with you. We can also help you understand your payment options, such as insurance and financing. Rest assured that sleep apnea treatment is a wise investment in your health that can help you save money in the long run and enjoy an improved quality of life.

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Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?

In most cases, insurance does cover sleep apnea treatment. However, it is not your dental insurance that you should turn to. Rather, you should look to your medical insurance to help cover the cost of your care. It may greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for both sleep apnea testing and treatment.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment

The two biggest factors that affect the cost of sleep apnea treatment are:

• The type of treatment you receive. The Vivos system, traditional oral appliances, CPAP therapy, and other forms of sleep apnea treatment can all come at different price points.
• Your insurance coverage. Medical insurance is pretty reliable for covering CPAP therapy and oral appliances, such as Vivos. If you are interested in treatments that are not yet considered to be mainstream, coverage can be less predictable.

Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health

Is sleep apnea treatment worth the price? Yes! Whether or not your insurance will cover your care, you can be confident that addressing your sleep apnea will benefit your health and your budget.

For example, sleep apnea is associated with a heightened risk of many medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, obesity, acid reflux, depression, other mental health disorders, and more. When you enhance the quality of your sleep through proper treatment, you can reduce overall medical bills and be more energized to perform well at your place of work. You will also lower your risk of being involved in a life-altering motor vehicle accident.

Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable

Our team can help you navigate the insurance process, so you do not end up paying more for your treatment than necessary. Just give us your policy information so we can get started on figuring out how you can get the most out of your benefits. If you have a high coinsurance (or no insurance coverage), ask us about affordable financing options, such as CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit.