A person who has sleep apnea will often stop breathing for 10 seconds or more multiple times during a single night. Each pause forces the body to wake up and interrupt the sleep cycle, preventing you from receiving the restorative benefits of the deeper sleep stages. Additionally, the interruptions in breathing can have serious consequences for the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea can lead to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, a higher risk for accidents while driving, and an overall lower quality of life.
There are several potential contributing factors for sleep apnea. Some are related to your anatomy. For example, you’re more likely to suffer from sleep apnea if you have a large tongue or a thicker neck. Your lifestyle matters as well. If you’re overweight, there may be more fat in your neck; the additional pressure can increase the chances of the airway becoming obstructed during the night. You might also be more likely to experience sleep apnea or loud snoring if you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages shortly before bed.
According to the National Council of Aging (NCOA), it is estimated that approximately 39 million Americans have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but there are certain lifestyle choices and genetic factors that can play a role in your risk of developing this sleep disorder. Continue reading to learn about the most common ones so you can be aware.
Since many of the symptoms of sleep apnea could point to other issues, a sleep test is required to confirm the diagnosis. Some sleep tests are performed in a sleep lab, but take-home tests are available as well. In both cases, a special device is used to monitor breathing, heartbeat, and other relevant factors. A sleep expert can review the results of your test to check for markers that indicate the presence of sleep apnea.
You may have heard of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP for short; this type of treatment involves using an air pump to force oxygen into the throat to maintain a clear airway, thus reducing sleep apnea symptoms. But for many people, CPAP therapy is too noisy and causes too much discomfort. Luckily, many people have the option of wearing an oral appliance instead. Each appliance is personalized to keep your sleep disorder under control while also making it easier to stay comfortable when you’re trying to sleep.
Treating Snoring Issues
Not everybody who snores has sleep apnea, but the two are very closely linked, and people who snore a lot are more likely to develop sleep apnea later on. Fortunately, oral appliance therapy can be an effective solution for both issues! Not only will you get better rest during the night, but you’ll no longer have to worry about your snoring keeping your loved ones up. Give our team at GoTo Sleep Center - Scottsdale a call to start learning more about the various benefits of oral appliance therapy.
Combined Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Sometimes it might be necessary to use both an oral appliance and a CPAP machine to properly manage your sleep apnea. Since the oral appliance opens up the airway, the CPAP machine can be used at a lower setting, which goes a long way toward improving your comfort. It also means that the machine will emit less noise, making it easier to fall asleep. Generally, we suggest combined therapy for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms, especially if oral appliance therapy or CPAP therapy alone doesn’t deliver the results they want.
The cost of sleep apnea treatment can vary a lot because everyone’s symptoms and severity are different. During your consultation with us, we will go over the estimated costs of your treatment in person. We will discuss specific numbers and the various financial options that are available to you. Until then, here are some things for you to take into consideration.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dental insurance does not cover the cost of sleep apnea treatment. Instead, your medical insurance plan usually deals with sleep apnea diagnoses and treatments. To learn more about your coverage, it is a good idea to contact your provider directly. One of our friendly team members would also be happy to assist you with this. This way, you could significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Factors That Contribute to the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
There are several different factors that can contribute to the cost of your sleep apnea treatment. Here are some of the things that play a larger role:
Type of Treatment: There are multiple methods available to address sleep apnea, and their treatments are at different price ranges. At our practice, we use oral appliance therapy to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. This is usually more affordable than CPAP therapy and other methods.
Insurance Coverage: Depending on your coverage, more or less of your treatment will be covered. With proper preauthorization, medical insurance plans should say how much they plan to pay before you receive your device.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
A lot of people put off the sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment process due to fear of cost. Whether or not you have health insurance that covers sleep apnea treatment, you can be confident that undergoing treatment will be beneficial for your well-being. People with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk of numerous health issues, including some that are serious and life-threatening, like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, depression, weight gain, and more. These problems will eventually result in high medical bills and a lower quality of life.
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
If you don’t have health insurance, this doesn’t mean that you will be left completely on your own. We are happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. We also accept Medicare. We’re very familiar with the claim filing process, so we’ll do everything we can to make it as stress-free as possible. If you have any questions regarding your financial options, don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly team members.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea On My Own?
Just because you might be experiencing some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea does not mean that you have this disorder. For instance, snoring can be an indication, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. That’s why you’ll need to receive an official diagnosis before you can undergo the proper treatment. You might be able to check for tell-tale signs of this condition by using an Apple Watch or other tech, but they won’t be able to provide a comprehensive test. For that, you’ll need a sleep test to diagnose sleep apnea. You can speak with your dentist about this if you’re interested in getting a diagnosis.
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
If you need help alleviating your sleep apnea symptoms, you’ll be happy to know certain products can keep you more relaxed during bedtime. These can include things like essential oils and weighted blankets. You can also practice habits that can improve rest, such as avoiding looking at your phone before bed as well as staying physically active throughout the day to help you fall asleep more easily. That said, an oral appliance will be one of the best methods for getting quality rest if you have sleep apnea, as it addresses the root of the issue and opens your airway during the night.
Can I Have Oral Appliance Therapy If I Grind My Teeth?
Of course! Even if you grind or clench your teeth at night, oral appliances are constructed to endure the pressures of bruxism. This means you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. These unique mouthguards are even designed to help keep your teeth from becoming damaged from grinding. Since bruxism and sleep apnea often are associated with each other, oral appliances are sort of meant to help handle both situations simultaneously.
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
Excessive weight is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. This is mainly due to the extra tissue surrounding the airway potentially blocking it and preventing proper breathing. By trimming some of the weight, you can help reduce some of this excess tissue. That said, even after you’ve lost weight, there could be a chance that you still have sleep apnea. That’s why you’ll want to get a complete sleep test to help determine the true cause of your condition so that you can address the main contributing factors.
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dentists are oral health experts, and those who specialize in sleep apnea treatment, like our team at GoTo Sleep Center in Scottsdale, receive extensive additional training. While it may seem unusual to visit a dentist for sleep apnea, our expertise is actually extremely relevant.
We can examine your mouth and oral structures, create a customized plan, and design an oral appliance that fits your needs. If you already see us for checkups, it’s even more convenient—we can care for your teeth and your sleep health at the same time.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
No, not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea, but frequent, loud snoring is one of the most common warning signs. Snoring can also be caused by allergies, nasal congestion, or alcohol use. It can also simply be a result of the way your airway vibrates while you sleep.
With sleep apnea, however, snoring is usually accompanied by pauses in breathing, gasping, morning headaches, or daytime fatigue. If you or a loved one notices any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation. Our Scottsdale sleep apnea team can perform a proper evaluation to determine the true cause of your snoring and recommend appropriate treatment.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
The timeline for improvement of your sleep apnea symptoms generally depends on the type of treatment you use. With oral appliance therapy, many patients say they get better sleep and reduced snoring within just a few nights.
CPAP machines can also produce immediate results, though it may take time to adjust to wearing the mask. Combination therapy, which uses both an oral appliance and CPAP, often helps patients who didn’t find success with one method alone.
While every case is unique, most patients begin noticing significant improvements in energy, mood, and sleep quality within the first few weeks of starting treatment at our Scottsdale office.
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
While there isn’t a true “cure” for sleep apnea you can do entirely at home, several lifestyle adjustments can help reduce symptoms and complement professional treatment. For example, sleeping on your side rather than your back may help keep your airway more open.
Another thing you can try is diffusing essential oils, like peppermint or eucalyptus. This has been shown to improve nasal airflow and reduce congestion.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and practicing good sleep hygiene can also lessen the severity of apnea episodes.
If you need more guidance, talk to our Scottsdale team about combining these natural remedies with your treatment plan. You’ll get the best results when professional care meets a proactive attitude.
3 Convenient Locations Across the Greater Phoenix Area
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, you’ll find everything you need to get a better night’s rest at our conveniently located offices in Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa.
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