Sleep Apnea

Chronic sleep conditions like snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can cause a lot more than just noise. Both disorders can have a negative impact on your sleeping and breathing patterns, which can leave you oxygen and sleep-deprived over time. We can help you overcome this impact by custom-designing an appropriate sleep appliance to address the causes of your snoring or sleep apnea. With the right appliance, we can help you sleep peacefully again and regain the higher quality of life you deserve.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is a serious medical condition that can affect your overall health and quality of life. While we sleep, the soft tissue and muscles relax and fall to the back of the throat which collapses the airway and obstructs airflow. It’s more common than you think, with nearly 25 million Americans affected. It has been estimated that 80% of moderate to severe cases of OSA remain undiagnosed. Remember, the snore means more!

Common symptoms of OSA include:

Exhaustion
Weight gain
Depression
Snoring
Acid Reflux
Irritability
Frequent breaks in breathing
Gasping for air during sleep

Who’s At Risk Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

With OSA afflicting every 1 in 5 Americans, you may be more vulnerable to this condition than you think. Many people pass it off as routine snoring, but there is a possibility it could be something more serious. There are segments of the population who are more at risk than others.

A useful tool in identifying those who may be at risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the questionnaire below. If you answer “yes” to three or more of the following questions, it may be wise for you to schedule a sleep consultation with our office today.

Do you SNORE loudly?
Do you often feel TIRED or fatigued during the day?
Has anyone OBSERVED that you have stopped breathing while sleeping?
Do you have or are you being treated for high blood PRESSURE?
Do you have a BMI of more than 35 kg / m2?
Are you more than 50 years of AGE?
Is your NECK more than 17 inches or greater for men (16 inches for women)?

Next Steps

Dr. Geyman or Dr. Cranfill and our specialized team have recognized the need for OSA treatment in our community. It’s hurting our patients’ quality of life and threatening their health. To help combat the dangerous effects of OSA, we have created a seamless process that will usher you to a better night’s sleep.

The first action step is scheduling a sleep consultation. If you think your snore may mean something more or found yourself answering yes to the questions on the previous questionnaire, you should contact us as soon as possible. Once you come in for your consultation, we will begin the process required to assist with the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Disorder.

Our team will help you with an at-home sleep test so that we can have a clearer idea of your needs and how your breathing is while asleep. Once you successfully conduct an at-home sleep test, you will come into our office for a consultation. During this visit, one of our knowledgeable doctors will review the results of the test and determine whether you are a candidate for an oral appliance that is designed to combat OSA.

If we determine that you would benefit from an oral appliance or oral mandibular advancement device, we will fit you for it in-office. Once you are fitted for this device it will keep your tongue from blocking your airways and allow for unobstructed breathing while sleeping. This appliance is ideal for victims of OSA who can’t tolerate the CPAP machine that is commonly administered to Sleep Apnea patients.

You deserve to breathe easily and rest easier in the knowledge that you are safe and healthy. As an office that is committed to your comfort and improving your quality of life, this treatment is a natural extension of the other services we provide. Our patients are our family, and we will always give you the treatment we would want our own family members to receive. OSA doesn’t have to control your life, so take back control and schedule your sleep consultation today!