Sleep Apnea Treatment in Farmington Hills, MI

Alternatives to CPAP With Dr. Shlafer

apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that obstructs your airway overnight, interfering with your ability to breathe. This causes you to wake up constantly throughout the night, often without even realizing it.

In addition to preventing you from sleeping well, sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences without treatment. Explore our guide to learn more about sleep apnea and how Dr. Shlafer can relieve your symptoms with an oral appliance.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

It’s especially crucial to be aware of any potential sleep apnea symptoms if you fall into one or more of the following categories:

Male
Over 40
Overweight
Large neck circumference
Family history of sleep apnea

If any of these common risk factors apply to you, we recommend undergoing a sleep test for the sake of precaution.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can lead to a variety of debilitating symptoms, including:

Loud, frequent snoring
Gasping or choking sounds while you sleep
Fatigue and drowsiness duing the day
Headaches in the morning
Short-term memory problems
Lack of attention span
Decreased libido

Call our office right away if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.

Treating Sleep Apnea

In order to determine if you suffer from sleep apnea, you’ll have to take a sleep test and review the results with a qualified sleep doctor. Once you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, the first treatment recommended is often a CPAP machine.

This machine pumps pressurized air through a mask that’s worn over your nose while you sleep. Though it can be effective when used properly, many patients find it too loud and uncomfortable. As a result, long-term compliance rates for CPAP are low.

For a more comfortable and less invasive solution, Dr. Shlafer recommends oral appliance therapy.

Oral Appliance Therapy

If you’re tired of your CPAP mask or want to avoid using one entirely, Dr. Shlafer can customize an oral appliance just for you. Worn overnight, this device will gently shift your lower jaw forward and prevent your tongue from collapsing to keep your airway open.

These devices are comfortable to wear, easy to travel with, and totally silent. They also allow you to sleep in any position you want, while wearing a CPAP mask forces you to sleep on your back.

In combination with moderate lifestyle changes such as losing weight or drinking less alcohol, an oral appliance will eliminate your symptoms and protect your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sleep apnea be cured?

The only way to cure sleep apnea is to have a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPP surgery, to remove excess tissue from the pharynx and soft palate. However, the surgery is invasive and is only performed as a last resort.

Some lifestyle modifications may help to reduce symptoms, but they typically need to be used in combination with another treatment to be effective.

Can skinny people have sleep apnea?

While most patients with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight, there are some exceptions. Patients with a narrowed airway also suffer from the disorder, regardless of size. As many as 90% of people who have obstructive sleep apnea are unaware that they have it. The disorder is largely associated with overweight men, so people who have it may not even think it’s a possibility.

What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?

If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause several issues such as weight gain, memory problems, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and headaches. In addition to health problems, people with chronic fatigue are more likely to cause motor vehicle accidents.

Fortunately, Dr. Shlafer can help. If you’re experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shlafer by calling (248) 781-0040. During the consultation, he’ll examine your symptoms and determine if you would benefit from a sleep study.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Shlafer can explain your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.

Will my health insurance cover an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

Depending on your coverage, your insurance company may help cover all or a portion of the expenses for an oral appliance. For a better understanding of your coverage, we suggest contacting your provider prior to your appointment for a better understanding of your benefits.

If you have any questions we can answer, be sure to contact our office by calling (248) 781-0040 and one of our knowledgeable team members will assist you.

Visit Dr. Shlafer for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you have sleep apnea, a CPAP machine isn’t the only treatment option for you. Instead, visit Dr. Shlafer for a customized oral appliance and get the quality sleep you deserve.

Call our office in Farmington Hills at (248) 781-0040 and schedule a free consultation today.

Treating Sleep Apnea with Dr. Shlafer