Sleep apnea treatment in Chicopee

Sleep Apnea Overview and Facts

If you have this common sleeping disorder, your breathing is frequently interrupted while you are asleep. The pauses in breathing can last from a couple of seconds to a minute or two and can affect the total amount of oxygen received by your body and brain.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Loud and chronic snoring is the most noticeable sign of sleep apnea. However, there are other symptoms that may indicate that you are suffering from sleep apnea, they include:

• Waking up with a gasping or choking sensation
• Pauses in breathing while asleep
• Waking up with a headache
• Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
• Feeling fatigued during the day

List of Sleep Apnea Causes

When you breathe during your waking hours, your throat muscles are stiff and help keep your airway open. For people with this sleeping disorder, these muscles relax, resulting in the airway collapsing and obstructing breathing. The following risk factors can also increase your risk of developing this disorder:

• Being overweight
• Being male
• A family history of the disorder
• Having a neck size greater than 16 inches

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

There are many treatment options available for this sleeping disorder, but many of our patients find relief from a custom-designed dental appliance. This device helps to keep your airway open while you are sleeping and can significantly improve your sleep quality and reduce symptoms like snoring and pauses in breathing. Lifestyle changes, such as sleeping on your side instead of your back, losing weight, and avoiding alcohol, may also be effective. Surgery is another option, but is only considered after all other treatments have proven to be ineffective. When you come into our office for sleep apnea in Chicopee treatment, our group of professionals will work with you to design a treatment plan that is the most effective for your individual needs.

Dental Appliance

How Does an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Work?

An oral appliance works by bringing your jaw forward, and keeping your throat and airways open. This can relieve snoring and other unpleasant symptoms. Your oral appliance is only worn during sleep and is very similar in appearance to a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer.

What Is the Cost of an Oral Appliance?

How much your oral appliance costs depends on a variety of factors, such as whether you have medical insurance and the type of sleep apnea mouthpiece you receive. To learn more about the cost of an oral appliance, contact our office.

Are There Benefits To Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT)?

In addition to improving the quality of your sleep and helping you feel more refreshed upon waking, oral appliance therapy offers many benefits. An oral appliance therapy device is much more comfortable to wear compared to other treatments, such as wearing a mask over your nose and mouth. Your oral appliance is also the perfect size for travel and easy to wear. Since it’s a non-invasive treatment, your oral appliance can eliminate the need for surgery or other more invasive treatments. Schedule an appointment today for more information about how you can benefit from oral appliance therapy.

Will My Oral Appliance Be Covered by Insurance?

Most medical plans will offer coverage for your oral appliance. If you are concerned about any costs associated with your oral appliance for sleep apnea in Chicopee, contact your insurance provider.