How to Stop Snoring – Covington, GA

Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

Snoring happens when air cannot move freely through your nose and throat while you’re asleep. As such, it is extremely common to snore when breathing is consistently being disrupted by sleep apnea. Of course, there are many other reasons why you might snore as well, so it’s important to rule out other possibilities as soon as possible so that you can get the type of treatment you need. Typically, snoring caused by sleep apnea is very loud – in fact, you might even wake yourself up as a result. Also, you might notice some of the following symptoms accompanying your snoring:

• You are extremely tired during the day, which often means you aren’t getting quality sleep. (This is because sleep apnea wakes you up and disrupts the sleep cycle.)
• Your partner notices that you stop breathing, gasp, or choke during your sleep.
• You are generally irritable or tend to fall asleep at inappropriate times.

How Do I Stop Snoring?

Sleep apnea cases vary in complexity and severity, so the appropriate type of treatment may be different for each patient. Here are a couple of options that the Covington Sleep Center offers to stop snoring:

• Oral Appliance Therapy: A custom-fitted oral appliance is a convenient option for patients that aren’t able to comfortably use a CPAP machine. You wear the appliance every night so that it can hold the jaw in a slightly forward position. This keeps the tongue in a neutral position where it won’t block the airway, reducing snoring and helping you breathe easier.
• Combined Therapy: CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy both have certain benefits, so why not take advantage of both? In certain cases, we’ll recommend combined therapy. In addition to an oral appliance, you’ll wear a small nasal mask attached to a CPAP machine. This is done when the individual treatments don’t provide sufficient relief. Also, the use of an oral appliance allows you to use CPAP at a lower setting, making the treatment more comfortable overall.

See a Sleep Expert Today

Of course, your snoring (and any sleep disorder associated with it) must be properly diagnosed before it can be treated. Get in touch with Dr. Dean at the Covington Sleep Center today if you’re concerned about the noises you’re making at night. After we’ve evaluated your risk for sleep apnea, we can refer you to a sleep doctor for a sleep study; if it comes back positive, we can discuss possible treatments.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea FAQs

If you’re not getting the rest you need, we offer sleep apnea and snoring treatment in Covington. Although you’re excited to feel well-rested in the morning, we know you still have a few concerns before moving forward. We’ll explain everything during your initial consultation. While you wait for your visit, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about how to stop snoring.

Why do I need a sleep study?

A sleep study is necessary to properly diagnose sleep apnea to create an effective treatment plan. You’ll need a polysomnogram, which monitors you while you sleep. Special equipment will track your blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns. You’ll be monitored for about 6 to 9 hours to gather enough information to determine if there are any interruptions in breathing, as well as their frequency and duration.

Why do I need to treat sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea causes a wide range of complications if it isn’t treated consistently. Not only will your quality of life suffer, but you will also have a heightened risk of several health complications, like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Besides the strain on your body, untreated sleep apnea can also affect your mental health and cognitive abilities. It’s often linked to depression, mood changes, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Does insurance cover sleep apnea therapy?

Every policy is unique, but many insurance companies can be used to help offset the cost of your treatment. Although you’ll visit a dentist for your oral appliance, it is billed under your medical insurance. A member of our team will file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. We will explain how your benefits are being used and if you owe a remaining balance. Our office accepts several payment methods for any out-of-pocket cost.

Will an oral appliance hurt my teeth?

You will need a few days to adjust to the appliance, but it will not hurt your teeth. If you experience any soreness, you may need to have it adjusted. You may have some muscle aching, dry mouth, or excessive salivation, but any issues usually subside within a few days. Most patients adapt to sleeping with an oral appliance within 5 to 10 days of use.

How often does my oral appliance need to be replaced?

Oral appliances are durable, and they can last for many years with the right aftercare. On average, you’ll need a new one every 3 to 5 years unless it has experienced significant wear and tear. You can help protect your investment by keeping your appliance in its storage case when it isn’t in your mouth and cleaning it regularly.

How long will I have to use an oral appliance?

Obstructive sleep apnea is unlikely to dissipate with age. As a result, it’s often a lifelong therapy. In some cases, wellness factors can improve your symptoms, like maintaining a healthy weight.