Sleep Apnea Treatments
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition where an individual repeatedly stops breathing during sleep, usually for approximately 10 seconds at a time. These pauses can happen many times throughout the night, often without the individual realizing, and usually cause brief awakenings that disrupt deep, restful sleep. As a result, people with sleep apnea often feel tired during the day.
Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of serious health problems, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Impotence
- GERD or Acid Reflux
- Worsening of ADHD
- Headaches and migraines
- TMJ Disorders
- Death
There are different types of sleep apnea, and it’s important to speak with a physician to get a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Dr. Lopez-Belio has been helping patients manage sleep apnea with custom oral appliances since 2009. As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, she regularly attends national conferences and completes continuing education to stay current with the latest advancements.
Ready for restful nights and energized days?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.
Sleep Questions You Should Ask Yourself:
- Do you snore?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Has anyone reported that you choke or gasp for air while sleeping?
- Do you wake refreshed?
- Are you excessively tired during the day?
- What is your neck size in inches?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
This scale is used to determine the level of daytime sleepiness. It provides an indication as to whether a person needs to improve their sleep hygiene and/or see a sleep specialist.
How likely are you to fall asleep in the following situations?
| Activity | Score |
| Sitting & Reading | ________ |
| Watching Television | ________ |
| Sitting, inactive, in a public place (Theater, Meeting) | ________ |
| As a passenger in a car for an hour with no break | ________ |
| Lying down to rest in the afternoon, if circumstances permit | ________ |
| Sitting and talking to someone | ________ |
| Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol | ________ |
| In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic | ________ |
| TOTAL SCORE | ________ |
A score of 10 or more is considered sleepy. A score of 18 or more is very sleepy. If you score 10 or more on this test, you should consider whether you are obtaining adequate sleep, need to improve your sleep hygiene, and/or see a sleep specialist.
With a score of 10 or above, you may be having a problem with daytime sleepiness. However, below 10 does not necessarily mean you do not have a problem.
How We Can Help You
If you think you are suffering from Sleep Apnea or severe snoring, you should contact your medical doctor or contact us for a referral to a sleep physician. They can recommend an at-home sleep study and provide a proper diagnosis. We refer our patients to SleepTest.com, where you can conveniently schedule a virtual consultation with a licensed sleep physician. SleepTest.com will send a sleep test kit directly to your home, allowing you to complete the study comfortably over two consecutive nights – no need to spend the night in a sleep lab. Once completed, simply ship back the device, and your results will be professionally evaluated by a board-certified physician.
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your physician may recommend Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. This involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth that delivers a constant stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.
While CPAP is effective, many patients find it uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate. As an alternative, our practice offers custom-designed oral appliances that provide a more comfortable and convenient solution.
These appliances work by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward, helping to prevent the collapse of the pharyngeal muscles (throat muscles) and maintaining an open airway throughout the night. This treatment is quiet, portable, and often better tolerated, making it an excellent option for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are also especially convenient for those who travel frequently, as they are compact and much easier to carry than a traditional CPAP machine.
Please bring your sleep study and your doctor’s diagnosis to the consultation appointment. We’d love to see you!
Not only will you sleep better – it may very well save your life!
Our Appliances
SomnoDent Flex™
ProSomnus® EVO
Thank You Letter From a Happy Patient
Dear Dr. Lopez-Belio,
Just a note to say that my husband and I are very happy because my snoring has significantly improved and my apnea is gone! I have to say SomnoMed is easy to use and comfortable to wear.
I thank you, Dr. Lopez-Belio.
– Ofelia
Ready To Improve Your Sleep?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!
