Is there a difference between snoring and sleep apnea?
Snoring occurs when air vibrates in a patient’s throat, nose, and/or sinuses as they breathe. Snoring can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including nasal injuries, illnesses, and the presence of sleep apnea. Alternatively, sleep apnea occurs when a patient experiences pauses in their breathing during rest for ten or more seconds at a time. While snoring and sleep apnea aren’t directly connected (not everyone who experiences sleep apnea snores and vice-versa), both conditions are frequently caused by a partial or full blockage of a patient’s airway during sleep.
What are the different kinds of sleep apnea?
Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain does not alert the body to inhale and exhale properly during sleep, while the more common obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when a patient’s airway is physically blocked by excessive soft tissue, the tongue, or the tonsils. Some patients experience a combination of the two types.
How do I find out whether or not I’m experiencing sleep apnea?
The first step towards discovering if you need sleep apnea treatment is taking our sleep quiz. Once submitted, our team will review the results and determine your likelihood of risk before scheduling a consultation.
Here at our Lake in the Hills, IL office, Dr. Stirneman will perform an evaluation and recommend further sleep testing if needed. At this point, patients will proceed to a sleep testing center to receive a solid diagnosis; during this process, our team at Sleep Better Illinois will be happy to help coordinate your care and maximize your insurance benefits. Once you’ve received your diagnosis, you’ll return to our practice so that Dr. Stirneman can work with you to determine whether oral appliance therapy or combined CPAP and oral appliance therapy fits your situation and symptoms best.
What do I do if I’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea already?
If you’ve already received a diagnosis from a sleep specialist, please contact Dr. Stirneman and the rest of our team today to schedule your complimentary consultation. During this time, we will help you determine whether a custom oral appliance is right for your situation.
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP therapy?
There are many cases where oral appliance therapy can be just as effective as or even more effective than traditional care with CPAP. Patients are more likely to use their oral appliance on a diligent basis; alternatively, the loud noises and bulky machinery associated with CPAP often result in a high level of intolerance and noncompliance.
Will my insurance cover my sleep apnea treatment at Sleep Better Illinois?
Medical insurance or Medicare will cover all or part of the costs associated with oral appliance therapy in most cases. Our Lake in the Hills team will be happy to help you maximize your coverage here at Sleep Better Illinois.