Options for
Sleep Apnea

Treatment

Surgeries

If front line options haven't worked for you. Surgery may be right for you.

How it works:

Oral Devices work by holding the mandible (and therefor the tongue) stable and out of the airway during sleep

Pros:

Covered by medical insurance
Least invasive treatment option
Easiest option for many patients to get used to
No hoses, masks, or filters to buy month after month
Can be just as effective for Stage 1 and Stage 2 as other treatments
Relieves Snoring for nearly all patients
Studies show superior adherence
Recent study shows superior reduction of blood pressure
Less Expensive over time than other treatments
No noise of a operating machine
Easier for travel
Any side effects tend to be temporary
Uses same digital scanners as Invisalign, so acts as a retainer as well
Doubles as a grind guard

Cons:

Must have at least 4 bottom teeth
Longer Titration Period than CPAP, but shorter than surgeries
May be less effective in people with a BMI over 40
Potientally higher upfront cost than CPAP, but less than surgery
Although approved for stage 3 (severe) OSA, may potentially not be as effective as CPAP
Severe OSA patients may have an insurance requirement to try a CPAP before authorizing an oral device

Common Side Effects

For the first few days or weeks, most people experience soreness in their jaw in the morning
Increased or Decreased salvia at night
Tooth soreness for until the device works in
Very small percentage of people have ~1mm bite migration.
What we don't see is any tooth movement

The Bottom Line:

More people stick to Oral Device than any other first line treatment, and most people save money over the long term.

You'll likely have some discomfort in the mornings until you get used to it, yet for many Oral Device is still easier to adjust to than CPAP.

If you have Stage 3 (Severe) OSA, you may need to try a CPAP first. If you have very sensitive teeth, it may not be for you.

Get a Sleep Test Get an Oral Device

CPAP, BiPAP

Continuos Positive Air Pressure
Bilevel Positive Air Pressure

How it works:

PAP devices work by pushing pressurized air through the airway to keep it open while you sleep

Pros:

Covered by medical insurance
Shown to very effective for reducing apneaic events
Many different mask and hose options
Can treat even severe sleep apnea very effectively
Titration typically only 1 night
Oldest known treatment

Cons:

Masks and hoses make adherence difficult for many patients
Blowing air can leak out of mask, especially at higher pressures
Some bed partners report it the noise can be difficult to sleep with
Supplies to buy on a monthly basis
More difficult to travel with
Some studies have started to show potential negative side effects related to heart health.
Read the Studies
Many studies show low adherence rates lead to non-resolution of high blood pressure and other Sleep Apnea related diseases.
Read the Studies

Common Side Effects

Like Oral Device Therapy, the side effects are minimal.
Some patients experience Aerophagia, where air is forced into the stomach and bowel, leading to bloating and gas
A new study showed that some patients experienced an enlarged heart after using CPAP
Tooth soreness for until the device works in
Very small percentage of people have ~1mm bite migration.
What we don't see is any tooth movement

The Bottom Line:

Get a Sleep Test Get a CPAP or
CPAP Supply

Surgeries

If front line options haven't worked for you. Surgery may be right for you.

How it works:

Oral Devices work by holding the mandible (and therefor the tongue) stable and out of the airway during sleep

Pros:

Covered by medical insurance
Least invasive treatment option
Easiest option for many patients to get used to
No hoses, masks, or filters to buy month after month
Can be just as effective for Stage 1 and Stage 2 as other treatments
Relieves Snoring for nearly all patients
Studies show superior adherence
Recent study shows superior reduction of blood pressure
Less Expensive over time than other treatments
No noise of a operating machine
Easier for travel
Any side effects tend to be temporary
Uses same digital scanners as Invisalign, so acts as a retainer as well
Doubles as a grind guard

Cons:

Must have at least 4 bottom teeth
Longer Titration Period than CPAP, but shorter than surgeries
May be less effective in people with a BMI over 40
Potientally higher upfront cost than CPAP, but less than surgery
Although approved for stage 3 (severe) OSA, may potentially not be as effective as CPAP
Severe OSA patients may have an insurance requirement to try a CPAP before authorizing an oral device

Common Side Effects

For the first few days or weeks, most people experience soreness in their jaw in the morning
Increased or Decreased salvia at night
Tooth soreness for until the device works in
Very small percentage of people have ~1mm bite migration.
What we don't see is any tooth movement

The Bottom Line:

Get a Sleep Test Get an Oral Device

Know before you start!

Health Insurance has very specific requirements for getting treatment after a sleep test.
‍
It is essential to get a sleep test from a provider that understands insurance guidelines and can help you get to the right treatment quickly and with the right documentation.

At Frontier, we get it, and we help you every step of the way.

Get a Home Sleep Test

Already have a Sleep Test Result?

Get Treatment