FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section I am attempting to provide you with answers to many of the common questions that we have received over the years. As always should you have any additional questions or need more clarification, please contact our office at the number above.

What is OSA?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem where the tissues in the back of the throat and the muscles of the tongue temporarily collapse during sleep. A condition that does not happen while you are awake. When this happens there are episodes of interrupted breathing. Some episodes frequently last longer than one minute. This is a sleep disorder that anyone suffering from it won’t be aware about at first, since it only happens during sleep. If you have any daytime sleepiness, you will probably attribute it to something other than obstructive sleep apnea.

What is the first thing that I need to do if I or someone I care about might have sleep apnea?

If you suspect that you, your bed partner or a family member may have a sleep problem, make an appointment with a physician. Make sure the physician hears all of the sleep issues such as: loud snoring, gasping for air while sleeping, sudden arousals that awake a bed partner, any observed cessations of breathing by a bed partner, and daytime sleepiness, especially while sitting quietly watching TV, reading a book, riding as a passenger in a car.

Share with them your concerns and if appropriate they will send you to get a sleep test. Once you have a sleep test your physician will be able to evaluate the level of sleep apnea that is present and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan. The worst part is that many people who die in their sleep had sleep apnea and either never knew they had the disease, or were diagnosed with it but never complied with the treatment recommendations of their physician.

What are the dangers of not treating sleep apnea?

Clinical studies conducted in premier universities worldwide have found a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and: high blood pressure, increased risk for stroke and sudden cardiac death (dying in your sleep), type 2 diabetes, hardening of the arteries and increased risk for severe car crashes.

Does obstructive sleep apnea cause other diseases?

Yes! In addition to the above dangers, people with depression are 5-times more likely to have sleep apnea; men with sleep apnea have a much greater incidence of erectile dysfunction (EDS); 80% of people who suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome have obstructive sleep apnea. Ongoing studies are finding more and more relationships between sleep apnea and other chronic diseases.

What are some of the common signs that sleep apnea may be present?

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) is the most common symptom of sleep apnea. Not feeling like you’ve had a good night’s sleep when you arise in the morning. Difficulties staying awake at work, especially during meetings. The need to use caffeine based drinks in order to stay alert. Feeling drowsy while driving a car. Low energy levels, trouble concentrating, taking longer to complete complex tasks at work and loss of memory which includes trouble concentrating.

But, there are people who have only a couple of symptoms and attribute it to working too hard, staying up late or under stress. Remember that sleep apnea is not simply diagnosed by identifying symptoms; rather a sleep study must be conducted to properly evaluate the condition.

What is the big deal if I don’t use my CPAP Machine?

You are putting your life in serious danger. You could either become a burden on your family if you survive a stroke or die in your sleep from SCD—sudden cardiac death. Sleep apnea does not go away on its own. If using a CPAP machine is a problem for you, you need to do something for your health. If you have excess weight to lose, then go on a diet. Surgery is an option, but it is only 50% successful. The least intrusive thing you can do is wearing a sleep retainer to control your sleep apnea. The important thing is that you not just ignore this condition but do something about it. We can help.

Is it true that you can treat sleep apnea by just losing weight?

Weight gain is a contributing factor in the development of sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea has been found to exist in people who do not have a weight issue. Losing weight can help alleviate the severity of sleep apnea but any such action should be done under the supervision of your physician.

Lack of energy and daytime fatigue is one of the problems of having sleep apnea and trying to exercise. Lack of energy caused by lack of sleep leaves you less motivated to exercise or keep to your diet. Wearing a sleep retainer will give you the necessary energy that will allow you to keep to your diet and exercise plan.

Do the $29 -$69 mouth guard type appliances I see on TV and in Magazines work?

There is a lot of truth in the old adage that you get what you pay for. There is a major difference in a “boil and byte” product and a custom-made dental sleep retainer. For individuals who have a mild form of snoring these inexpensive products may be of some assistance. The real danger is in not having a snoring situation properly evaluated first and simply assuming that this can be treated on your own. Also, you should be aware that these devices could cause some serious damage to the jaw joint, muscles and teeth, which may end up costing you a lot more in the end. In studies comparing a custom-made device and a “boil and byte” device, wearing the custom device always wins out.

Can you use drugs to treat sleep apnea?

No, because obstructive sleep apnea is a physical problem caused by the collapse of the muscles of your throat and tongue, causing your airway to become blocked. Some medications are available to help you get to sleep and stay asleep, but do nothing to stop your throat from closing while you sleep. Be careful of so called “non drug” remedies that claim to treat or even cure sleep apnea “naturally”. Many of these so-called “natural and healthy” alternatives are not a substitute for good medical care and can place your life in danger. Always, consult your physician before abandoning your medical treatment especially if your are buying something that offerd a “natural” way to control your sleep apnea.

I have dentures. Will a dental oral sleep retainer work for me?

Yes, however, it may require some dental work to have the sleep retainer work properly. The good news is that many of these approaches have additional benefits to your overall dental health

Why should I consider an oral sleep retainer?

The bottom line is this—if you are not able to tolerate your CPAP, then do something that will give you some relief. Leaving it untreated could have dire consequences for you such as SCD or a debilitating stroke, which will leave your family with a tremendous burden to bear. If you have sleep apnea and are having trouble tolerating your CPAP machine this may be a viable alternative.

Will oral sleep retainers work for everyone?

No, nothing works for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for one. This is why having an initial consultation is so important.

What do I need to do to be seen by Dr. Hilton?

In order for Dr. Hilton to see a patient it is necessary that the patient call the office and book a no cost, free consultation. Prior to arriving for the consultation you will need to fax over your sleep study.

Is there any cost for a consultation with Dr. Hilton?

No, there is no cost or obligation. However, prospective patients must first have a sleep study performed before their consultation with Dr. Hilton.

What will I get from the consultation?

You will receive an examination that will allow Dr. Hilton to provide you with your choices of treatment. There is no cost or obligation for you to obtain this valuable information.

Will this consultation hurt? Are there any needles?

No to both! Your free consultation consists of talking with Dr. Hilton and reviewing your sleep study.

How long will the consultation take?

The consultation will take no more than 45 minutes depending on the amount of questions that you may have.

Who should come with me to the consultation?

It is very important that you bring your bed partner to this consultation. Having a good understanding of your condition and having that support is vital to having a good treatment outcome.

How do I make an appointment?

Simply call our office at 1-866-535-0887 and we will book you for the very next available appointment. Remember to have your sleep study ready to be faxed to our office.