Questions & Answers

I know that I snore. Why should I be concerned?

Snoring can be disruptive, but it can also be life threatening. Snoring is often the most obvious symptom of underlying Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

What are the dangers associated with sleep apnea?

Sleep Apnea has been associated with a variety of life issues that range from annoying to life threatening including:

High blood pressure
Heart attack
Stroke
Sexual dysfunction
Depression
Irritability
Drowsiness while driving
Diabetes
Marital disharmony
Memory problems
Job issues
Excessive daytime drowsiness

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

There are some screening exams that can help you appreciate your risks, but the only sure way to know is to have an overnight sleep study administered. We can help determine if this is something that you need to have done, and refer you to a reliable sleep physician to have it administered.

Why shouldn’t I use an over the counter “boil and bite” appliance?

Over the counter appliances have several important problems when compared to a custom fitted oral appliance:

“Boil and bite” appliances are not adjustable so you cannot get the best result.
“Boil and bite” appliances may stop snoring but mask the underlying sleep apnea, thus allow the health threatening problems to continue. You will think you are better but you are not.
Studies have shown that compliance with “boil and bite” appliances is poor when compared to custom appliances, thus reducing the effectiveness.
“Boil and bite” appliances are not nearly as comfortable as custom fitted ones, due to their poor fit. This often leads to poor compliance and poor results.

Does insurance cover treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea?

Oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea are normally a covered expense under most medical insurance plans. Treatment of simple snoring is not usually a covered expense.

What should I do next if I think I need help?

If you know that you want to have an oral appliance made, call our office and schedule a Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Examination. If you are not sure if an oral appliance is for you, call and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Corwin so that he may answer any questions you may have and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.