Sleep Apnea Treatment Eugene 

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and restart during sleep. Although there are several types of sleep apnea, the most common is a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, which occurs due to a collapse of the airway while lying down. The other main type, central sleep apnea (CSA), is caused by the brain’s inability to signal the airway to breathe properly during sleep, while mixed is a combination of both OSA and CSA.

There are several symptoms that you may experience with sleep apnea, including:

• Restless sleep.
• Chronic snoring.
• Daytime fatigue.
• Mood swings.
• Slowed reaction times.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Frequently waking up with a headache or sore throat.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

To treat sleep apnea, you’ll need to get an official diagnosis from a qualified sleep doctor. Although we do not diagnose sleep apnea or test for it here, we are happy to refer you to a local sleep physician to assist you with this step. Then, once you’ve been diagnosed, we’ll schedule a consultation with you and start the process of beginning sleep apnea treatment in Eugene with oral appliance therapy if you qualify.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea does more than just affect your rest. If left untreated, it can also negatively impact your overall quality of life by increasing your risk of developing many other serious medical conditions including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and much more. It can also cause dangerous cognitive impairment that can put you at risk when driving or completing other daily tasks that require your full attention.

Treating Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy

Although more traditional options like CPAP leave plenty to be desired when treating sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy from your dentist can be a much more comfortable and effective option. To begin, you’ll first need a sleep study to confirm your sleep apnea diagnosis. Then, once we have a better understanding of your individual condition, we will work with you to customize an oral appliance.

Oral appliance therapy is often preferred by patients because it is more comfortable and easier to wear than CPAP. Furthermore, because it does not rely on forced air, it is also quieter, easier to travel with, and less complicated to clean than CPAP machines and their attachments.

Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Several factors can influence the overall price of sleep apnea therapy, including your specific needs and the type of care recommended. During your consultation, our team will create a personalized plan to address your condition and review the details of your options, including the cost of sleep apnea treatment. We are also happy to assist with insurance claims to help make the process as simple as possible. While treatment may feel like a significant investment, the benefits of better sleep, improved health, and a higher quality of life can make it worthwhile.

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Dental insurance plans are typically focused on preventive care and treatments that support the health of your teeth and gums. Since sleep apnea is considered more of a medical condition, your dental coverage might not assist with this type of therapy. However, your medical insurance can offer benefits that help with some of the treatment costs.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Every patient’s situation is unique, so sleep apnea treatment can cost differently from person to person. Several details can affect the overall investment required for your care, including:

• Insurance coverage: If you have medical insurance, your plan may provide coverage for certain sleep apnea treatments and services. Your final out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your specific benefits, including factors like your deductible, co-pays, and co-insurance requirements.
• The type of therapy recommended: Treatment costs can differ depending on the approach used to manage your sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy and CPAP therapy each have different price ranges, and custom oral appliances may vary in price based on the specific device selected for your needs.

Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health

The long-term benefits of receiving treatment can make the investment in sleep apnea therapy worthwhile. By improving airflow and addressing the underlying issues contributing to your condition, you may lower your risk of serious health concerns associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Seeking care sooner can also help reduce the potential costs of managing health problems that may develop later on. Most importantly, better sleep can help you feel more refreshed, energized, and prepared to enjoy your everyday life.

Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable

If you don’t have medical insurance coverage, there might still be options available to help make treatment more manageable. Our team works with third-party financing providers, including CareCredit and Cherry, to offer flexible payment solutions for dental and sleep apnea care. These options can help break the overall expense into convenient monthly installments, and many plans have low or no interest depending on the terms you qualify for. We also have an in-house membership plan that includes $200 off sleep apnea appliances!