Non-CPAP Solutions
For Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment
We understand the struggle of getting a good night’s sleep. At Sleep Solutions, our mission is to provide you with effective alternatives to CPAP solutions for snoring and sleep apnea. We do this by offering oral appliances for sleep apnea and Nightlase laser treatment for snoring.
Whether you’re dealing with disruptive snoring or a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, our team of sleep specialists is here to help you find relief. Say goodnight to restless sleep and hello to overall improved health and a better night’s sleep with Sleep Solutions.
Dr. Perry is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and Her Expertise Has Been Featured In:
We’ve partnered with Affirm so you can sleep better now and pay later.
Welcome To A Better Night’s Sleep
Sleep Solutions in Westborough MA focuses on oral appliances (similar to a night guard) for sleep apnea & laser treatment for snoring. We are the sleep specialists that offer CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea and snoring treatment.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep problem. It happens when your breathing stops and starts again many times while you sleep. This can make you feel tired during the day and lead to serious health issues like heart problems. The most usual kind is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This happens when your airway gets blocked while sleeping.
People often use CPAP machines to treat sleep apnea. These machines help keep your airway open. But now, there are also oral appliances. These are like mouth guards and are good for people with mild OSA. They’re easier to use than CPAP machines.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Oral appliances are special devices you wear in your mouth when you sleep. They look like the mouth guards athletes wear. They work by keeping your airway open. This helps you to breathe better while you sleep.
Why Do I Snore?
Many people snore. It happens when air makes your throat tissues vibrate. Snoring can be loud and bother others. It might also mean you have sleep apnea. At Sleep Solutions, we help people who only snore or who also have sleep apnea. We have sleep specialists trained in helping you get a better night’s sleep.
Laser Treatment for Snoring
Since 2010, laser treatment has been a way to help with snoring. Gentle laser light energy tightens and elevates the soft palate to increase the airway and reduce the intensity of snoring. There is zero downtime with this treatment. Schedule your free consult today with one of our sleep specialists and you’ll be on your way to saying goodnight to snoring.
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We Can Help You Get A Better Night Sleep
Have you tried other methods and still experience symptoms? For many people, CPAP therapy is too uncomfortable, loud, and doesn’t fix the issue that causes sleep apnea. At Sleep Solutions in Westborough MA, we use oral appliances and laser treatments to address the issues that cause sleep apnea and snoring.
Is Snoring Bad For You?
Consistent and loud snoring can be a sign of underlying health problems and can also have indirect health impacts.
When Snoring Can Be Harmful
- Indication of Sleep Apnea: The main health concern with snoring is its association with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to breathing pauses. This can result in frequent awakenings and fragmented sleep, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and long-term cardiovascular risks.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Long-term, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and arrhythmias. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea put a strain on the heart.
- Daytime Sleepiness: Heavy snoring, especially when associated with sleep apnea, can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, affecting concentration, work performance, and increasing the risk of accidents.
- Impact on Mental Health: Poor sleep quality due to snoring can lead to irritability, mood swings, and may contribute to depression.
- Effect on Relationships: Snoring can also strain relationships, especially if it disturbs the sleep of a partner or other family members.
If snoring is accompanied by any of these warning signs, you should schedule a consult with us today for a thorough evaluation.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This type occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. Another type is central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Additionally, there’s complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, which occurs when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
People with untreated sleep apnea repeatedly stop breathing during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen. Common symptoms include snoring, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person, abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headache, difficulty staying asleep (insomnia), excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), attention problems, and irritability.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include excess weight, neck circumference, a narrowed airway, being male, older age, family history, use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers, smoking, and nasal congestion. The condition can lead to several complications, such as daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, complications with medications and surgery, liver problems, and sleep-deprived partners.
Does An Oral Appliance Help With Sleep Apnea?
Yes, oral appliance therapy can be effective for treating certain cases of sleep apnea, particularly mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral appliances are designed to keep the throat open during sleep by bringing the lower jaw or tongue forward during sleep. There are two main types:
- Mandibular advancement devices (MADs): These are the most commonly used oral appliances for sleep apnea. They look similar to sports mouthguards and work by pushing the lower jaw forward and down slightly, which keeps the airway open.
- Tongue retaining devices: These devices hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from blocking the airway.
The effectiveness of oral appliance therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the sleep apnea, the specific design of the appliance, and how well it is fitted and adjusted. Some of the benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Comfort and Ease of Use: Many people find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines.
- Convenience for Travel: They are small, portable, and don’t require electricity, making them convenient for travel.
- Quiet: Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are silent.
- Non-Invasive: This therapy is a non-invasive option compared to surgery.
However, there are also limitations and potential side effects, such as jaw discomfort, tooth movement, or changes in bite alignment. It’s important to have these devices fitted and regularly monitored by a dentist specializing in sleep apnea, and regular follow-up visits are necessary to ensure the effectiveness and comfort of the appliance.
For individuals with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP, an oral appliance combined with laser treatment can yield great results. Schedule a free consult with us today to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.