GENERAL SLEEP & SNORING QUESTIONS

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1. Q: Can snoring get worse with age?
   A: Yes, muscles in the throat weaken over time, increasing snoring. Oral appliances can help at any age.

2. Q: Why do I snore only when sleeping on my back?
   A: Sleeping on your back allows the tongue and soft tissues to block the airway, causing snoring. Positional therapy or oral appliances may help.

3. Q: Does snoring affect blood pressure?
   A: Chronic snoring and sleep apnea can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risks.

4. Q: Can snoring cause fatigue?
   A: Yes, interrupted sleep from snoring reduces oxygen levels and sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue.

5. Q: Do nasal sprays or medications stop snoring?
   A: They may help temporarily, but oral appliance therapy is more effective for long-term results.

6. Q: Can lifestyle changes reduce snoring?
   A: Yes — losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and changing sleep position can help, but oral appliances often provide better results.

7. Q: Does snoring affect my partner’s sleep?
   A: Yes, loud snoring can disrupt a partner’s sleep and negatively affect their mood and health.

8. Q: Can allergies make snoring worse?
   A: Yes, nasal congestion from allergies can increase airway resistance and worsen snoring.

9. Q: Can children snore?
   A: Yes, if your child snores, they should be evaluated by a pediatric sleep specialist. Treatment is different for pediatric patients based on the diagnosis of snoring or sleep apnea.

10. Q: Can sleep apnea get worse over time?
    A: Yes, untreated sleep apnea can worsen with age, weight gain, or other health factors.

SLEEP APNEA & HEALTH RISKS

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1. Q: How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
   A: Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, and daytime fatigue. A sleep study confirms the diagnosis.

2. Q: Can sleep apnea cause heart problems?
   A: Yes, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

3. Q: Can sleep apnea cause diabetes?
   A: Sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance and can worsen diabetes control.

4. Q: Does sleep apnea affect memory?
   A: Yes, chronic sleep disruptions can impair memory, focus, and cognitive function.

5. Q: Can mild sleep apnea be treated without CPAP?
   A: Yes, oral appliance therapy is an effective CPAP alternative for mild-to-moderate cases.

6. Q: Is sleep apnea hereditary?
   A: Genetics can play a role, but lifestyle and airway anatomy are also significant factors.

7. Q: Can women develop sleep apnea after menopause?
   A: Yes, hormonal changes can increase risk after menopause.

8. Q: Can sleep apnea cause weight gain?
   A: Poor sleep affects metabolism and appetite, which can contribute to weight gain.

9. Q: Can sleep apnea cause headaches?
   A: Yes, oxygen deprivation during sleep can trigger morning headaches.

10. Q: Can untreated sleep apnea shorten lifespan?
    A: Yes, chronic untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health complications that may reduce life expectancy.

ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY QUESTIONS

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1. Q: What is oral appliance therapy?
   A: A custom dental device that advances the lower jaw to keep the airway open, reducing snoring and sleep apnea events.

2. Q: Do oral appliances work as well as CPAP?
   A: For mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances are highly effective and more comfortable for many patients.

3. Q: Can oral appliances cure sleep apnea?
   A: They manage symptoms effectively but do not permanently cure sleep apnea.

4. Q: Are oral appliances safe?
   A: Yes, they are FDA-approved, custom-fitted, and monitored by a dental sleep medicine professional.

5. Q: How long does it take to get an oral appliance?
   A: After consultation and dental impressions, most patients receive their appliance within a few weeks.

6. Q: Can I travel with my oral appliance?
   A: Yes, it is compact and portable — ideal for travel compared to CPAP machines.

7. Q: Are oral appliances noisy?
   A: No, they are silent, unlike CPAP machines.

8. Q: Can oral appliances be used for severe sleep apnea?
   A: They are generally recommended for mild-to-moderate cases. Severe cases may still require CPAP or other treatments.

9. Q: How do I clean my oral appliance?
   A: Brush daily with a soft brush and rinse with cool water or non-abrasive cleaner.

10. Q: How long does an oral appliance last?
    A: With proper care, most appliances last 3–5 years.

CPAP ALTERNATIVES & INTOLERANCE

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1. Q: What is a CPAP alternative?
   A: Treatments like oral appliances or positional therapy that manage sleep apnea without using a CPAP machine.

2. Q: Why do people fail CPAP?
   A: Mask discomfort, pressure intolerance, claustrophobia, and travel inconvenience are common reasons.

3. Q: Can oral appliances help CPAP-intolerant patients?
   A: Yes, they are the preferred CPAP alternative for many patients.

4. Q: Are CPAP alternatives as effective as CPAP?
   A: For mild-to-moderate cases, oral appliances often provide similar improvement in airway opening and sleep quality.

5. Q: Can lifestyle changes replace CPAP?
   A: Weight loss, sleep position changes, and oral appliances can help, but CPAP is still standard for severe apnea.

6. Q: Do I need a sleep study before trying oral appliances?
   A: Most insurance plans require a sleep study to document apnea before approving oral appliance therapy.

7. Q: Can oral appliances be combined with CPAP?
   A: In some cases, oral appliances can complement CPAP, especially during travel or pressure adjustments.

8. Q: Are there side effects of oral appliances?
   A: Minor jaw soreness or dental changes can occur but are managed with follow-up adjustments.

9. Q: Can oral appliances improve daytime sleepiness?
   A: Yes, by reducing apnea events, patients often experience better sleep and more energy.

10. Q: Can oral appliances be custom-fitted?
    A: Yes, they are designed individually for comfort and effectiveness.

LIFESTYLE & SLEEP HYGIENE QUESTIONS

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1. Q: Can alcohol worsen snoring?
   A: Yes, alcohol relaxes throat muscles, increasing airway collapse and snoring.

2. Q: Can smoking affect sleep apnea?
   A: Yes, smoking increases airway inflammation, worsening apnea and snoring.

3. Q: Does sleeping position matter?
   A: Yes, sleeping on your back can worsen snoring. Side sleeping may help.

4. Q: Can weight loss reduce sleep apnea?
   A: Yes, losing weight can reduce airway obstruction and improve apnea.

5. Q: Can exercise help snoring?
   A: Regular exercise can improve muscle tone and reduce snoring severity.

6. Q: Can a soft pillow help?
   A: Specialized pillows may improve airway alignment but often provide limited results compared to oral appliances.

7. Q: Should I avoid sleeping pills?
   A: Yes, sedatives relax throat muscles, which can worsen snoring and apnea.

8. Q: Can stress affect snoring?
   A: Yes, stress can disrupt sleep patterns and increase airway tension, leading to snoring.

9. Q: Can nasal strips help?
   A: They may improve airflow through the nose but usually do not prevent airway collapse in sleep apnea.

10. Q: Can hydration affect snoring?
    A: Staying hydrated reduces nasal and throat tissue dryness, which can minimize snoring.

PARTNER & RELATIONSHIP QUESTIONS

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1. Q: How do I know if my partner has sleep apnea?
   A: Observe loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and daytime fatigue. A sleep study confirms it.

2. Q: Can snoring affect my relationship?
   A: Yes, it can disrupt your partner’s sleep and cause tension or stress.

3. Q: Can oral appliances reduce snoring for couples?
   A: Yes, they are effective in reducing snoring, improving both your and your partner’s sleep.

4. Q: Should my partner attend my sleep evaluation?
   A: It’s helpful, as they can provide observations about your snoring and apnea events.

5. Q: Can children be affected by a parent’s snoring?
   A: Yes, sleep disruption can impact the entire household, including children’s sleep.

6. Q: Can snoring cause bed partner fatigue?
   A: Yes, frequent awakenings can reduce the partner’s sleep quality.

7. Q: Can sleep apnea affect intimacy?
   A: Yes, poor sleep and fatigue can reduce libido and energy levels.

8. Q: Can couples use oral appliances together?
   A: Each partner would need a separate appliance if both have snoring or apnea issues.

9. Q: Can snoring ruin vacations?
   A: Yes, loud snoring can disrupt travel plans, but oral appliances are travel-friendly.

10. Q: Does sleeping in separate rooms solve snoring problems?
    A: It may help temporarily but doesn’t treat the underlying sleep apnea.

INSURANCE & COST QUESTIONS

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1. Q: Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?
   A: Many plans cover it if a sleep study documents apnea. We also help with FSA/HSA payments.

2. Q: Do you take Medicare or Medicaid?
   A: We are not currently in network with Medicare or Medicaid, however we do cash paying options.

3. Q: What if you’re out-of-network with my insurance provider?
   A: We provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement and flexible payment options.

4. Q: Can I use financing for oral appliances?
   A: Yes, we offer payment plans to make treatment affordable.

5. Q: What is a deductible?
   A: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins.

6. Q: What is an out-of-pocket maximum?
   A: The maximum you pay in a year before insurance covers 100% of eligible services.

7. Q: Can I use FSA or HSA?
   A: Yes, oral appliance therapy is eligible for FSA/HSA spending.

8. Q: Do I need a referral for oral appliances?
   A: We will require documentation from your sleep specialist prior to fabricating an oral appliance. If you don’t have a sleep specialist, we can provide you with resources to find one near you.

9. Q: How much does oral appliance therapy cost?
   A: A custom oral sleep appliance typically costs $2,500–$3,500. It’s designed to be worn every night for 3–5+ years and backed by a manufacturer warranty. Essentially, that’s less than $2 per night— less than a cup of coffee!

10. Q: Are consultations covered by insurance?
    A: It depends on your plan; we can verify coverage before your visit.

WHO WE SERVE / CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

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1. Q: What age is ideal for oral appliance therapy?
   A: Adults ages 18–70 are typically ideal candidates.

2. Q: Can mild snorers benefit?
   A: Yes, oral appliances can reduce snoring even without diagnosed sleep apnea.

3. Q: Can severe sleep apnea patients use appliances?
   A: They may need CPAP or combined therapy; appliances alone are usually for mild-to-moderate cases.

4. Q: Are people who failed CPAP candidates?
   A: Yes, many patients switch to oral appliance therapy after CPAP intolerance.

5. Q: Can couples both use oral appliances?
   A: Yes, each partner would need a custom appliance if both have snoring or apnea issues.