Sleep Apnea FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most about sleep apnea: what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and how it’s treated without a traditional machine.
At Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, West Virginia, we believe understanding your symptoms is the first step toward better rest.
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea
Snoring happens when relaxed throat tissue vibrates as air passes. It isn't always serious, but loud snoring with gasping or choking can be a warning sign. Learn whether snoring signals sleep apnea.
With obstructive sleep apnea, relaxed throat muscles collapse and block the airway for ten seconds or longer. Read more about obstructive sleep apnea.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A formal sleep study confirms a diagnosis, either in a testing center or with home sleep testing.
For people who can't tolerate CPAP, oral appliance therapy is a quiet, comfortable alternative.
Common Questions
What causes snoring, and is it always a medical concern?
When you sleep, throat muscles relax and the soft palate, tongue, and tonsils can vibrate as air passes. Not all snoring is serious, but very loud snoring, or snoring with gasping, choking, or sudden awakenings, can signal sleep apnea and is worth evaluating.
What exactly is obstructive sleep apnea?
It happens when relaxed throat muscles collapse during sleep and block the airway, preventing oxygen from reaching the body for ten seconds or longer. People often wake choking or gasping, and partners may notice pauses in breathing.
Why do I feel so tired during the day if I went to bed on time?
When breathing stops repeatedly, your brain rouses you just enough to reopen the airway, keeping you out of deep, restorative sleep. In severe cases, daytime sleepiness can lead to nodding off while driving.
How common is sleep apnea, and what are the warning signs?
It affects millions of adults, and many cases go undiagnosed. Beyond loud snoring and observed pauses, signs include waking with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache, memory and focus problems, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, and exhaustion despite enough hours in bed.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
It starts with an evaluation of your symptoms, health history, and airway. A formal sleep study is required to confirm a diagnosis, either overnight in a testing center or, when appropriate, with a home sleep test.
How is sleep apnea treated without a traditional machine?
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fit device that gently supports the lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open. These appliances are generally covered by Medicare and medical insurance.
What are the risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated?
Repeated drops in blood oxygen stress the cardiovascular system and significantly increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
Related Topics
Schedule a Consultation
Explore comfortable, insurance-covered options for better rest. Schedule a consultation with Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Take the First Step to Better Sleep
If you’re ready to get the restful sleep you deserve, it’s time to speak to one of our sleep professionals. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. If you’re still unsure, take our short sleep quiz that identifies the most common sleep-related issues to see which ones you’ve experienced.