Frequently Asked Sleep Apnea Questions – Las Vegas, NV
Ask Your Summerlin Sleep Apnea Expert
In addition to providing personalized care for our patients, Dr. West also dedicates a lot of time to education. This helps patients better understand their situation and treatment options, which goes a long way in enabling peace of mind throughout the process. Before you give us a call to schedule an appointment, be sure to read over our responses to some of the most popular questions we receive every day.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
Not always. It’s estimated that over half of our population experiences snoring at a mild, moderate, or severe level. In many cases, snoring is nothing to be worried about. However, exceptionally loud and frequent snoring (especially if there are moments of choking, gasping, or complete silence interspersed) is cause for concern. If you or a loved one falls under this category, please contact Dr. West and her team for more information today or take our sleep apnea quiz.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Besides chronic snoring, other common signs include:
- Constant morning or evening headaches
- Daily exhaustion
- Dry throat and/or mouth in the morning
- Significant problems with concentration and memory
How can I find out if I suffer from sleep apnea?
Talk to your general physician. They may recommend going to a sleep lab for a diagnosis or using a monitor at home to gather results. Here in Las Vegas, Dr. West and her staff would be happy to review your symptoms with you and give you more information about receiving a concrete diagnosis. Contact iSleepSolutions today for assistance!
Should I be worried about sleep apnea?
Yes. If left untreated, sleep apnea can directly affect your wellbeing and your overall quality of life. Breathing in less oxygen every night causes your heart to speed up, which can result in high blood pressure and higher risks of strokes and heart disease. Additionally, the inherent exhaustion can lead to consequences in your professional and personal lives, and the risks of being involved in car or workplace accidents increase significantly.
How do I choose the right oral appliance?
No two patients have the exact same needs, and Dr. West offers several excellent oral appliances to ensure that you receive the best fit possible, depending on personal factors like your facial structure and budget.
How can I know which sleep apnea treatment option is right for me?
In most cases, oral appliance therapy is ideal for patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, while CPAP therapy is recommended for more severe instances. Our team can work with your general physician to ensure that your symptoms are being handled effectively with either choice. We may also recommend combined therapy, which relies on both oral appliance and CPAP therapy to create a much more ideal experience overall.
How do I take care of my oral appliance?
It’s fine to treat your oral appliance just like you would a nightguard, sportsguard, or your natural smile. Brush it thoroughly each morning on both the outer and inner sides. If any damage occurs, please inform our team of it right away!
Will my insurance cover my treatment?
In many cases, your medical insurance should help defray the cost of your sleep apnea treatment! Dr. West is happy to accept these plans, including Medicare. If insurance coverage isn’t possible, our Las Vegas office offers financing and personalized payment plans as well. Please visit our new patient page to learn more.