"HOW IS SLEEP APNEA TREATED?
Sleep apnea can be easily and effectively treated. Dr. Summers works with the sleep providers at The Corvallis Clinic who will review your sleep and medical history. Some people may need an in-lab sleep study at the Samaritan Sleep Center to determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. For others, a portable home sleep testis also available.
Mild cases of sleep apnea may be treated with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, a change in sleeping position, or abstaining from tobacco, alcohol or other medications.
There are three treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea. The first is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It is extremely effective in keeping the airway open and restoring normal, uninterrupted sleep. A mask is fit and worn over a person"s mouth or nose (or both) during the night. CPAP therapy has come a long way in the past decade to improve comfort.
However, some people have trouble tolerating CPAP therapy or prefer an alternate treatment. Another option for the treatment of sleep apnea is a custom fit oral appliance. The oral appliance is only worn during sleep and helps to maintain an open, unobstructed airway by keeping the jaw from falling back. Oral appliance therapy should be provided by a qualified dentist like Dr. Summers who has technical skills and knowledge in dental sleep medicine. Due to their effectiveness, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in 2015 approved oral appliance therapy for all levels of severity of obstructive sleep apnea. For more information about dental sleep medicine, visit the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Lastly, in some cases, surgery may be an appropriate option. This is typically performed by an ear, nose, and throat doctor."
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