Sleep apnea is responsible for negatively impacting the quality of sleep and the health of millions of Americans. Those who suffer from sleep apnea find themselves suffering from a host of health problems that stem from decreased nightly oxygen intake. Symptoms may be as benign as snoring, or far more serious. Sleep apnea may even increase the risk of suffering a nocturnal stroke or heart attack. If you’re one of the countless people suffering from sleep apnea and longing for relief, you may be wondering “Is there a cure for sleep apnea?”
Unfortunately, even with advanced and invasive surgery, sleep apnea is a condition that doesn’t have a permanent cure. Those who are diagnosed with sleep apnea come to realize that it is a lifelong condition that requires long-term care to effectively manage. However, despite the lack of a permanent cure, there are still many non-surgical means of treating your sleep apnea so that you can enjoy a full night’s sleep again.
At Hudson Valley Sleep Solutions, we strive to provide our patients with viable, non-surgical solutions to their obstructive sleep apnea!
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in devising a customized treatment plan for you and your sleep apnea. Did you know that there are different types of sleep apnea, with different causes and treatments? Inaccurate diagnoses can lead to improper treatment and an increase in your symptoms. Our qualified team is prepared to administer all the proper tests to properly diagnose your specific form of sleep apnea. In just a few visits to our state-of-the-art facility, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision in terms of how to best treat your sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea testing
The testing process is simple and can be completed in a matter of days. You’ll begin by filling out a questionnaire that will help us begin to diagnose your condition. Based on the answers you provide, we can identify certain risk factors you may be facing and possible complications you may encounter during treatment.
We will then provide you with a take-home test. Your sleep breathing patterns may be measured using advanced acoustic reflection technology known as pharyngometry, which determines the air volume of your airways.
You may also be asked to complete a sleep study with the take-home Apnea Risk Evaluation System or ARES™. This system is specially designed for comfort and the ability to be worn in all sleep positions. The device can store three nights of data that measure your blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, airflow, snoring levels, and head position and movement. A certified physician will examine these readings to properly diagnose your sleep condition.
Treatment options
If you’re concerned about being shackled to a clunky, noisy CPAP machine, rest assured that we can offer you a variety of treatment options to suit your specific needs. Once we know the cause of your condition, we will explore the options available for you. If you are suffering from only mild to moderate sleep apnea, we can custom design an oral device that will help you manage your sleep apnea comfortably and successfully. These retainer-like devices are worn at night to prevent airway obstructions. Depending on the cause of the issue, they can keep the tongue or any potential physical obstructions in place, as well as shift the jaw forward to open the airway further. Dr. Patch and Dr. Wong can perform maintenance on these devices to ensure they perform properly and remain a good fit. Whether it’s a lightweight oral device to reposition your your jaw while you sleep or simply lifestyle and diet changes, we can provide the right choice for you.
Oral devices are small and simple to use. They are easy to travel with, quiet, and for many people more comfortable than a CPAP machine. Our team is dedicated to finding the solution that will work with your lifestyle!
We highly recommend that all sleep apnea patients continue to undergo yearly monitoring to protect their long-term health.
Don’t let your sleep apnea become more than just the snore, schedule your initial consultation with Hudson Valley Sleep Solutions today!
