Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to snoring and sleep apnea, people are usually filled with questions, and at Mansfield Snore & Sleep Solutions, we’re proud to say that we have the answers. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions that we receive every day. If you have a question that we haven’t addressed here, just give us a call, and we’ll be happy to give you all the information you need.

If I snore, do I automatically have sleep apnea?

Not necessarily. While snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, it isn’t always a definitive sign. However, those who snore are much more likely to develop sleep apnea later in life. If you currently snore, we advise that you schedule a FREE consultation with us. We can provide you with an oral appliance that will help you stop snoring and offset any apnea symptoms from developing.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a type of disorder where a person temporarily stops breathing for short periods of time while they sleep. This can occur because the soft tissues in the mouth and throat are repeatedly relaxing into and blocking the airway (which is called obstructive sleep apnea) or because the brain has stopped sending the body the signal to breathe (central sleep apnea). Some patients can even have a combination of the two called complex sleep apnea.

What are some signs that I might have sleep apnea?

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:

Loud, chronic snoring
Persistent daytime exhaustion despite sleeping for 7-9 hours
Problems with memory and focus
Issues with weight gain
Mood swings/depression
Morning headaches/sore throat
Waking up gasping for air or feeling out of breath

Can I get an oral appliance even if I haven’t been diagnosed with sleep apnea?

Yes, but only to treat snoring. If you are interested in getting an oral appliance to help with sleep apnea, you will first need to get a diagnosis. This can be accomplished by either talking to your family doctor, or Dr. Hamm can refer you to one of her local sleep specialists. After you have been properly diagnosed, she can get to work making your oral appliance.

Is an oral appliance better than a CPAP machine?

This really depends entirely on the patient, as some respond better to one treatment versus the other. The best person to ask about this is your sleep doctor. If you currently use a CPAP machine but are unsatisfied with your results, Dr. Hamm can provide you with an oral appliance to use for combined therapy. With this approach, a patient can put their CPAP on a lower setting, which can help reduce the noise and discomfort created by the machine.

Will my insurance cover an oral appliance?

Many medical insurance plans can be used to cover oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea. At Mansfield Snore & Sleep Solutions, we welcome insurance, and we always work to maximize our patients’ benefits. To learn more about how we can utilize your particular plan, contact us today.