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What is Sleep Apnea?

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is when the airway collapses (or partially collapses) during sleep, blocking (or limiting) the flow of air to the lungs.


The person tries to continue to breathe, but the harder they try, the tighter the airway closes.


Eventually the brain “wakes up” the person to a lighter level of sleep and the person will reposition their jaw and tongue to open the airway—usually with a gasp or snort.


The sleeper will then usually start the whole process over again. This can happen hundreds of times per night!

Stages of Sleep

Obviously, being suffocated many times per hour will result in a less than restful sleep. Sleep is broken into four main stages:


  • Stage One —Transition Sleep: This should account for roughly 5% of total sleep time.
  • Stage Two—Light Sleep: This should account for about 45% of total sleep time.
  • Stage Three—Deep Sleep: This is when the body heals itself and performs many important reparative functions. Ideally, this should account for 25% of total sleep time. People who have a lack of deep sleep tend to be physically tired.


REM—Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep: This is where most of your memorable dreaming comes from for the night. REM should also account for about 25% of your sleep time. People that have a lack of REM sleep tend to feel mentally tired and have a difficult time concentrating.


It is crucial that we get the necessary amount of deep sleep and REM sleep so that we can live happy, healthy lives. Contact our sleep apnea clinic today! (803) 233-1980.

Sleep Apnea is a serious medical concern. Find out how we can help!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • If I snore, do I have sleep apnea?

    Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways – especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the treatment we offer for sleep apnea and snoring is the same. By prescribing a custom oral appliance, the diameter of the airway can be widened to prevent the sounds of snoring as well as episodes of apnea. These oral appliances are soft and comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.

  • Is it possible that I have sleep apnea even if I don't snore?

    Anyone of any age can have sleep apnea. Even though snoring can accompany sleep apnea, it is not always a symptom of this sleep disorder. For this reason, it is important to have a sleep study conducted to determine if apnea is occurring. Our practice provides take-home sleep study machinery to detect episodes of apnea during sleep. After usage, the device will be returned to our practice and we will analyze the data collected. If we find that sleep apnea is present or determine if snoring is obstructing one’s quality of life, we will provide treatment recommendations.

  • What causes sleep apnea?

    The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different for each person. Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or gender. The most common risk factordifferss include:

    • Being over age 40
    • Having a large neck (over 17 inches in men, 16 inches for women)
    • Being overweight – approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight
    • Being male – more men than women suffer from OSA
    • Having a large tongue or small jaw
    • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children)
    • Using alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles in the airway
    • Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems

  • What is the difference between a CPAP and an oral appliance?

    While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them.  


    An oral appliance is a popular alternative to CPAP. This device is small, portable, fits more comfortably, and can provide similar treatment benefits.

  • How do you confirm the effectiveness of the oral appliance?

    You will have a follow-up sleep study while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. A consultation with the sleep medicine physician will be necessary to interpret the results.

  • Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?

    Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.


    If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  


    Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their sleep apnea because of the improved quality of life they experience.

  • How long will it take to adapt to the oral appliance? Will it hurt my teeth?

    The majority of patients will adapt to the appliance within 5-10 days. It will take a few days to get used to having a device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance will not hurt your teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, we can easily adjust them for your comfort.

  • How often will the appliance need to be replaced?

    They are made of hard acrylic, which is very durable. They are typically replaced every 3-5 years, depending on wear and tear. If you grind your teeth, you may have a more frequent rate of repair or replacement.

  • Will the appliance change my bite?

    A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. With our experience, we've minimized the risk of tooth movement dramatically, and the risk can be minimized further with the use of a morning re-positioning device.

  • Are there any side effects of the appliance?

    The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients but is rare when the treatment plan and instructions are followed.

  • How long will I have to use the oral appliance?

    Obstructive sleep apnea is unlikely to decrease with age; therefore, your oral appliance will probably be a lifelong therapy. However, certain wellness factors, such as significant weight loss, may improve your symptoms.

  • Can’t I just order a boil and bite device off the internet?

    While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA-approved for treating sleep apnea. Additionally, they may cause unwanted side effects such as jaw problems or excessive tooth movement when not fitted properly.

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