Sleep Apnea in Downtown Denver, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you fix sleep apnea?

  Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that can be managed effectively with the right treatment. At Icon Dental, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to your specific needs and condition severity. The most common treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into your nose, keeping your airways open.

  For some patients, oral appliances designed to keep the throat open, such as mandibular advancement devices, can be an effective solution. These devices are custom-made and work by gently pulling the lower jaw forward to open up the airway. 

  In more severe cases, or if other treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery will depend on the cause of your sleep apnea and could range from removing tonsils to restructuring the jaw. 

  It’s important to remember that treatment for sleep apnea is not one-size-fits-all, and what works best will depend on the specifics of your condition and lifestyle.

• What is the main cause of sleep apnea?

  Sleep apnea is often caused by the muscles in the back of your throat relaxing too much. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate, the tonsils, the side walls of the throat, and the tongue. When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood.

  Other factors can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, including being overweight, having a naturally narrow throat, being older, having a family history of sleep apnea, using alcohol or sedatives, smoking, and having certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or chronic nasal congestion.

• What happens if you don't treat sleep apnea?

  If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-shortening consequences. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. It can also lead to poor performance in everyday activities, such as at work and school, motor vehicle crashes, and decreased quality of life. 

  Sleep apnea can also cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

• What is the best position to sleep in with sleep apnea?

  Sleeping on the side, specifically in the lateral position, is generally considered the best option for individuals with sleep apnea. This position helps prevent the tongue and soft tissues in the throat from blocking the airway, which is more likely when lying on the back. Side sleeping can be especially effective when combined with the use of supportive pillows designed to maintain this position throughout the night. While adjusting sleep positions can aid in managing sleep apnea symptoms, it is often most beneficial when part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes, as advised by a healthcare professional.