Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted while asleep. People with undiagnosed sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly while sleeping, sometimes hundreds of times. This is a dangerous condition because it means that the body and the brain may not get enough oxygen. If you have any of the signs of sleep apnea, don't wait to get treatment! Dr. Alvarado is happy to use MYTAP and TAP 3 oral appliances to help his patients.

There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the more common of the two forms of sleep apnea. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. CSA occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. This may be due to instability in the respiratory control center.

The following conditions can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, contact our practice.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by this disease may lead to problems at school or work as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medications or surgery.

Sleep apnea treatments vary depending on the severity of each patient’s case and the type of apnea involved. Basic treatments may simply be behavioral and include losing weight, smoking cessation, or sleeping on the side rather than the back. If these treatments fail to work, however, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that it prevents throat blockage. In severe cases, surgery is often the best option for sleep apnea treatment.