Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Daytona Beach
Obstructive sleep apnea, commonly abbreviated as OSA, is a serious condition that can drastically impact your ability to breathe freely and sleep soundly at night. It’s normally caused by a blockage in the airway, which forces your body to rapidly wake up to correct your breathing. At Serene Sleep Solutions, our team offers proven oral appliance therapy — comfortable and effective solutions that can improve your quality of life and bring your sleep apnea under control. If you suspect you might be dealing with OSA, contact our Daytona Beach, FL sleep dental office to get started on treatment.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea involves the soft tissues of the mouth and throat collapsing to the point of creating a blockage in the airway. This makes it difficult to breathe freely, and the brain quickly triggers the body to wake and normalize breathing. These episodes can happen hundreds of times in a single night, often without the patient realizing it. Learn more about what causes sleep apnea more broadly.
Possible Complications of OSA
Many patients first learn about their condition from a sleeping partner who notices loud snoring or pauses in breathing at night — one of the most helpful indicators that something’s wrong. Other recognizable symptoms and conditions that often point to OSA include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Drowsy driving
- Chronic fatigue
- Frequent headaches
- Moodiness
- Obesity/weight gain
- Loss of libido
For a full look at these risks, visit our page on the dangers of sleep apnea.
Types of Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When you visit our office to discuss your sleep apnea, our doctor will review every treatment option available — not just oral appliance therapy. It can be effective to combine solutions to minimize symptoms and improve quality of life, since sometimes it’s about finding the right combination. This can include:
Lifestyle Changes
In many cases, sleep apnea results from lifestyle habits like tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, and weight or diet. Our doctor may recommend certain changes as part of your treatment plan, whether that’s resources to limit tobacco or alcohol use, or a dedicated exercise routine paired with a healthy diet. Simply put, the healthier you are overall, the less likely you are to be severely impacted by sleep apnea.
Request an AppointmentCPAP
One of the most common methods of sleep apnea treatment involves a CPAP machine, or continuous positive airway pressure. It uses a soft nasal mask worn during sleep, connected to a machine that keeps the airway open and unobstructed throughout the night.
Oral Appliance Treatment
A custom-made oral appliance is arguably the most comfortable way of addressing sleep breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Many patients prefer these over CPAP therapy since they’re so easy to use — simply worn to bed, with no cords, hoses, or noise. Fitting much like a sports mouthguard, they work by repositioning the jaw to open the airway and allow unobstructed airflow. See our full page on the advantages of oral appliance treatment for more.
Combined Therapy
For severe OSA, combined therapy — using an oral appliance and a CPAP machine together — is often an effective option. The CPAP machine is typically kept on a lower setting so you can still comfortably wear your oral appliance, allowing both to work in unison.
Surgery
In serious cases where sleep apnea poses a major health threat, surgery may be recommended. We consider this a last resort after all other solutions have been exhausted, and our team is committed to helping you take the right next steps for your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is the difference between mild, moderate, and severe OSA?
OSA severity is typically measured by how many breathing interruptions occur per hour of sleep. Mild cases have fewer, shorter episodes, while severe cases involve frequent, longer interruptions that carry greater health risks.
Can obstructive sleep apnea be cured?
OSA can often be effectively managed through consistent treatment, and in some cases, lifestyle changes like weight loss can significantly reduce or resolve symptoms. However, ongoing management is usually needed for lasting results.
Is oral appliance therapy suitable for severe OSA?
It depends on the individual case. Some patients with severe OSA use oral appliance therapy alone, while others benefit from combined therapy with CPAP. Our doctor will recommend the right approach after evaluating your symptoms.
How long does it take to see improvement with treatment?
Many patients notice improved energy and fewer symptoms within the first few weeks of consistent treatment, though the full benefit can take longer to develop.
Do I need a sleep study to confirm OSA?
Yes, a sleep study is the only definitive way to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more on our page about how sleep apnea is diagnosed.
Can children have obstructive sleep apnea?
Yes, OSA can affect children as well as adults, though causes and treatment approaches can differ. If you have concerns about a child’s sleep or breathing, speak with their pediatrician.
How do I schedule a consultation for OSA treatment?
Call (386) 253-0115 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with our Daytona Beach, FL team.
