Airway Therapy
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels. Snoring is one of its most common symptoms. Treatment options are available for both, right here in Pleasant Hill.
What are sleep apnea and snoring?
Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing for brief periods during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring, choking, or gasping sounds. Left untreated, it can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Snoring is a vibration of throat tissues during sleep, often a sign of sleep apnea, though it can also stem from allergies, congestion, or other factors.
Treatment options
From simple changes to custom appliances, matched to your situation.
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Custom oral appliances
A custom appliance holds the jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open to prevent snoring and breathing interruptions. Comfortable, portable, and non-invasive. We work with several appliance makers and choose the one that fits your anatomy and your case.
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Lifestyle changes
Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and adjusting sleep position can reduce symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.
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CPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines deliver a steady stream of air through a mask worn during sleep, keeping the airway open.
Benefits of treatment
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Improved sleep
Better sleep quality, and better overall health with it.
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Reduced health risks
Lowers the risk of serious issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
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Better quality of life
More rest, more energy, better days.
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Customized treatment
Oral appliances are tailored to your anatomy and preferences.
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Non-invasive
No surgery required.
Does your sleep sound like this?
These are the signals we look for when we assess an airway. Check anything that sounds like you. It stays on your device, and nothing is sent anywhere.
The real screening is already in your paperwork.
When you schedule as a new patient, your intake forms include the two validated sleep screeners clinicians use: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG. You fill them out online before you arrive, we score them, and we go through the results with you at your visit. Nothing to print, nothing to remember to bring.
Curious what they ask? You can read them on their official sites: Epworth Sleepiness Scale · STOP-BANG
This self-check is educational and is not a diagnosis or a validated screening test. Only a sleep study, ordered and read by a physician, can diagnose sleep apnea. If any of this sounds familiar, talk with us and with your doctor.
Sleep better, live better
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring, talk to Dr. Bautista and Dr. Uddaraju to see whether airway therapy is right for you.