Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Mt. Airy and Kernersville, NC
Loud snoring, gasping, and daytime fatigue can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea. Our sleep medicine team offers testing and a full range of treatment options, from CPAP to Inspire, to help you finally get restful sleep.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close and briefly interrupting breathing. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, often without the person realizing it.
Common Symptoms
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Risk factors include excess weight, a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, age, and family history. Alcohol, sedatives, and sleeping on your back can also make symptoms worse.
How We Diagnose OSA
We offer both Home Sleep Tests and in-lab polysomnography to diagnose OSA, measuring airflow, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns throughout the night. Learn more about our full range of sleep studies.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the severity of your OSA and may include CPAP therapy, an oral mandibular device for mild to moderate cases, or Inspire, an FDA-approved implanted device that treats the root cause of sleep apnea for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP. Explore all of our sleep treatment options in detail.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea FAQs
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. A sleep study can confirm a diagnosis.
What’s the difference between a home sleep test and an in-lab study?
A home sleep test is done in your own bed, while an in-lab polysomnogram offers more comprehensive monitoring in a sleep lab setting. Your provider will recommend the right option for you.
Is CPAP the only treatment for sleep apnea?
No, alternatives include an oral mandibular device for mild to moderate cases, or Inspire, an implanted device for patients who struggle with CPAP.
What is Inspire and how does it work?
Inspire is a small, FDA-approved device placed during an outpatient procedure that stimulates airway muscles during sleep, keeping your airway open without a mask or hose.
Can untreated sleep apnea affect my overall health?
Yes, untreated OSA has been linked to high blood pressure, heart problems, and daytime fatigue that can affect safety and quality of life.
Will I need a sleep study every year?
Not necessarily. Follow-up testing depends on your treatment and symptoms, and your provider will let you know if repeat testing is needed.
Can children have obstructive sleep apnea?
Yes, children can develop OSA as well, and we offer pediatric sleep studies to evaluate symptoms in younger patients.
Finally Get Restful Sleep
Take the first step toward better sleep with a diagnostic evaluation.