Sleep Apnea Treatment in Annapolis, MD

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a relatively common sleep disorder that is defined by brief pauses in breathing while sleeping. Sometimes, the pauses can be minutes long, until you choke or cough and continue breathing normally. This can be very restrictive and make getting a good night’s rest very difficult. As you can imagine, it’s hard to get a diagnosis on sleep apnea because it happens when you’re asleep, so you may go months or even years without realizing that you have sleep apnea.

The sleep specialists at Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists provide diagnostic testing and conduct sleep studies for the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Since there are different types of sleep apnea, an accurate diagnosis is needed before a treatment plan can be formulated. Our board-certified sleep specialists will take the time to fully evaluate your sleep apnea symptoms in order to determine the treatment option that is best for you. To schedule a consultation at our sleep center in Annapolis, MD, please call (410) 266-1644 today!

What Are the Types of Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The most common form of Sleep Apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which causes an airway to be blocked or pinched during sleep, causing breathing to be labored. This can cause snoring, because something is physically blocking the air from passing through the airways. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is common in overweight people, because there are additional pressures on the respiratory systems throughout the body.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea is much more uncommon. This is the type of sleep apnea that occurs because of a neurological dysfunction that causes the brain to not send the proper signals to trigger proper breathing while asleep. It can be caused by a natural neurological dysfunction, or it can even be caused by medication, or as a secondary symptom of a different condition. If your sleeping stops while asleep, but there is no snoring or obstruction, it’s possibly Central Sleep Apnea.

Mixed Sleep Apnea / Complex Sleep Apnea

Sometimes, a patient will have both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. In these cases, separate treatments may be needed to treat the obstructive side of their sleep apnea versus their central sleep apnea.

Side Effects of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can cause very serious cardiovascular damage and disease. It also interrupts the natural balance of the sleep cycle, and makes it very difficult for your brain to actually regenerate you. This leaves you groggy, impaired, and prone to exhaustion-related accidents (car, machinery, etc.)

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Sleep apnea, it is very important for you to go to a sleep specialist and find a solution that works for you. If you do not treat your sleep apnea, you can cause irreversible damage to your body and require even more dire treatment.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Once your sleep study is complete and your specific type of sleep apnea is identified, our specialists will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your condition, your symptoms, and your overall health. Below are some of the most common approaches we offer.

Lifestyle Modifications

In mild cases of sleep apnea, adjustments such as weight loss, positional therapy, reducing alcohol use, or avoiding sedatives before bedtime can significantly improve breathing during sleep.

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) remains one of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP uses a small bedside machine that pushes air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep. While effective, some patients find CPAP difficult to tolerate long term.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance may be recommended. This custom-fitted device is worn in the mouth during sleep and works by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.

Surgery

In select cases—particularly when anatomical blockage is a factor—surgical options may be considered. Procedures may include removing excess tissue in the throat, correcting nasal obstructions, or addressing structural concerns that affect airflow.

Inspire® Therapy: A Mask-Free Alternative to CPAP

For patients who struggle with CPAP or want a more comfortable, convenient treatment option, Inspire® offers an innovative approach to managing obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire is the only FDA-approved therapy that works from inside the body to keep the airway open during sleep. A small device is placed under the skin during a short, outpatient procedure, and each night, you simply turn it on with a handheld remote. While you sleep, Inspire provides gentle stimulation to key airway muscles, helping you breathe normally without a mask, hose, or machine.

Inspire has been shown to be safe, effective, and life-changing for many adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. If you meet certain criteria—including being over 18, not significantly obese, and unable to benefit consistently from CPAP—you may be a good candidate. Our sleep specialists can help determine whether Inspire is the right option for you.

Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Treatment in Annapolis, MD

For more information about sleep apnea and how it may specifically affect you in your daily life, contact our sleep specialists for a one-on-one consultation to review the severity of your sleep apnea and the treatment options available. Please call Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists at (410) 266-1644 to schedule your consultation at our sleep center in Annapolis, MD.