Sleep Apnea Screenings & Treatment
Sleep apnea is more common than you may think. Estimates suggest that 30 million American adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea and 80% of those people remain undiagnosed.
Whether sleep apnea is affecting you, your partner, or a loved one, New Horizon Sleep Solutions is here to help. Located in Rhinelander, WI, we offer complimentary sleep evaluations, at-home sleep testing, and custom oral appliance therapy for patients across Northern Wisconsin.
Not sure if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? Are you struggling with incessant tiredness? Would you like to learn more about sleep apnea? Dr. James Bloch provides courtesy sleep evaluations to assess your risk for obstructive sleep apnea and explain how sleep quality affects your overall health. Don’t let poor quality sleep from sleep-disordered breathing disrupt your life. Let us help you reclaim your ability to sleep ‒ once and for all.
Whether or not you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, we encourage you to call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is a state-of-the-art alternative to CPAP therapy and a highly efficient, long-lasting approach to treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Like a sports mouthguard, an oral appliance is customized to fit in a patient’s mouth and works by supporting the lower jaw to prevent the airway from collapsing. Patients love Oral Appliance Therapy because it is comfortable, quiet, and easy to use. No masks or machines here – just a simple dental mouthpiece that allows you to sleep and breathe easily.
What types of oral appliances are available?
There are many different types of oral appliances available today. Unlike other providers who use a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Bloch will work with you to recommend the appliance style which is best suited for your unique oral anatomy. For patients who choose to use Medicare insurance, we are also required to select an appliance type from Medicare’s pre-approved list
How does an oral appliance help treat sleep apnea?
Customized oral appliances help to shift the jaw forward while a person sleeps, preventing their tongue and soft palate from closing the airway passage. They’re comfortable, easy to wear, and portable, meaning you can bring it anywhere you travel!
How are custom oral appliances created?
New Horizon Sleep Solutions uses digital impression scans to create accurate, 3D digital models of teeth. This allows Dr. Bloch to create a customized, FDA-approved oral appliance that fits perfectly in your mouth.
New Horizon Sleep Solutions utilizes advanced Eccovision Pharyngometer and Rhinometry to accurately measure a patient’s airway and determine the optimal airway support. Call us at 715-369-7537 to schedule your consultation today.
After your device is adjusted, we recommend that all patients undergo a follow-up sleep study to verify that your sleep apnea is well managed.
How long do custom oral appliances last?
Oral appliances typically last between two to five years. It’s important to have regular checkups and tuneups of your oral appliances so we can make any necessary adjustments. If you’re looking for an alternative to CPAP, New Horizon Sleep Solutions is northern Wisconsin’s premier provider of Oral Appliance Therapy.
Have questions? Would you like to schedule a consultation for sleep testing? Contact us at 715-369-7537 today!
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when the throat muscles relax, narrowing the upper airway and causing subsequent disruptions in breathing.
What are the signs & symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
Snoring or choking and gasping for air during sleep are the telltale signs of obstructive sleep apnea. Here are some of the other signs of OSA:
- Insomnia
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Frequent headaches
- Irritability
- Weight gain
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, get in touch with us
Why is sleep testing important?
It’s essential to undergo sleep testing if you struggle with poor sleep even if you do not snore. Poor sleep puts you at risk of having accidents, suffering from mental illness, and can take a toll on your physical health and make you more susceptible to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Even if you don’t test positive for sleep apnea, there are still ways you can improve your sleep and quality of life.
What are the complications of obstructive sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is serious! Undiagnosed or untreated OSA can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, stroke, and other serious medical conditions. It also takes a significant toll on your brain, increasing your risk for Alzheimer’s, dementia, anxiety, depression, and migraines. Because untreated OSA causes daytime fatigue, car accidents as a result of drowsy driving are also more likely.
How can lifestyle changes treat sleep apnea?
In unison with other forms of sleep apnea treatment, lifestyle changes can go a long way for your quality of sleep. Dr. Bloch will consult one-on-one with you to develop a treatment plan that integrates lifestyle changes for your unique needs and goals.
Lifestyle changes may consist of losing excess weight, exercising more regularly, eating a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and sleeping pills, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule
What is upper airway surgery?
Upper airway surgery removes excess tissue from the sides of the throat and behind the tongue. Removing this tissue helps to open up the airway passage and better manage obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Bloch may recommend upper airway surgery if you are not a candidate for oral appliance therapy or CPAP therapy.
If you’d like to learn more about oral appliance therapy, contact us today to schedule a consultation!
New Horizon Sleep Solutions
664 Acacia Ln
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Business Hours:
Monday ‒ Thursday 8 AM ‒ 5 PM
Friday 8 AM ‒ 12 PM
Saturday ‒ Sunday Closed
