Sleep Apnea Treatment in Riverside, CA

Sleep Better, Live Better with Personalized Care

At Gerald Middleton DDS, we know how much obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can impact your well-being. From snoring and fatigue to disrupted sleep, the effects can ripple through every part of your life. Sleep apnea is more than a nuisance—it’s a serious health concern that increases your risk of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. With personalized treatment plans, we’re here to help you regain restful sleep and improve your quality of life.

Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Riverside, CA

Situated in Riverside, CA, our practice is dedicated to providing expert care for individuals and families in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond. By combining advanced technology with a patient-first approach, we’ll work with you to identify the best solution for your sleep apnea symptoms.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This blockage leads to repeated pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more, often accompanied by choking or gasping. These episodes can occur dozens—or even hundreds—of times a night, disrupting your sleep and depriving your body of vital oxygen.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes or irritability
• Waking up gasping or choking

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation to determine if you’re suffering from sleep apnea.

Why Treat Sleep Apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your sleep—it can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Heart Disease and Stroke: The strain caused by repeated oxygen deprivation can increase your risk of cardiovascular issues.
• High Blood Pressure: Interrupted breathing raises your blood pressure, putting extra stress on your heart.
• Diabetes: Sleep apnea has been linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic issues.
• Mental Health Issues: Chronic fatigue and poor-quality sleep can contribute to depression, anxiety, and memory problems.

Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can dramatically improve your health, energy levels, and quality of life.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

At Gerald Middleton DDS, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your individual needs and the severity of your condition.

1. Oral Appliance Therapy

For many patients, a custom oral appliance is an effective alternative to CPAP machines. This retainer-like device repositions your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep. Advantages of oral appliances include:

• Comfortable, lightweight design
• Easy to travel with—no cords or electricity needed
• Quiet and unobtrusive, allowing for a better sleep experience
• Custom-fit for maximum effectiveness and comfort

2. CPAP Therapy

For patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine delivers a steady stream of air to keep the airway open. While effective, some patients find CPAP machines difficult to use. If you’re struggling with CPAP therapy, we can help explore alternatives.

3. Positional Therapy

Changing your sleep position can make a significant difference for some individuals. We recommend side-sleeping to prevent airway collapse that often occurs when sleeping on your back.

4. Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle modifications can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms, including:

• Losing weight
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

5. Surgery (For Severe Cases)

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue or correct structural issues causing the airway obstruction. Surgery is typically considered only when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Our Process for Sleep Apnea Treatment

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation

We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and sleep habits. If necessary, we’ll recommend a home sleep test to monitor your breathing and sleep patterns.

Step 2: Diagnosis

Your sleep study results will be reviewed by a sleep specialist to confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea.

Step 3: Customized Treatment Plan

Based on your diagnosis, we’ll recommend the best treatment option for your needs, whether it’s oral appliance therapy, CPAP, or another solution.

Step 4: Follow-Up Care

We’ll work with you to ensure your treatment is effective, adjusting your appliance or plan as needed to provide optimal results.