Frequently Asked Questions

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep—this is the most common type we treat. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to send proper signals to breathing muscles. Mixed sleep apnea combines both types. Most patients at Sleep Healthy PA have obstructive sleep apnea, which responds well to oral appliance therapy and other airway-focused treatments.

Yes, children can develop sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, tongue ties, or narrow airways. Signs include snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting, behavioral problems resembling ADHD, and poor academic performance. Dr. Cohen specializes in pediatric airway evaluation and offers treatments like tongue tie release and airway development guidance to prevent long-term health issues.

Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases risks for serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and cognitive decline. It also increases the risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue. The repeated oxygen drops and sleep fragmentation stress your cardiovascular system and metabolism. Early treatment prevents these complications and improves quality of life.

CPAP intolerance is common, affecting 30-50% of patients. Common issues include mask discomfort, claustrophobia, air pressure sensitivity, noise disruption, dry mouth, skin irritation, and travel inconvenience. Dr. Cohen specializes in helping patients who are intolerant to CPAP find comfortable and effective alternatives through custom oral appliances and other treatments tailored to their individual needs.

Yes, combination therapy using both CPAP and oral appliances is increasingly common. The oral appliance can reduce required CPAP pressure, improve mask seal, and enhance overall treatment effectiveness. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with severe sleep apnea or those who use CPAP part-time. Dr. Cohen coordinates combination therapy for optimal results.

Clinical studies have shown that oral appliances are highly effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea, with success rates of 70-90% when properly fitted and adjusted. While CPAP may be slightly more effective for severe cases, oral appliances often have better long-term compliance due to comfort and convenience. Sleep Healthy PA achieves success rates significantly higher than national averages through custom fabrication and precise fitting.

Yes, Medicare and most private insurance plans cover FDA-approved oral appliances when medically necessary for sleep apnea treatment. Sleep Healthy PA accepts Medicare for durable medical equipment and works with medical billing specialists to maximize your insurance benefits. We provide complimentary insurance verification and file claims on your behalf.

Custom-fitted appliances from Sleep Healthy PA are designed to minimize bite changes through precise calibration and regular monitoring. Dr. Cohen uses advanced techniques and high-quality materials to prevent permanent dental shifts. Some temporary morning jaw stiffness is normal initially but typically resolves quickly. Regular follow-up visits ensure optimal fit and function.

High-quality custom oral appliances typically last 3-5 years or longer with proper care and maintenance. Sleep Healthy PA utilizes durable materials from trusted manufacturers, including Pantera, SomnoMed, and EMA, to ensure longevity. We provide detailed care instructions and schedule regular check-ups to monitor wear and effectiveness.

Custom appliances are precisely fabricated for your individual anatomy using professional impressions and sleep study data, ensuring optimal fit, comfort, and effectiveness. Over-the-counter devices are mass-produced and may cause TMJ problems, bite changes, or ineffective treatment. Dr. Cohen exclusively uses custom-made appliances to avoid these risks and ensure superior outcomes.

No, NightLase treatment is comfortable and pain-free. Most patients describe feeling only mild warmth during the procedure. No anesthesia is required, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterward. The non-invasive nature of laser therapy makes it an attractive option for patients seeking snoring relief without surgery.

NightLase results typically last 12-18 months, with many patients experiencing sustained improvement in snoring reduction. Some patients choose annual maintenance sessions to optimize long-term results. Individual results vary based on lifestyle factors, weight changes, and overall health status.

LightScalpel CO₂ laser technology enables precise soft tissue procedures, including tongue tie releases, frenectomies, airway tissue optimization, and the removal of oral lesions. The advanced laser seals blood vessels while cutting, resulting in minimal bleeding, faster healing, and superior comfort compared to traditional surgical methods.

Tongue ties can be treated at any age, from infancy through adulthood. Earlier treatment generally provides better outcomes, especially for developing children. Dr. Cohen has extensive experience treating tongue ties in patients of all ages, utilizing advanced laser technology for gentle and precise releases with minimal discomfort.

Many children benefit from myofunctional therapy or speech therapy after tongue tie release to retrain muscle patterns and optimize function. Dr. Cohen coordinates with qualified therapists throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County to ensure comprehensive care and optimal long-term results.

Yes, untreated tongue ties in adults can contribute to sleep disorders by limiting tongue mobility and airway support. Adult symptoms include jaw tension, neck pain, poor sleep quality, speech fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Tongue tie release in adults can improve sleep quality, reduce tension, and enhance overall breathing efficiency.

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and airway evaluation, including 3D imaging when appropriate. Dr. Cohen reviews your sleep study results, discusses treatment options, and creates a personalized plan. Treatment implementation includes precise fitting, follow-up adjustments, and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal results.

Yes, a confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnea through sleep testing is required before starting appliance therapy. Dr. Cohen accepts existing sleep studies or can coordinate convenient at-home testing through trusted partner sleep centers, including Jefferson-Abington, Temple, and Penn sleep centers.

Follow-up schedules depend on your treatment type. Oral appliance patients typically require adjustments at 2-4 weeks, followed by adjustments at 3-6 months initially. Long-term maintenance visits occur annually or as needed. Dr. Cohen provides detailed follow-up protocols to ensure sustained treatment success and optimal health outcomes.

Metabolic health screening evaluates how efficiently your body processes energy, manages blood sugar, and controls inflammation. Testing includes glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers, and other indicators that affect sleep quality and treatment success. Results guide personalized optimization protocols.

Yes, metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and weight gain, can exacerbate the severity of sleep apnea. Poor metabolic health also reduces the effectiveness of treatment and the healing capacity. Dr. Cohen’s integrated approach addresses both anatomical and metabolic factors for optimal outcomes.

Sleep Healthy PA uniquely combines board-certified sleep medicine expertise with metabolic health optimization, advanced laser technology, custom appliance therapy, and comprehensive airway evaluation. This integrated approach addresses root causes rather than just managing symptoms, resulting in superior treatment outcomes and long-term health improvements.