Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fort Myers

Sleep apnea is a serious physical condition whereby a person experiences long pauses in breathing during sleep. This often happens without awareness and can occur many times per night, depriving someone of both restful sleep and needed oxygen. The person may wake up feeling tired, or they may feel sleepy throughout the day. A lack of oxygen leads to other health complications such as high blood pressure, problems with memory and headaches.

Traditionally, sleep apnea has been treated by the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a machine that streams air into the nose or nose and mouth via a mask. However, you may find treatment with the CPAP uncomfortable and end up not using it.

Advanced Treatment Options

Dr. Reyes-Viruet offers comfortable, effective treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea using either laser therapy or a specially designed oral appliance. After a consultation, patients are given a home sleep study device. Dr. Reyes-Viruet sends the information to a physician for diagnosis and then plans the appropriate treatment.

Dr. Reyes-Viruet uses a laser that treats the throat by stimulating collagen production, which tightens the throat tissue and thereby opens up the airway. This laser procedure can also be used to treat patients for snoring. If the patient is not a candidate for laser therapy, a custom oral appliance is created. The appliance is worn at night and works by sliding the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliance therapy as a proven and reliable alternative to the CPAP for mild to moderate sleep apnea.