Exploring Sleep Apnea Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Guide

Sleep Apnea Explained

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. These pauses in breathing can last for seconds or even minutes, leading to fragmented, poor-quality sleep.

There are three main types:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common, caused by a physical blockage in the airway
• Central sleep apnea: Where the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome: A mix of both types

Most of our patients have OSA, which is where we focus most of our treatment strategies.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can show up in some not-so-obvious ways. While loud snoring is a telltale sign, other symptoms might include:

• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Trouble concentrating or memory lapses
• Mood changes or irritability
• Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
• Frequent waking or gasping for air at night

Sound familiar? If you live in Bonney Lake or Tacoma and these symptoms are hitting close to home, it’s time to consider getting evaluated.

Why It’s Important to Treat Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea does more than disrupt your rest—it puts strain on your heart, your brain, and your long-term health.

Serious complications can include:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression or anxiety

Plus, when your sleep is off, everything feels harder—whether you’re trying to power through a workday in downtown Tacoma or hike the trails near Lake Tapps. That’s why treatment matters.

CPAP Therapy: The Standard Approach

The most well-known treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). A CPAP machine delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.

While it’s effective, many people find it uncomfortable, noisy, or hard to stick with. Some common complaints include:

• Difficulty sleeping with a mask
• Dry mouth or nasal passages
• Trouble with the tubing or noise

If CPAP works for you—great! But if it doesn’t, you’re not out of options.

Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable Alternative

For patients who can’t tolerate CPAP, a custom oral appliance offers a quieter, less invasive solution.

These appliances are:

• Small and portable (like a sports mouthguard)
• Custom-fitted to gently shift your lower jaw forward
• Designed to keep your airway open during sleep

Dr. Yamashiro personally fits each appliance using digital scans—no goopy impressions—and makes sure it’s comfortable and effective.

This option is especially popular with our Bonney Lake commuters and Tacoma professionals who travel often or simply prefer a CPAP-free approach.

Vivos Treatment: A Breakthrough in Sleep Apnea Care

The Vivos System is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment designed to address the root cause of sleep-disordered breathing: underdeveloped jaws and airway structures.

Unlike nightguards or CPAP, Vivos is a long-term, biomimetic solution. It uses a custom oral appliance that stimulates natural growth and reshaping of the airway over time.

Key benefits include:

• Non-invasive and pain-free
• Can reduce or eliminate the need for lifelong CPAP use
• Addresses the structural causes, not just the symptoms

At Ecologic Dentistry, Dr. Yamashiro offers Vivos treatment for adults and growing children. It’s a great option for families in the Tacoma-Bonney Lake area looking for real, lasting change.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Sleep Apnea Treatment

Alongside your main treatment, simple shifts in daily habits can have a powerful impact:

• Weight management: Extra weight can increase airway pressure
• Sleep position: Sleeping on your side helps keep your airway open
• Limit alcohol and sedatives: These can relax throat muscles too much
• Practice nasal breathing: Mouth breathing often worsens airway collapse

Dr. Yamashiro often integrates breathing coaching and myofunctional therapy into your care for a well-rounded, holistic plan.

Surgical Options (When Necessary)

In severe cases where other treatments haven’t worked, surgical options may be considered. These can include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
• Inspire implant therapy
• Nasal or jaw surgeries to open the airway

We’ll always explore conservative options first. If surgery is on the table, we’ll refer you to a trusted local provider and walk you through what to expect.

What to Expect at Your Sleep Apnea Consultation

At your first visit, we’ll:

• Review your symptoms and sleep history
• Perform a physical exam, including airway and bite assessment
• Take digital scans or imaging (if needed)
• Discuss treatment options based on your needs and preferences

If a sleep study is needed, we can help you arrange one through your physician or a local sleep center.

Let’s Get You Sleeping Better—For Real

Sleep apnea is serious, but it’s also treatable. Whether you’re new to this conversation or ready to ditch your CPAP, we’re here to help.

Call Ecologic Dentistry today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Yamashiro. Let’s explore your treatment options and build a plan that helps you sleep—and feel—better every day.

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