Question 1

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep, blocking your airway. This causes repeated pauses in breathing, often dozens of times per night. Left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and daytime fatigue. The good news is that OSA is highly treatable once properly diagnosed.

Question 2

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, waking up tired even after a full night's rest, morning headaches, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Your bed partner may also notice that you stop breathing in your sleep. If any of these sound familiar, a simple home sleep test can give you a clear answer — and at Sleep Well DC, we make the testing process easy and comfortable.

Question 3

Is snoring really a health problem, or just annoying?

Accepted Answer

While occasional snoring can be harmless, loud and frequent snoring is often a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring happens when the airway is partially blocked during sleep, which can mean reduced oxygen levels and disrupted rest. Beyond the impact on your partner, untreated snoring can affect your heart health, mood, and energy. If snoring is a regular part of your nights, it deserves a closer look.

Question 4

Is snoring different in women?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it's often overlooked. Women tend to snore more quietly and may experience symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or morning headaches instead of the classic loud snoring associated with men. Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, also increase the risk of sleep apnea in women. At Sleep Well DC, our women-operated clinic is uniquely positioned to recognize and address these often-missed symptoms.

Question 5

What is an oral appliance and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, that you wear while sleeping. It gently repositions your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open and preventing the soft tissues from collapsing. This stops the breathing pauses that cause sleep apnea and reduces or eliminates snoring. It's comfortable, quiet, easy to travel with, and FDA-cleared for treating sleep apnea.

Question 6

How is an oral appliance different from a CPAP machine?

Accepted Answer

Both treat sleep apnea, but they work very differently. A CPAP machine uses a mask connected to a motor that pushes pressurized air into your airway. An oral appliance is a small custom device worn in your mouth — no mask, no hose, no electricity. Many patients who struggle with CPAP find oral appliances far more comfortable and easier to stick with long-term. Both are effective; the right choice depends on your specific case, which Dr. Gupta will help you decide.

Question 7

Who is a good candidate for an oral appliance?

Accepted Answer

Oral appliance therapy is ideal for adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, those who have tried CPAP but couldn't tolerate it, and people whose snoring affects their quality of life or their partner's. It's also a great option if you travel often or want a portable, low-maintenance solution. During your consultation, Dr. Gupta will assess whether oral appliance therapy is the right fit for your needs.

Question 8

How long does it take to get used to wearing an oral appliance?

Accepted Answer

Most patients adjust within two to four weeks. The first few nights may feel a little unusual as your jaw and mouth get used to the device, but discomfort is typically mild. Dr. Gupta provides careful follow-up appointments to fine-tune the fit and ensure you're sleeping comfortably. Many of our patients say within a month they can't imagine sleeping without it.

Question 9

Are there any side effects of using an oral appliance?

Accepted Answer

Side effects are usually minor and temporary. Some patients experience mild jaw soreness, increased saliva, dry mouth, or slight tooth movement in the early weeks. With proper fitting, regular adjustments, and professional follow-up, these issues are easily managed. That's why working with a trained dental sleep specialist like Dr. Gupta matters — proper fit makes all the difference.

Question 10

What is a home sleep test and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A home sleep test is a simple, non-intrusive way to diagnose sleep apnea from the comfort of your own bed. You wear a small, lightweight device overnight that records data like your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate. The next day, you return the device to us, and the results are reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician. It's accurate, convenient, and far more comfortable than spending a night in a sleep lab.

Question 11

Is a home sleep test as accurate as a lab test?

Accepted Answer

For most cases of suspected obstructive sleep apnea, home sleep tests are considered highly accurate and are widely accepted by physicians and insurance companies. They capture the same critical data needed to diagnose OSA without the cost and inconvenience of a sleep lab. In some complex cases, an in-lab study may still be recommended — but for the vast majority of patients, home testing is the perfect first step.

Question 12

How do I get a home sleep test through Sleep Well DC?

Accepted Answer

It's simple. Just contact our office to schedule a brief consultation with Dr. Gupta. We'll review your symptoms, determine if a home sleep test is right for you, and provide the device along with easy-to-follow instructions. After your at-home study, we'll review the results with you and discuss the best treatment options if needed. The entire process is straightforward and stress-free.

Question 13

Does insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, including Medicare in most cases. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking with your provider beforehand. Our team will help verify your benefits, explain what's covered, and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs upfront — no surprises.

Question 14

What does the treatment process look like from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

Your journey begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Gupta to review your symptoms and concerns. If indicated, we'll arrange a home sleep test and review the results together. If oral appliance therapy is recommended, we'll take precise impressions of your teeth and fit you with a custom device. From there, we provide ongoing follow-up appointments to ensure the appliance works perfectly and your sleep is fully restored.

Question 15

How do I clean and care for my oral appliance?

Accepted Answer

Daily care is simple. Rinse your appliance with cool water each morning and clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals, as these can warp or damage the device. Store it in its case when not in use, and bring it to your regular check-ups so Dr. Gupta can inspect it. With proper care, your oral appliance can last several years.

Dr. Sareeta R. Gupta, D.D.S., D.ASBA

FAQs — Sleep Well DC

Your trusted guide to sleep apnea, snoring, and oral appliance therapy.

Frequently asked questions