Surgical Sleep & Snoring

Overview

It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of adult Americans experience sleep disorder symptoms at least a few nights per week.

Consistent lack of sleep is associated with chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Poor sleep can also lead to day time tiredness, difficulty concentrating and trouble in relationships.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic?

People trust our surgical experts to help them manage their sleep issues related to sleep apnea and other chronic conditions because we have:

• National recognition: Cleveland Clinic is recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. This recognition speaks to the quality of our care and our exceptional patient outcomes.
• Expertise: Our multidisciplinary team includes otolaryngologists board-certified in sleep medicine, oral surgeons and dentists board-certified in dental sleep medicine. Our experts are dedicated to using their experience to help those with sleep disorders get a quality night sleep and improve their quality of life.
• Focus on patient-centered care: We’ll answer all of your questions and address any concerns you might have about your treatment and what you can expect afterward.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea & Snoring

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea, one of the more common sleep disorders, is when breathing frequently stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the throat muscles that keeps air from flowing properly. A primary symptom of OSA is loud snoring and daytime fatigue.

While a lot of people have great success with continuous positive airway pressure — commonly referred to as CPAP machines — to treat their OSA, there are other treatment options available, including oral appliance therapy and upper airway stimulation.

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

Oral appliance therapy: For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy through the use of dental appliances or oral mandibular advancement devices that prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and/or advance the lower jaw forward can be made. These devices help keep the airway open during sleep.

Upper airway stimulation: The hypoglossal nerve stimulator is an FDA-approved implant that delivers upper airway stimulation synchronized to your breathing to relieve obstruction during sleep. This is an alternative treatment option for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea who haven’t had success with CPAP.

You might be a candidate for upper airway stimulation if you:

• Are at least 18 years of age.
• Have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15-65 with <25% central and mixed apnea).
• Are unable or unwilling to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
• Have a BMI less than 32 (most commercial insurance plans), BMI less than 35 (Medicare).

Our Team

Todd Coy, DMD

Center Director

Alan Kominsky, MD

Section Head, Surgical Sleep and Snoring

Betty Haberkamp, DDS

Staff

Mingsi Li, MD

Staff

Vaibhav Ramprasad, MD

Associate Staff

Appointments & Locations

Our multidisciplinary team includes otolaryngologists board-certified in sleep medicine, oral surgeons and dentists board-certified in dental sleep medicine.

For more information, please call 216.444.1948 or 800.223.2273 extension 41948.

Locations