Sleep deeper,
without the mask.

What sleep apnea does

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissue at the back of your throat collapses during sleep, briefly blocking your airway — sometimes hundreds of times a night. The result is poor sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and over time, real strain on your heart and overall health. A spouse or partner who hears loud snoring or pauses in breathing is often the first to notice.

How an oral appliance helps

A custom-fit oral appliance looks a bit like a sports mouthguard. It gently positions your lower jaw forward as you sleep, keeping your airway open. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, it can be remarkably effective — and for many patients, it’s the difference between sleeping well and not.

• Quiet — no machine, no hose, no electricity
• Travel-friendly — fits in a small case
• Comfortable — custom-shaped to your teeth
• A partner to CPAP for some patients, or a standalone treatment for others

The process

You’ll typically start with a sleep study (we can refer you) to confirm a diagnosis. From there, Dr. Sanie takes a digital scan of your teeth, designs your appliance with a sleep medicine lab, and fits it at a follow-up visit. We’ll fine-tune the position over the next few weeks until your sleep — and your partner’s — improves.

If CPAP isn’t working

Plenty of patients in Culpeper have a CPAP sitting unused on a nightstand. If the mask, the noise, or the dryness has driven you to give up, please don’t resign yourself to poor sleep. Talk to us about an oral appliance — there’s a good chance there’s a more comfortable path forward.