Free Guide to Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Maryland

Understanding Sleep Apnea: What It Is and How It Affects Your Health

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to more than a minute, and they happen many times throughout the night. When your breathing stops, your brain typically wakes you up just enough to restart breathing, though you may not remember these awakenings. This disruption prevents you from reaching deep, restorative sleep stages.

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There are three main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form, accounting for about 84% of sleep apnea diagnoses. It occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep and block your airway. Central sleep apnea happens when your brain doesn't send the right signals to your breathing muscles. Mixed sleep apnea involves features of both types.

The consequences of untreated sleep apnea are serious. According to the National Institutes of Health, people with sleep apnea have higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of sudden cardiac death by about 2 to 3 times compared to people without the condition. Beyond heart health, sleep apnea causes daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and irritability. These symptoms affect your ability to work safely and maintain relationships.

Common warning signs include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, observed breathing pauses, morning dry mouth, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Some people feel tired even after sleeping 8 hours. Others have difficulty staying focused at work or fall asleep while driving. These symptoms vary in severity—some people have mild sleep apnea with few noticeable signs, while others experience severe symptoms that significantly impact daily life.

Risk factors include being male (men are diagnosed more often than women), being overweight, having a family history of sleep apnea, smoking, and having narrowed airways. Age also plays a role; sleep apnea becomes more common as people get older. However, people of any age, weight, or background can develop this condition. Understanding your risk factors helps you recognize why seeking information about treatment options matters.

Practical Takeaway: If you experience loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, learning about sleep apnea treatment options is an important step toward better health. The sooner you explore what's available, the sooner you can work toward better sleep quality and reduced health risks.

Getting a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis in Maryland

Before exploring treatment options, you need a diagnosis from a healthcare provider. In Maryland, several types of doctors can diagnose sleep apnea, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists (lung specialists), ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors, and sleep medicine specialists. Your first step is scheduling an appointment with one of these providers and describing your symptoms.

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During your initial visit, your doctor will ask detailed questions about your sleep patterns, daytime symptoms, and medical history. They may ask about your snoring, how often you wake up at night, whether anyone has told you that you stop breathing during sleep, and how tired you feel during the day. Providing accurate information helps your doctor determine whether sleep apnea testing is necessary. You might also be asked about your weight, blood pressure, and other health conditions.

If your doctor suspects sleep apnea, they will typically order a sleep study. Maryland has multiple sleep testing options. An in-lab sleep study, called polysomnography, involves spending a night at an accredited sleep center where technicians monitor your brain activity, heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns using sensors attached to your body. This test provides detailed information and is considered the most accurate diagnostic method. Many Maryland sleep centers are conveniently located in cities like Baltimore, Bethesda, and other major areas.

Home sleep apnea testing is another option available in Maryland. This portable test involves wearing a small device at home for one or two nights. The device records similar information to an in-lab study but in a more comfortable home environment. However, home testing cannot diagnose all types of sleep apnea and may not work for everyone. Your doctor will determine which type of test is appropriate for your situation.

The sleep study results include an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, which measures how many times per hour your breathing stops or becomes shallow. An AHI of 5 to 15 indicates mild sleep apnea, 15 to 30 indicates moderate, and over 30 indicates severe. This score helps your doctor recommend appropriate treatment. Maryland sleep medicine specialists use these standardized measurements to ensure consistent diagnosis across different facilities.

After diagnosis, your doctor will discuss your results and explain what treatment options are available based on your specific type and severity of sleep apnea. Some primary care doctors handle treatment management, while others refer you to a sleep specialist. Maryland has numerous sleep specialists who can guide you through treatment decisions. Keep all your test results and medical records to share with whichever provider manages your care.

Practical Takeaway: Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a sleep specialist in your area and describe your symptoms. Your doctor will determine whether testing is needed and what type of test is most appropriate for your situation. Having a diagnosis allows you to learn about treatment options that specifically match your medical needs.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure, commonly called CPAP, is the most widely used treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP therapy works by delivering a gentle, continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask that you wear during sleep. This air pressure keeps your airway open, preventing the breathing interruptions that characterize sleep apnea. The air pressure is customized to your needs based on your sleep study results.

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A CPAP machine is a small, bedside device about the size of a toaster. It connects via tubing to a mask that covers your nose, mouth, or both, depending on which type you choose. The machine is quiet—most modern units produce about 30 decibels of sound, similar to a whisper. You put on the mask before bed, turn on the machine, and the air pressure keeps your airway open throughout the night. Most people sleep through the night with their CPAP mask on.

The effectiveness of CPAP therapy is well-documented. According to sleep medicine research, CPAP therapy reduces the AHI to near-normal levels in about 80% of patients who use it properly. People using CPAP report improvements within days to weeks, including better daytime alertness, improved concentration, and better mood. Blood pressure often improves, and the risk of heart problems decreases significantly with consistent use.

In Maryland, CPAP machines and supplies are available from numerous vendors. You can obtain equipment through durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, which are companies that provide medical devices. Many insurance plans cover CPAP machines, though you may have out-of-pocket costs depending on your plan. Some suppliers offer rental options if you want to try CPAP before purchasing. Maryland has DME suppliers in most areas, including Baltimore, Annapolis, and throughout the state.

Adjusting to CPAP takes time. Initial challenges commonly include mask discomfort, feeling claustrophobic, difficulty exhaling against air pressure, or dry nose. Solutions exist for each issue. Different mask styles and sizes can resolve fit problems. Ramp features gradually increase air pressure as you fall asleep, making adjustment easier. Humidifiers add moisture to reduce nasal dryness. Most people who stick with CPAP through the adjustment period report that benefits far outweigh initial discomfort. Your sleep doctor and DME supplier can help troubleshoot any problems you experience.

Regular maintenance keeps your CPAP working well. You should clean your mask and tubing daily or several times a week with mild soap and water. Replace your mask cushion every one to three months depending on wear. Change the machine's filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most modern CPAP machines track your usage and data, which you can share with your doctor to monitor how well the therapy is working. This data helps your doctor adjust settings if needed.

Practical Takeaway: CPAP is highly effective for most people with obstructive sleep apnea. While adjustment takes time, learning about mask options, adjustment features, and maintenance can help you succeed with this treatment. Talk with your sleep doctor and DME supplier