Sleep Apnea Support For Veterans and Active Military Personnel
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Most veterans and active military members are not aware that their rigorous training and sleepless nights do more than just prepare them for battle; they could also be affecting their long-term health. People who have served or are serving in the military face a much higher chance of experiencing sleep disorders compared to the general population – one latest survey indicated that more than 52% of veterans suffer from sleep apnea.
The stress, physical injuries, irregular sleep schedules, and sleeping in noisy, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable places – all add up to you not being able to get deep, restful sleep. Over time, this can cause you to feel exhausted during the day, and cause symptoms similar to anxiety and depression. This is why it’s prudent to consult a doctor for proper screening and treatment options before the symptoms worsen.
Dr. Anja M. Hoffstrom and her team at Levata Sleep proudly serve our veterans and active duty personnel. We have partnered with the VA Community Care Network to provide oral appliance therapy to qualified patients who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
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Oral Appliance Therapy: VA Recognized Sleep Apnea Treatment
Under Diagnostic Code 6847 in 38 CFR 4.97, oral appliance therapy is recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep because of the blocked upper airway.
Oral device therapy requires you to wear a retainer-like appliance when you sleep to help keep your breathing passages open. It’s a noninvasive alternative for veterans who have difficulty tolerating CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. These appliances are designed to keep the throat open by bringing the jaw forward, and they have shown incredible results in treating snoring and other symptoms associated with OSA.
Thanks to the PACT Act and MISSION Act, veterans like you now have access to a wider range of healthcare options and more flexibility in getting treatment outside traditional VA facilities—including from authorized community service providers like Levata Sleep. Oral appliance therapy is one such treatment covered by VA benefits when deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. If you would like to learn more, please get in touch with us to understand your eligibility and coverage.
Contact Levata Sleep for CPAP Alternatives
If you are currently using a CPAP machine or think sleep apnea might be disrupting your rest, we are just a call away. Based on your current treatment stage, we can help you decide if a sleep study or an oral appliance might be your next step. Each member of our staff at Levata Sleep deeply values the dedication you have shown in serving our country. We are here to ensure you get the restful sleep that’s so essential for your well-being.
Are You an Active Service Member with Sleep Issues?
Being on duty demands peak performance, but conditions like sleep apnea and chronic, persistent snoring can significantly impact your health and efficiency. If your snoring can be heard across a room, you might also be unintentionally affecting the rest of those around you. Notably, persistent snoring is one of the common signs of sleep apnea.
Although CPAP machines are generally recommended to manage this condition, they are only sometimes practical for service members in the field. The machine’s size, need for a constant power supply, and lack of portability make it difficult to use in many military environments, which could, in turn, affect your deployability.
At Levata Sleep, we offer a custom-made dental device to wear during sleep so it can keep your airways open and prevent both snoring and apnea episodes. These retainer-like appliances are easy to use and fit in your pocket, which makes them perfect for deployed settings.
How Our Dedicated Experts Can Help You
If you suspect you may have obstructive sleep apnea, your first step is to get examined by your primary care physician. You will likely need a sleep test – PolySomnoGram (PSG) – along with a physical evaluation to confirm your sleep disorder. These tests, known as home sleep tests (HSTs), can be completed in your home while sleeping in your own bed!
As a qualified Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) provider in the VA Community Care Network, Dr. Hoffstrom specializes in treating veterans with sleep-disordered breathing using custom-made mandibular advancement devices. It’s a noninvasive alternative for veterans who have difficulty tolerating CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy or choose oral appliance therapy as their first treatment choice.
Now, you might think, “But isn’t Dr. Hoffstrom a dentist? How does this work?” It’s a good question. While Dr. Hoffstrom is indeed a dentist, the solution she provides goes beyond dental care. Treating sleep apnea with an oral appliance is considered a medical response to a medical problem. The appliance itself is considered a prosthetic.
Since oral appliances are classified under medical treatment, your VA benefits most likely cover them, whether or not you have dental benefits. You may be able to enjoy a better night’s sleep without the claustrophobic discomfort of a CPAP machine, all within the scope of your current benefits.
If you have been really struggling with poor sleep and all the symptoms it brings—extreme fatigue, snoring, low energy, anxiety, headaches—this is worth looking into. We can help you improve the quality of your sleep and, thus, your health with a convenient treatment that has proven effective for thousands of OSA patients like you.
What CPAP alternatives are there
There are several alternatives to CPAP therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea. These alternatives include oral appliances, positional therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices worn in the mouth to reposition the jaw, keeping the airway open during sleep. Positional therapy involves adopting specific sleeping positions that promote unobstructed breathing. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, can also help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. It’s important to consult with a sleep specialist to determine the most suitable alternative treatment option based on individual needs and the severity of sleep apnea.
Benefits of seeing a sleep specialist
Seeing a sleep specialist provides the benefit of receiving an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for your sleep issues. Sleep specialists have the expertise to evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and recommend appropriate interventions such as oral devices to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. Whether you’re experiencing sleep apnea, insomnia, or other sleep disorders, a sleep specialist can offer specialized knowledge and guidance to help you achieve better sleep and optimize your health.
