I snore and my nose is congested! Could I have sleep apnea?

Snoring is very common, and it happens when air can’t move freely through the nose and the throat during sleep. While it can be harmless, snoring can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea. When someone has sleep apnea they stop breathing for short periods of time while they sleep. This can happen many times an hour and often the person with sleep apnea does not realize that they stop breathing. Sleep apnea leads to poor sleep and often causes daytime sleepiness. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause significant health issues such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Your Sleep Apnea Evaluation Process

Evaluation for sleep apnea involves a careful history regarding both sleep and nose related symptoms, as well as a comprehensive ear, nose, and throat examination. A full work-up for sleep apnea may also involve doing a sleep study, which is a test that can be done at home or at a sleep center and involves measuring things such as breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep.

Exploring Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

The treatment of sleep apnea can involve oral or topical (nasal sprays) medications, the use of a CPAP machine and dental appliances. There are also a variety of procedures and surgical options that can be discussed with Dr. Filimonov such as septoplasty (fixing a deviated septum), UPPP (opening up space in the back of the throat where the tonsils are), and Inspire therapy (a device that stimulates breathing).

Who Should Be Evaluated for Sleep Apnea?

Who is a Good Candidate for Evaluation for Sleep Apnea? If you or a loved one snores loudly, stops breathing in their sleep, has issues with their nose / sinuses, and experiences fatigue during the day, you may have sleep apnea and should be evaluated by a sinus physician such as Dr. Andrey Filimonov and a sleep medicine doctor.

—

Is Poor Sleep Affecting Your Health and Quality of Life?

Sleep-disordered breathing conditions like snoring and obstructive sleep apnea affect millions of Americans, yet up to 80% of moderate to severe cases remain undiagnosed. If you or your partner notice loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, or excessive daytime sleepiness, you may be suffering from a sleep breathing disorder.

Sleep apnea occurs when your airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. This oxygen deprivation forces your brain to partially wake you to restore breathing, fragmenting your sleep cycle and preventing the deep, restorative sleep your body needs. Beyond fatigue, untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

Our Comprehensive Sleep Services

Sleep Disorder Evaluation

Explanation: Dr. Filimonov offers thorough evaluations for sleep-disordered breathing, beginning with a detailed medical history and physical examination focusing on the upper airway. He may recommend home sleep testing or a formal sleep study (polysomnography) to measure oxygen levels, breathing patterns, brain activity, and other parameters during sleep. These diagnostic tools help determine the presence and severity of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

Who is a Good Candidate? Individuals with symptoms such as loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, or irritability. Those with risk factors including obesity, large neck circumference, or structural abnormalities of the airway should also consider evaluation.

Benefits:

• Accurate diagnosis of sleep disorders
• Assessment of severity to guide treatment decisions
• Identification of contributing factors
• Baseline for measuring treatment effectiveness
• Comprehensive approach addressing related conditions

CPAP Therapy

Explanation: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep, keeping your airway open and allowing normal breathing. Dr. Filimonov works closely with sleep specialists to ensure proper CPAP fitting and titration for optimal effectiveness and comfort.

Who is a Good Candidate? Patients diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, especially those with significant oxygen desaturation during sleep or complications such as heart problems or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Benefits:

• Highly effective at eliminating sleep apnea events
• Immediate improvement in sleep quality
• Reduction in cardiovascular risks
• Improved daytime alertness and cognitive function
• Non-surgical approach with reversible effects

Oral Appliance Therapy

Explanation: For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, custom-fitted oral appliances can be an effective alternative. These devices work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. Dr. Filimonov collaborates with dental specialists to ensure proper fitting and adjustment of these devices.

Who is a Good Candidate? Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, those who have failed CPAP therapy due to intolerance, individuals who travel frequently and need a portable treatment option, and patients with primary snoring without significant sleep apnea.

Benefits:

• More comfortable and portable than CPAP for many patients
• Silent operation
• No electricity required
• Effective for snoring even in the absence of sleep apnea
• Discreet and easy to maintain

Surgical Management

Explanation: Dr. Filimonov specializes in surgical interventions for sleep apnea when other treatments have failed or aren’t appropriate. Procedures range from minimally invasive techniques like radiofrequency reduction of the soft palate or tongue to more comprehensive approaches such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Each procedure is carefully selected based on the specific anatomical factors contributing to your sleep apnea.

Who is a Good Candidate? Patients with identifiable anatomical obstructions causing sleep apnea who haven’t responded adequately to conservative treatments, those who cannot tolerate CPAP or oral appliances, and individuals seeking a more permanent solution.

Benefits:

• Potential for definitive treatment without nightly device use
• Targeted approach addressing specific anatomical issues
• Can be combined with other treatments for comprehensive management
• Options ranging from minimally invasive to more definitive procedures
• Potential improvement in quality of life and long-term health outcomes

The Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Effective management of sleep apnea can dramatically improve your health and quality of life:

• Restored restful sleep and improved daytime energy
• Reduced risk of serious health conditions including heart disease and stroke
• Improved cognitive function, mood, and productivity
• Decreased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to drowsy driving
• Better control of associated conditions like high blood pressure
• Enhanced quality of life for both you and your bed partner
• Potential reduction in healthcare costs through prevention of complications