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CPAP therapy not working for you?

Hate traveling with your CPAP machine? 

There's a convenient alternative.

LEARN MORE

CPAP therapy not working for you?

Hate traveling with your CPAP machine? 

There's a convenient alternative.

LEARN MORE

A Convenient Alternative

  • Frequent, loud snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Chronic exhaustion even after a full night’s sleep
  • Gasping, choking or snorting during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Poor memory, moodiness or difficulty concentrating
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

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CPAP not working?

You’re not alone. Approximately 83% of CPAP patients quit or are inconsistent in their therapy.


When a patient cannot tolerate CPAP, they neglect to use it. This non-compliance is referred to as CPAP intolerance or CPAP failure.


CPAP failure is often caused by issues outside of your control:

  • Seasonal allergies or ongoing congestion
  • Nasal, sinus or upper palate issues (such as a deviated septum)
  • Skin irritation on face
  • Nasal irritation, dryness or bleeding
  • Claustrophobia or sensation of suffocation
  • Respiratory infections
  • Abdominal bloating & gas
  • Machine disturbs sleep (or partner’s sleep)


These and other issues make CPAP failure common for many obstructive sleep apnea sufferers.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Hate traveling with CPAP?

Added Stress

Whether it’s for vacation or work, travel can be stressful. Traveling with a CPAP machine is an added inconvenience. The additional weight of the machine and getting through security checkpoints can make traveling with a CPAP frustrating.

Added Challenges

Plus, once you arrive at your destination you’ll need to find distilled or deionized water for your humidifier. Then hope there’s an electrical outlet close to your bed. And, if traveling internationally, you’ll need the correct adapter.

Added Failure

Traveling during inclement weather or to remote surroundings can lead to problems with power reliability. These scenarios require you to choose between carrying a back-up battery or going without your treatment. This also contributes to higher failure or non-compliance rates.

SCHEDULE NOW

What’s the process?

The process is simple. First, come in for a consultation, together we’ll determine if this is the right option for you. If it is, we’ll coordinate with your insurance company for coverage.


Second, we’ll custom fit your new oral appliance.


Third, you enjoy a good night’s rest.

SCHEDULE TODAY

At-Home Sleep Test

A comfortable alternative

If during your consultation it is determined that you should undergo a second sleep test, we will assist you in ordering a convenient and accurate home sleep test. In the comfort of your own bed, you’ll wear the testing device while sleeping. A Board Certified Sleep Physician will interpret the data and we will contact you to discuss your results. 

James Lillenberg DDS, D.ABSM

Diplomate American Board Dental Sleep Medicine

Dr. James Lillenberg

SLEEP APNEA-FOCUSED DENTIST IN ST. LOUIS

ALLEVIATING SLEEP DISORDERS WITH HIGH-QUALITY ORAL CARE & APPLIANCES

SLEEP WELL ST. LOUIS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY ACCREDITED FACILITY IN MISSOURI BY THE AADSM

James Lillenberg DDS has been in clinical practice for 35 years in south St. Louis County. A native St. Louisan he is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. James has logged 100’s of hours with the Pankey Institute of Florida, Spear Institute of Scottsdale, Arizona and the Seattle Study Club of Seattle, WA. in professional continuing education.


He completed a continuum at The Pankey Institute in Dental Sleep Medicine in April 2016 and a mini-residency in Dental Sleep Medicine at Tufts in April 2017. James is certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and is a Diplomate of the AADSM. He is also a board member of the Missouri Sleep Society.

Reviews

For James Lillenberg DDS, D.ABSM

I have sleep apnea. I found Dr. Lillenberg while in search of an oral appliance. I am very glad I did...Dr. Lillenberg is very helpful and cares about his patients. He really takes time and makes sure the patient is satisfied. I am very pleased with my oral appliance as opposed to a CPAP machine. It is very portable and helps me sleep at night. Dr. Lillenberg has improved my quality of life!

Ben Hackett

I have been using the oral sleep apnea devise for a few months & could not be more pleased. I could not get the sleep doctors forced air machine to work to my satisfaction...I actually quit using the machine. The oral device is easy to use & I have noticed an improvement in my sleep (and a vast improvement in my wife’s sleep)...I not only recommend this type of product but I very highly recommend Dr. James Lillenberg. What a great person & his awesome staff! I give them at least a 5 star review!!

Jim Diedrich

What a difference. I was preparing myself for the worst and it exceeded my exceptations. I was very pleased with the staff and results. Best decision I ever made!

Jeff

Common Questions

Regarding Sleep Apnea

  • If I snore, do I have sleep apnea?

    Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways – especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the oral appliances we provide can treat both obstructive sleep apnea and snoring at the same time.  These oral appliances are small and very comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.

  • Is it possible that I could have sleep apnea even if I don't snore?

    Anyone of any age can have sleep apnea. We can arrange for a home sleep study (HST) for a diagnosis by a medical professional, a local sleep physician or your primary care doctor. This is an essential step for a diagnosis.

  • What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

    The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different for each person. Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or gender. The most common risk factors include:


    • Being over age 40
    • Having a large neck (over 17 inches in men, 16 inches for women)
    • Being overweight – approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight
    • Being male – more men than women suffer from OSA
    • Having a large tongue or small jaw
    • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children)
    • Using alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles in the airway
    • Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems

  • What is the difference between a CPAP and an oral appliance?

    While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of  the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them.  


    An oral appliance is a popular alternative to the CPAP. This device is small, portable, fits more comfortably and can provide similar treatment benefits.

  • How do you confirm the effectiveness of the oral appliance?

    You will have a follow-up sleep study while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. A consultation with the sleep medicine physician will be necessary to interpret the results.

  • Does insurance cover obstructive sleep apnea treatment with oral appliances?

    Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.


    If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  


    Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their sleep apnea because of the improved quality of life they experience.

  • What if I don’t have insurance?

    We offer a discounted cash price for all appliances and do accept credit cards.

  • How long will it take to adapt to the oral appliance? Will it hurt my teeth?

    Most patients will adapt comfortably within two weeks with little difficulty. However, a few may require more frequent appoints during the initial adjustment period. Minor side effects for some are not uncommon during the first few days but usually subside. Teeth and bites can be sore initially for some but this can be managed by adjustments and accommodations.

  • How often will the appliance need to be replaced?

    Oral appliances for snoring and OSA are precision durable medical equipment devices approved by the FDA. They may need to be replaced after 3 years of nightly wear for some patients to adequately treat your snoring or OSA.

  • Will the appliance change my bite?

    A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. This can be minimized with the use of a morning re-positioning device.

  • Are there any side effects of the appliance?

    The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients.

  • How long will I have to use the oral appliance?

    Obstructive sleep apnea in unlikely to decrease with age; therefore your oral appliance will probably be a lifelong therapy. However, certain wellness factors such as significant weight loss may improve your symptoms.

  • Can’t I just order a boil and bite device off the internet?

    While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA approved for treating sleep apnea. Additionally, when not fitted properly they may cause unwanted side effects such as jaw problems or excessive tooth movement.

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