Frequently Asked Questions
- What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a condition where your muscles relax too much during sleep, causing your throat to narrow or close. This can briefly stop your breathing tens or even hundreds of times per night, affecting your oxygen levels and sleep quality. OSA affects an estimated 54 million adults in the US.
- What are the signs & symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
It's important to note that not everyone with OSA will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary. If you suspect you or someone you know may have OSA, seeking medical evaluation and diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.
- Loud Snoring: Snoring that is often loud and disruptive is a common indicator of OSA.
- Pauses in Breathing: Breathing interruptions during sleep, often followed by gasping or choking sounds.
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired during the day, even after what seems like a full night's sleep.
- Morning Headaches: Waking up with frequent headaches, which may be caused by oxygen deprivation during sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, poor memory, and difficulty staying alert throughout the day.
- Irritability: Mood changes, increased irritability, and emotional sensitivity.
- Restless Sleep: Tossing and turning during sleep, or frequent awakenings.
- Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat can be indicative of breathing difficulties during sleep.
- Frequent Urination at Night: Needing to use the bathroom frequently during the night.
- Decreased Libido: Reduced interest in sexual activity or intimate relationships.
- Why is it crucial to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
If left unaddressed, OSA can lead to persistent daytime fatigue, frequent morning headaches, and memory difficulties. Numerous accidents, whether in transportation, work settings, or other contexts, have been directly attributed to untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Research indicates that untreated OSA raises the likelihood of various health complications, including hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- How is snoring different from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Snoring is the sound made during sleep due to the vibration of relaxed tissues in the throat. It's a common issue and may not require medical treatment. On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a more serious condition where breathing temporarily stops or becomes shallow repeatedly during sleep. OSA can cause disruptions in sleep, lower oxygen levels, and impact overall health. While snoring can be a symptom of OSA, not all snorers have OSA.
- What is an At Home Sleep Test (AHST)?
The At Home Sleep Test is a monitor that fits on your finger while you sleep, and measures key vital sign indicators in the diagnosis of sleep apnea. The device pairs with a mobile app and transmits the data to our team of sleep specialists for analysis. We will inform you of your diagnosis and any recommended treatment.
- How do I get an oral appliance?
After diagnosis, we will send you impression materials with step by step instructions. You will take a mold of your teeth with our easy to follow video guide. We’ll design, build, and deliver the resulting device directly to your door.
- How long does it take to receive the custom oral appliance?
After taking your teeth impressions, the time it takes to receive the custom oral appliance is around 5-7 days. Please note that times may vary given high demand.
- What is the Daybreak Guarantee?
The Daybreak Device is proudly manufactured in the United States and undergoes individual testing before leaving our dental lab. At Daybreak, we take pride in the high quality and craftsmanship of our mandibular advancement devices. Daybreak is committed to replacing any mandibular advancement device sold by us that experiences a failure due to defects in materials or workmanship within 3 years of the initial fulfillment. This guarantee is only valid if the product has been used as intended in accordance with instructions.
You can contact our customer service team at 844-310-7700 or email us at support@thedaybreak.com. You will be required to demonstrate proof of purchase and return the faulty item back to us for exchange. Should the same item not be available due to being discontinued or out of stock, you may be offered a similar model which is available. All faulty products (apart from the exceptions below) will be repaired/replaced and returned within 28 working days.
Daybreak shall not be liable to replace the goods under the terms of the guarantee in the following cases:
- Fault caused through accidental use, mis-use, negligence, wilful damage, abnormal storage, fair wear and tear or used contrary to the manufacturers’ recommendations and care instructions.
- If the product has been tampered with by an unqualified person.
- If the product has been purchased from an unauthorized seller.
- How do I adjust or “titrate” my appliance?
We provide your appliance with the most appropriate starting position for treatment. Your Daybreak kit will come with a set of bands of varying sizes. These bands will allow you to advance, adjust and “titrate” the appliance if further relief is needed. Our simple protocol and team of sleep specialists make the process easy.
- My snoring hasn’t improved yet, is my treatment working?
Although benefits in airway and breathing can be observed almost immediately, it may take a few weeks or months for the tissues to heal. During this time, loud snoring may still persist as the “floppy” tissue that causes airway obstruction can take time to tighten, and to allow for the physiologic correction from treatment. Follow-up sleep testing may be necessary.
- Are there any side effects to using the oral appliance?
Some people may experience mild side effects such as jaw soreness or increased salivation when first starting oral appliance therapy. These side effects usually subside in a few days to weeks as your mouth adjusts. Other side effects are uncommon and are usually avoided with proper use.
- Are the oral appliances cleared by the FDA?
Yes, our devices are cleared by the FDA and are fabricated in an accredited dental laboratory facility. Daybreak ensures that you receive the highest grade, customized appliance.
- Is the treatment covered by insurance?
Our team will work to verify what is covered by your insurance plan and help you understand your plan benefits. While its appearance is similar to a dental retainer, it's important to note that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a medical condition with a medical diagnosis.. As a result, the oral sleep appliance is covered by medical insurance. We are completely transparent with our fees and pricing and assure you there are no surprises. Please refer to the Insurance section of our website for more information.
- What is the process to determine if my medical insurance covers the oral sleep appliance?
Our team of doctors and insurance experts will carefully assess your home sleep test outcomes and medical background. Based on results, they’ll confirm any medical benefits available to you from your insurance plan.
- What if I don’t have medical insurance or I don’t want to use my medical insurance?
No problem! We accept upfront payment, and also offer multiple financing options to make this life changing treatment as accessible as possible.
- What portion of the treatment expenses will be covered by my medical insurance?
Our team of insurance experts are dedicated to minimizing your out-of-pocket cost. The extent of coverage will be defined by your medical insurance policy. Our team will inform you of your remaining deductible and coinsurance percentage. This empowers you to make an informed choice on optimizing your benefits.
- Does the Daybreak oral appliance also improve snoring?
Certainly, a significant number of individuals notice a reduction or complete cessation of snoring. Snoring is a prominent indicator of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The underlying principle behind addressing both snoring and OSA involves advancing the lower jaw, which, in turn, repositions the base of the tongue and other soft tissues. This adjustment effectively minimizes the likelihood of partial airway collapse (snoring) as well as complete collapse (OSA).
- What does an oral sleep appliance do?
An oral appliance is a personalized (custom-fit), mouthguard-style device that you wear during sleep. It helps prevent airway blockage by gently moving or holding your jaw forward, which keeps the upper airway open and reduces the chances of collapse that could obstruct your breathing.
- Is the oral sleep appliance comfortable to wear?
Many patients report they are comfortable wearing their oral sleep appliance. These devices are tailored to fit your mouth only, and are crafted from lightweight materials. While minor initial tenderness of your teeth or jaw muscles is common, many long-term users refuse to sleep without their device due to its positive impact.
- Who should use an oral sleep appliance?
Oral sleep appliances have shown to be most effective for people diagnosed with mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral sleep appliances are commonly prescribed by doctors as a first line of therapy for mild & moderate cases, or as an alternative therapy if a patient finds it challenging to tolerate continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) therapy.
- Can I use an oral sleep appliance if my sleep test doesn't show obstructive sleep apnea but I still snore?
Certainly, oral sleep appliances often effectively minimize or even stop snoring. While most medical insurance providers may not cover treatment for snoring alone, we provide a cash payment alternative along with financing choices to ensure this transformative treatment remains within reach.
- Will the oral sleep appliance change my bite? (the way my teeth fit together)
Changes in the way your teeth fit together can occur, although these changes are typically minor and sometimes completely unnoticeable. A “morning repositioner” device with suggested exercises to perform each morning will be provided to you to help reduce the incidence of changes to your bite.
- How will I know if my oral sleep appliance is working?
Our at-home Sleep Test includes several nights of use, so after you've been using your oral sleep appliance for a few weeks, you'll undergo an "efficacy test" by using the home sleep test again while wearing the appliance. This follow-up test helps us assess your progress. You may also notice positive changes in various aspects of your sleep and daily life, including diminished or eliminated snoring, heightened energy, improved mood, enhanced libido, fewer nighttime bathroom trips, and relief from morning headaches (just to name a few).
- Is your oral sleep appliance similar to the ones advertised on TV for snoring?
Although they may appear similar, there are significant differences. Our oral sleep device is specifically tailored to fit your mouth, ensuring the best comfort and helping to optimize treatment outcomes. The anti-snoring devices you see on TV are often "boil & bite" solutions available over-the-counter. These are softened in hot water and molded to your teeth, similar to a sports mouthguard. However, patients frequently find these boil & bite options uncomfortable, bulky, ineffective, and, in some cases, they can even exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring.