Merit Sleep Technologies is dedicated to treating those diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level therapy, setups and supplies. From our experienced and trusted sleep therapy technicians to our extensive education protocols, Merit’s number one goal is to ensure the best results for each and every patient.

CPAP Therapy

CPAP therapy is the most effective noninvasive therapy for sleep apnea. CPAP machines help in treating sleep apnea by providing a continuous stream of air pressure through a mask that is worn over the nose. The air gently holds the airway open and prevents the collapse of tissues surrounding your upper airway, allowing for the restoration of normal breathing. While CPAP machines provide an inward flow of air pressure, bi-level machines provide both an inward flow and outward flow of air pressure that coincides with an individual’s breath as they inhale and exhale. Both treatments can be prescribed after a sleep study has diagnosed sleep apnea and has determined the therapeutic level of pressure required to reduce or eliminate sleep apnea

Benefits from successful CPAP and bi-level therapy include:

• Restoration of normal sleep patterns
• Increased energy and alertness during the day and less daytime sleepiness
• Improvements in job performance and productivity
• Less anxiety and better mood
• Better concentration and memory
• Increased alertness while driving
• Overall increased quality of life

Common Treatment Options

• Lifestyle & Behavioral Modifications –Behavioral changes may include avoiding the use of alcohol, tobacco and sleeping pills, which cause the airway to be more likely to collapse during sleep as well as prolong the apneic periods, which are periods in which breathing stops. People who are overweight may benefit from losing weight; just a 10 percent weight loss can reduce the number of apneic events. In mild sleep apnea, breathing interruptions may only occur when the individual sleeps on their back, thus using pillows or other devices enabling the person to sleep on their side may reduce the number of apneic events.
• Dental Appliances – Custom-made dental appliances that resemble mouthguards reposition the lower jaw and tongue to allow the airway to remain open. These appliances are helpful to those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. A dentist or orthodontist will custom fit and mold the device to the patient. Some dental and medical insurance companies now provide coverage based upon medical necessity.
• Surgery/Laser Treatment - A variety of surgical treatment options are available to patients with either obstructive sleep apnea or patients who snore without obstructive sleep apnea. Surgical/Laser therapies are more successful in patients who snore without sleep apnea. These treatments are performed by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT). Surgical/Laser procedures to reduce sleep apnea include removal of tonsils, adenoids, nasal polyps and structural deformities.
• Medication Therapy – Pharmaceuticals are often used to treat several sleep disorders such as chronic or acute insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), Narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Merit Sleep Technologies is accredited by The Joint Commission.

DME patients who do not receive a satisfactory response to complaints by calling Merit Sleep Technologies may notify The Joint Commission of concerns about patient care and/or safety by calling 1-800-994-6610 or emailing emailcomplaint@jcaho.org