Sleep Medicine

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bay City, MI

Sleep apnea is one of the most common and underdiagnosed sleep disorders in the United States. It occurs when the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing to pause — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times per night. These interruptions prevent restorative sleep and can have serious long-term consequences for your heart, blood pressure, and overall health.

At TriCity Lung & Sleep, board-certified sleep physician Dr. Saad S. Ahmad specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea for patients across Bay City, Caro, and Bad Axe, Michigan. From initial testing to long-term follow-up, our team is here to help you breathe — and sleep — better.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Many people with sleep apnea don't know they have it. Common warning signs include:

  • Loud or chronic snoring
  • Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Waking up gasping or choking
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
  • Waking frequently during the night
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, a sleep study is the most accurate way to confirm a diagnosis. Read our guide on signs you might need a sleep study to learn more.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Effective treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea, as well as your individual health history. Dr. Ahmad evaluates each patient thoroughly and works with you to select the most appropriate approach:

  • CPAP Therapy — Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A small device delivers gentle pressurized air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.
  • CPAP Titration Study — A follow-up sleep study to determine the precise CPAP pressure settings that work best for you.
  • Advanced Titration (BiPAP / ASV) — For patients with complex or positional sleep apnea, BiPAP or adaptive servo-ventilation may be more effective than standard CPAP.
  • Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation — A clinically proven CPAP alternative for eligible patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more about CPAP alternatives including Inspire therapy.
  • Oral Appliance Therapy — A custom-fitted mouthpiece that repositions the jaw during sleep to keep the airway open. An option for patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea or those who can't tolerate CPAP.
  • Lifestyle Changes — Weight loss, positional therapy, and avoiding alcohol before bed can significantly reduce sleep apnea severity for some patients.

Getting Tested and Starting Treatment

The first step toward treating sleep apnea is accurate diagnosis. TriCity Lung & Sleep offers both convenient home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) and comprehensive in-lab sleep studies (polysomnography). Dr. Ahmad reviews every study personally to ensure the most accurate interpretation and the most appropriate next steps for your care.

Not sure what type of test is right for you? Your referring provider will help determine which option is most appropriate. Want to know what the testing process involves? Read our patient guide: learn what to expect during your sleep study.

Learn More

patient receiving sleep apnea treatment

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