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Sleep Apnea Specialist

Saul M. Modlin, MD, FACS, FAAP -  - Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor

Saul M. Modlin, MD, FACS, FAAP

Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor & Aesthetic Specialist located in Garden City, NY

The quality of your sleep sets the tone for your entire day. Poor sleep habits can be emotionally exhausting as well as physically debilitating. If you’re constantly waking up feeling unrested, regardless of how many hours of sleep you got the night before, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. Dr. Saul M. Modlin in Garden City, New York, diagnoses and treats this frustrating sleep disorder. If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea, call Dr. Modlin today or schedule an appointment online.

Sleep Apnea Q&A

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that interferes with restful, restorative sleep. If one does not sleep well, it can affect both mental and physical health. Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder; however, proper treatment will make you feel more awake and alert and reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and automobile accidents. 

Two different types of sleep apnea exist:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): the most common form of apnea; caused by a blockage of your airway when the soft tissue in the back of your throat collapses during sleep
  • Central sleep apnea: unlike OSA, your airway is not blocked but your brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe; due to instability in your respiratory control center

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

If Dr. Modlin suspects you’re suffering from sleep apnea, he will offer a sleep evaluation in the comfort of your own home, your own room, and your own bed. Most home sleep test (HST) devices are portable, about the size of a telephone handset, and measure:

  • Nasal and oral airflow: requires you to tape a thin wire by your nose and mouth
  • Respiratory effort: you place elastic belt bands across your chest and abdomen
  • Oxymeter finger probe: you attach a small, clip-like device to your fingertip, which evaluates your blood oxygen levels while you’re asleep


You’ll apply the sensors to your body before going to sleep for 1-3 nights. Then, Dr. Modlin can download your data and analyze your results.

How is sleep apnea treated?

There are several ways to treat sleep apnea — sometimes it requires a combination of options. Once Dr. Modlin assesses your condition, he can help you choose the right treatment plan for you. Two common treatment options are:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is a machine that uses a steady stream of air to gently keep your airway open throughout the night. You sleep wearing a mask with a hose that is attached to a machine kept at your bedside.

Oral appliance therapy

Oral appliance therapy is recommended for patients with mild to moderate apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. The appliance supports your jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway and should only be worn while you sleep. Oral appliances also are quiet, portable, and easy to care for.

If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea, call Dr. Modlin or schedule an appointment online.