“My business partner’s father-in-law suffered a heart attack, and his cardiologist said, ‘You need to go get a sleep test,’” Dr. Kerr said.
That test led to a diagnosis of sleep apnea, followed by a failed attempt at Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, therapy.
The breakthrough came when a dentist prescribed an oral device designed to open the airway.
“Not only did he feel better the next day, but he ended up losing weight, and his cardiologist said he’s no longer at risk for having a heart attack,” Dr. Kerr said.
Inspired by this success, Dr. Kerr began offering oral device treatment at Sleep Better Austin, and years later, he successfully treated his mother-in-law after her sleep apnea led to a stroke.
How do oral devices work?
While CPAP machines remain the most well-known treatment, bulky equipment, air pressure discomfort and difficulty sleeping in certain positions all make compliance a challenge. In fact, only about 40% of CPAP users are able to tolerate them.
Oral devices, on the other hand, are small, custom-made and portable. They work by gently shifting the lower jaw forward, which in turn moves the tongue away from the airway and tightens the surrounding tissue.
“We tend to see patients do very well with these devices,” Dr. Kerr said. “Seventy-five percent of the time they work, which is high when it comes to any sort of medical intervention.”
What is the cost of these oral devices?
One of the biggest misconceptions about oral devices is cost, but Dr. Kerr said all major insurances pay for them, and Medicare coverage is also strong.
If a patient’s insurance does not cover the treatment, Sleep Better Austin offers affordable payment plans.
How can I test for sleep apnea?
Dr. Kerr said testing for sleep apnea is essential.
“It kills me that nowhere in [the annual physical exam] are we testing the efficacy of someone’s sleep,” Dr. Kerr said. “It’s my opinion that sleep happens to be upstream of everything that can be measured in someone’s blood.”
Today, at-home sleep tests are simple and accessible. Patients can see a doctor virtually and have the test shipped to their home. Sleep Better Austin also provides these at-home sleep tests for patients. They then offer a complimentary 90-minute consultation, complete with diagnosis review, head and neck assessment, insurance preauthorization and a transparent cost breakdown.
Dr. Kerr’s mission is clear: to help people reclaim their health, happiness and energy through better sleep.
“It’s absolutely beautiful when someone comes in, ... we give them a device, and within two to six weeks, their life has literally changed. They’re the person they’ve always wanted to be,” Dr. Kerr said.
For those struggling with CPAP machines or simply wondering if they have sleep apnea, Dr. Kerr’s advice is to get tested, explore your options and don’t wait for a health crisis to take action.
As Dr. Kerr knows firsthand, better sleep isn’t just about rest; it’s about saving lives.
Click here to schedule a free 90-minute consultation today, or visit their website to learn more.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
