Think You Have Sleep Apnea? Here’s What to Expect at Your First Visit

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If you’re constantly tired, snore at night, or wake up gasping for air, you might be dealing with more than just poor sleep, you could have sleep apnea. Many people in St. Louis live with undiagnosed sleep apnea for years, thinking fatigue is just part of getting older or working hard.

At Ellis Sleep Center, we specialize in dental sleep medicine that helps people sleep and breathe better, without the hassle of a CPAP machine. If you're unsure what the first step looks like, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect at your initial consultation.

Step 1: Start with the Symptoms

Before your visit, consider how often you experience the following:

  • Loud snoring or gasping during sleep

  • Feeling tired even after a full night's rest

  • Morning headaches or dry mouth

  • Trouble focusing or remembering things

  • Irritability or low mood

  • Frequent waking or restless sleep

If you’ve been Googling “tired all the time in St. Louis” or “help with sleep breathing problems”, you’re in the right place.

Step 2: Schedule Your Consultation

As part of our consultation process, new patients begin with a free consultation tailored to their needs. If you haven’t had a sleep study, you’ll be scheduled for a 30-minute phone consultation. If you have completed a sleep study, we’ll set up a 60-minute in-person visit with one of our experienced and compassionate sleep coordinators, who will review your symptoms, medical history, and any prior treatments.

Many of our patients have already tried CPAP and can’t tolerate it, while others have never been formally diagnosed but suspect something is wrong.

“I was nervous at first, but Dr. Ellis really listened. It felt like a team effort to find the best path forward.” , Lisa, Central West End

Step 3: Get Diagnosed (If You Haven’t Already)

If you haven’t been officially diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), we’ll guide you through a sleep study. Most patients can complete this from the comfort of home using portable testing equipment. The results are interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician.

If you’ve already been diagnosed and are seeking CPAP alternatives in St. Louis, we’ll review your sleep study and treatment history to determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you.

Step 4: Custom Fitting for Your Oral Appliance

If you're a candidate for oral appliance therapy, we’ll take precise digital impressions of your mouth and jaw. These are sent to a specialized lab to craft a custom mouthpiece for sleep apnea, designed specifically for your anatomy.

This device gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep, without noise, straps, or forced air. It’s a comfortable, quiet, and travel-friendly option that’s ideal for:

  • Mild to moderate sleep apnea

  • CPAP intolerance

  • Snoring issues

  • Patients looking for a discreet solution

Step 5: Follow-Up and Fine-Tuning

Once your appliance arrives, we’ll have you return for a fitting. Dr. Ellis will ensure it’s comfortable and properly aligned, and we’ll walk you through how to wear, clean, and care for it.

We also schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your results, adjust the fit if needed, and ensure long-term success. Many patients report better sleep within the first week of wearing their appliance.

Real Patients, Real Results

Patients from across Chesterfield, Clayton, Ballwin, and the St. Louis metro area have found relief at Ellis Sleep Center:

“I finally sleep through the night, and without that loud machine!”

“The process was easier than I thought. I wish I did it sooner.”

“It’s small, quiet, and it works. I feel rested again.”

Whether you’re just starting your sleep health journey or looking for a CPAP alternative that works, our team is here to help.

Your First Visit Is the First Step Toward Better Sleep

You don’t have to live with poor sleep or bulky machines. There’s a simpler, more comfortable way to treat sleep apnea, and it starts with a conversation.

📞 Call Ellis Sleep Center today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Holly Ellis. We proudly serve patients across St. Louis County, offering modern sleep apnea solutions that fit your life.

Justin Ellis