
If you suffer from chronic migraines, daily fatigue, or frequent morning headaches, you might assume stress or poor sleep habits are to blame. But for many people in Tri-Cities Washington, these symptoms could point to a more serious issue—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ in Richland, WA, we specialize in helping patients who are looking for long-term relief from the hidden symptoms of sleep apnea. If your CPAP isn’t working—or you’re not using it at all—oral appliance therapy could be the breakthrough treatment you’ve been searching for.
The Overlooked Link: Sleep Apnea and Headaches
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. These pauses can occur hundreds of times per night, leading to oxygen deprivation, sleep fragmentation, and chronic stress on the body.
One of the most common—yet often overlooked—symptoms of sleep apnea is frequent morning headaches or migraines. Because sleep apnea disrupts oxygen flow to the brain, it’s not uncommon for patients to wake up with:
- Throbbing pain behind the eyes or temples
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Persistent fatigue despite 7–9 hours of sleep
Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable CPAP Alternative
While CPAP therapy is the most well-known treatment for sleep apnea, it’s not always well-tolerated. Many patients struggle with:
- Discomfort or claustrophobia from the mask
- Dry mouth or nasal congestion
- Difficulty traveling with bulky equipment
- Interrupted sleep due to machine noise
That’s why Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ proudly offers oral appliance therapy—a proven, non-invasive treatment option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These custom-made devices are:
✅ Comfortable and easy to wear
✅ Quiet and travel-friendly
✅ Designed to keep your airway open by gently positioning the lower jaw forward
✅ A trusted CPAP alternative for patients who can’t tolerate the machine
Why Choose Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ?
Led by Dr. Bloxham, our experienced team specializes in oral appliance therapy for patients with sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea and severe snoring. We offer:
- Expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans
- FDA-approved custom oral appliances
- Coordinated care with local sleep physicians for sleep studies
- A caring, supportive environment right here in Tri-Cities WA
Take Control of Your Sleep—and Your Health
Ignoring sleep apnea can do more than ruin your night’s rest—it can increase your risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and yes, chronic migraines. If you’ve been living with morning headaches, daytime exhaustion, or failed CPAP therapy, it’s time to explore a better solution.
Oral Appliance Therapy Near Me in Richland, WA
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, we’ve helped countless patients across Richland, Kennewick, Pasco and the surrounding Eastern WA areas reclaim their energy and eliminate their headaches—starting with a simple, non-invasive oral appliance.
📍 Conveniently located in Richland, WA
📞 Call today to schedule a consultation
🌐 Learn more about our CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea









