Medical, Not Dental
Oral appliance therapy is an FDA-cleared medical treatment billed through your medical insurance — not dental.
Sleep Apnea Specialist in Carmel Valley, San Diego
Finally sleep through the night — without a CPAP machine.
Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS — double board-certified ENT & Sleep Medicine Specialist with "Top Doctor" recognition. Sleep apnea evaluation, Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation, and surgical treatment options.
Free 15-minute consultation with Thomas D'Acquisto, Sleep Director — even at 2am when you can't sleep
5/5 StarsBoard-Certified Sleep SpecialistInsurance Verified Before First VisitFree Consultation
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Carmel Valley
Our Carmel Valley office offers a different approach to sleep apnea treatment. Led by Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe — a double board-certified ENT and Sleep Medicine Specialist — SoCal Breathe Free provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients who may need medical or surgical intervention. Dr. Schalch Lepe is certified to perform Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation, an innovative implantable device for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or oral appliances. As part of the Solve Sleep Apnea network, he collaborates with our dental sleep medicine providers to ensure every patient receives the most appropriate treatment.
Learn more about how oral appliance therapy works or explore your CPAP alternatives.
Local Impact: Sleep apnea is significantly underdiagnosed among adults over 40, particularly in affluent communities where patients may attribute fatigue to busy lifestyles rather than a treatable medical condition. In the San Diego metro, an estimated 332,000+ residents have undiagnosed OSA.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea doesn't just rob you of sleep — it increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and motor vehicle accidents. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that untreated sleep apnea costs the U.S. economy $149.6 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can protect your health — and start waking up rested.
How Sleep Apnea Treatment Works
Three simple steps — starting with a free conversation, not a sales pitch.
1
Free Phone Consultation with our Founder/Director
Start with a free 15-minute consultation with Thomas D'Acquisto, our Founder/Director with 40 years of experience. He'll review your symptoms, answer your questions, and determine your best next step. No pressure, no commitment — call or text +1 (888) 885-7369.
2
Try an at Home Sleep Study
If a sleep study is needed, we provide an FDA-cleared home sleep test. Pick up the device from our Carmel Valley office, sleep with it one night in your own bed, and have results reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician within days. No overnight lab visit.
3
Experience Restful Sleep & Improved Quality of Life
Thomas connects you with the right specialist for your needs. For most patients, that's a custom-fitted oral appliance — silent, portable, and covered by most medical insurance. Most patients notice improvement within the first week.
Book My Free Consultation
Or call/text +1 (888) 885-7369 to schedule your free consultation with Thomas
Why Choose Our Carmel Valley Office
Dr. Schalch Lepe is one of the few physicians in San Diego who holds board certification in both Otolaryngology and Sleep Medicine. This dual expertise allows him to precisely identify the anatomical causes of your airway obstruction and recommend the most targeted treatment. He's certified for Inspire implant surgery, speaks fluent Spanish, and has earned "Top Doctor" recognition for his patient outcomes.
40 Years Experience
Thomas D'Acquisto, Founder/Director
Board-Certified Specialist
Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe — Double Board-Certified ENT & Sleep Medicine Specialist
Insurance First
We verify coverage before your first visit
No Pushy Sales Process
Free consultation — zero pressure, zero commitment
Struggling with CPAP? You Have Options
If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine but can't tolerate it, you're not alone. Research shows that 30–50% of CPAP users abandon therapy within the first year. The mask discomfort, air leaks, noise, dry mouth, and claustrophobia are real — and they're the reason millions of people live with untreated sleep apnea.
Oral appliance therapy is an FDA-cleared alternative that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and as an option for severe cases when CPAP is not tolerated. It's a custom-fitted mouthpiece — similar to a retainer — that gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open. No mask, no machine, no noise.
CPAP
- —Mask and headgear required
- —Machine noise
- —Requires electricity
- —50–60% adherence rate
- —Dry mouth and skin irritation common
Oral Appliance
- Custom-fitted mouthpiece
- Completely silent
- No electricity needed
- ~90% adherence rate
- Fits in your pocket for travel
Already have a CPAP diagnosis? You don't need a new sleep study to switch to an oral appliance. Learn why 50–60% of CPAP users quit within a year. Call Thomas at +1 (888) 885-7369 to discuss your options.
What Patients Are Saying
5/5 Stars
“
I can now breathe through my nose for the first time in over a decade. My only regret is not booking my initial appointment years ago!
”— A.W.
Google“
After treatment, I can finally breathe again and my sleep is improved. They literally save lives.
”— P.G.
Google“
I've been dealing with issues for 4 years with no one to listen to me, and within one visit they solved all of those problems.
”— C.R.
Google“
I now have such a better quality of life and would 100% return to Dr. Schalch for any future concerns.
”— J.A.
Google“
They explained everything upfront and the procedure went just as promised. I can now breathe freely and am getting much better sleep.
”— S.A.
Google“
SoCal Breathe Free was able to completely change my breathing through my nose. Everything went extremely smoothly.
”— K.C.
Google“
SoCal Breathe Free have made a huge improvement in my breathing as well as sinuses! The staff are professional, knowledgeable, and helpful.
”— L.F.
Google“
This office and the staff are the BEST! Both doctors had incredible bedside manners, are super smart, and clearly loved what they do.
”— R.S.
Google“
His case was a complex one but Dr. Paul S had the expertise to successfully treat him so that he now breathes freely. This has been a game changer.
”— R.D.
Google“
I waited less than two minutes between assessments but I never felt rushed. They answered all my questions thoroughly without using confusing technical jargon.
”— B.D.
GoogleYour Carmel Valley Sleep Apnea Specialist
Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS
SoCal Breathe Free
Double Board-Certified ENT & Sleep Medicine Specialist
Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe is a double board-certified ENT and Sleep Medicine Specialist with "Top Doctor" recognition. He leads SoCal Breathe Free in Carmel Valley, providing comprehensive sleep apnea evaluation and treatment for patients who may need medical or surgical intervention. His expertise includes Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation, an innovative implantable device for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or oral appliances. Dr. Schalch Lepe works closely with the Solve Sleep Apnea network to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their individual needs.
Board-Certified, Otolaryngology — Head & Neck SurgeryBoard-Certified, Sleep MedicineFellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)"Top Doctor" recognition
View Full ProfileSoCal Breathe Free
Start with a free consultation with Thomas D'Acquisto. He'll review your situation and connect you with Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe if treatment is right for you.
Ready to Sleep Better in Carmel Valley?
Start with a free consultation with Thomas D’Acquisto — he’ll review your situation and connect you with the right specialist. Call or text +1 (888) 885-7369.
INSURANCE & COVERAGE
We Accept PPOs, Medicare, and TRICARE
Oral appliance therapy is FDA-cleared and billed through your medical insurance — not dental. For other plans, our team verifies your specific benefits at no cost, before anything begins.
PPOsMedicareTRICARE
We Handle Everything
Verification, prior authorization, claims, and reimbursement — our team manages the paperwork so you don’t have to.
Verified Before You Commit
We check your specific coverage and explain your benefits before anything begins. No surprises.
Serving Carmel Valley and Surrounding Areas
Our Carmel Valley office conveniently serves patients from across the region.
Del MarRancho Santa FeSolana BeachRancho BernardoScripps RanchLa Jolla
About Our Carmel Valley Location
Carmel Valley is an upscale residential community in northern San Diego, situated between Del Mar and Rancho Bernardo along the I-5 and SR-56 corridors. Our office on Carmel Mountain Road is convenient for patients from Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Scripps Ranch, and La Jolla. The area is home to many professionals and families who prioritize health and well-being.
Office Hours
mondayBy Appointment
tuesdayBy Appointment
wednesdayBy Appointment
thursdayBy Appointment
fridayBy Appointment
saturdayClosed
sundayClosed
Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment
CPAP Alternatives
CPAP Adherence Rates: Why Half of Users Quit
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Read ArticleSleep Apnea Treatment in Carmel Valley: FAQs
Our Carmel Valley office is led by an ENT and Sleep Medicine specialist rather than a dental sleep medicine provider. Dr. Schalch Lepe focuses on patients who may need medical or surgical intervention, including the Inspire implant. If you're not sure which approach is right for you, start with a free consultation — Thomas D'Acquisto will help determine the best path.
Inspire is an FDA-approved implantable device that treats obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve during sleep. It keeps your airway open without a mask, hose, or mouthpiece. You control it with a small remote. Dr. Schalch Lepe is certified to perform Inspire surgery at our Carmel Valley location.
Yes. Dr. Schalch Lepe is fluent in both English and Spanish and provides consultations and care in either language.
Absolutely. The Solve Sleep Apnea network is designed for exactly this kind of collaboration. If oral appliance therapy from one of our dental providers doesn't achieve adequate results, Thomas D'Acquisto can refer you to Dr. Schalch Lepe for an ENT evaluation and discussion of surgical options.
You should never stop CPAP without a plan for alternative treatment. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. If CPAP is not working for you, talk to your provider about transitioning to an oral appliance or another clinically validated alternative. The goal is continuous treatment, not no treatment.
Yes. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are struggling with CPAP, you are a strong candidate for oral appliance therapy. Your sleep physician can write a prescription for an oral appliance, and most insurance carriers cover the switch. You typically do not need a new sleep study — your existing diagnosis is sufficient.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in your throat relax and block your airway. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing you from getting restful sleep and putting strain on your heart.
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping or choking, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Your partner may notice that you stop breathing during sleep. The only way to confirm a diagnosis is with a sleep study, which can now be done at home with a simple device.
Take the First Step Tonight
Call or text Thomas D’Acquisto at +1 (888) 885-7369 — even at 2am when you can’t sleep. Or book your free consultation online.