Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS

Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS

SoCal Breathe Free

Double Board-Certified ENT & Sleep Medicine Specialist

For patients who may need medical or surgical intervention

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.

Book Free Consultation(858) 925-5800

Quick Info

Languages

English, Spanish

Insurance

Most major medical insurance

Double Board-Certified
Top Doctor Recognition
ENT & Sleep Medicine
Inspire Implant Certified

When You Need More Than an Oral Appliance

Dr. Schalch Lepe is part of the Solve Sleep Apnea network for patients whose sleep apnea may require medical or surgical intervention. As a double board-certified ENT and Sleep Medicine specialist, he brings diagnostic precision that goes beyond what dental sleep medicine alone can offer.

His evaluation process identifies the specific anatomical factors contributing to your airway obstruction — whether it's the soft palate, tongue base, nasal passages, or a combination. This matters because the right treatment depends on where and why your airway collapses during sleep.

For patients who are candidates, Dr. Schalch Lepe is certified to perform Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation — an FDA-approved implantable device that gently stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open during sleep. It's controlled by a small remote and requires no mask or mouthpiece. He also offers a full range of surgical options for patients with specific anatomical causes of obstruction.

As part of the Solve Sleep Apnea network, Dr. Schalch Lepe collaborates with our dental sleep medicine providers. If you start with oral appliance therapy and need additional intervention, or if your anatomy suggests surgery is the better first approach, Thomas D'Acquisto will connect you with Dr. Schalch Lepe for a comprehensive evaluation.

Have questions about Dr. Paul's approach? Book a free consultation

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.
Google

Areas of Expertise

Sleep apnea evaluation
Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation
ENT sleep medicine
Surgical sleep apnea treatment

Certifications

  • Board-Certified, Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
  • Board-Certified, Sleep Medicine
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • "Top Doctor" recognition

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Paul

Inspire is an FDA-approved, surgically implanted device that treats obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve during sleep. This keeps your airway open without a mask, hose, or mouthpiece. You control it with a small handheld remote — turn it on before bed, off when you wake up.
Inspire is typically recommended for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. Candidates generally have a BMI under 35 and must undergo a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) to confirm their airway anatomy is compatible with the device.
Yes. SoCal Breathe Free accepts most major medical insurance plans. Insurance coverage for Inspire and surgical procedures is handled through your medical insurance, not dental insurance. The office assists with pre-authorization.
Dental sleep medicine providers specialize in oral appliance therapy — custom mouthpieces that treat sleep apnea. An ENT sleep specialist like Dr. Schalch Lepe can diagnose the specific anatomical cause of your airway obstruction and offer medical or surgical interventions, including Inspire, nasal surgery, and soft tissue procedures. Many patients benefit from a coordinated approach using both.
That's exactly what your free consultation with Thomas D'Acquisto helps determine. Thomas evaluates your situation, reviews your sleep study, and connects you with the right specialist. If your case suggests surgical evaluation is appropriate, he'll refer you to Dr. Schalch Lepe. Many patients start with oral appliance therapy and only pursue surgery if needed.
Yes. Dr. Schalch Lepe is fluent in both English and Spanish and provides consultations and care in either language.

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Areas Served by Dr. Paul

Near Carmel Valley, CA

Del MarRancho Santa FeSolana BeachRancho BernardoScripps RanchLa Jolla
View Carmel Valley Location Details

Office Locations

Insurance Accepted

Dr. Paul accepts most major medical insurance plans. We verify your coverage and handle pre-authorization before treatment begins.

Most major medical insurance
Learn About Insurance Coverage

Schedule with Dr. Paul

Start with a free consultation with Thomas D'Acquisto. He'll review your situation and connect you with the right specialist.

Book Free ConsultationSee Your CPAP Alternative Options

Call or text (619) 880-8774 to schedule your free consultation

(619) 880-8774