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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.

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
Rated 5 out of 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

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

Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment

CPAP Alternatives

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Symptoms & Signs

Snoring vs Sleep Apnea: How to Tell the Difference

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5 min readJun 5, 2025
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Health Risks

Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain: The Vicious Cycle

Sleep apnea drives weight gain, and weight gain worsens sleep apnea. Here is the hormonal cycle behind it — and why trea...

5 min readMay 22, 2025
Read Article: Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain: The Vicious Cycle

Areas Served by Dr. Paul

Near Carmel Valley, CA

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

Office Locations

Carmel Valley, CA

4765 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92130

+1 (888) 885-7369View Location Details

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

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.