Patient's Testimonials

"After my diagnosis of Severe Sleep Apnea over 2 years ago, I struggled for months trying to tolerate CPAP treatment. I work for the Sleep Center of Greater Pittsburgh and had the opportunity to sample every mask available on the market, but getting a good nights sleep with CPAP was not working for me. My snoring took its toll on my husband, and it was a very stressful time.

I became very frustrated, and began looking for alternative treatments. The surgical techniques available seemed very invasive and risky, and the data showed a very low success rate. Fortunately, about that time, Dr. Roger’s research and success with oral appliances was brought to my attention by the Pulmonary Specialist I work for, and by my husband who is a Respiratory Therapist with work experience in the Sleep Medicine Field.

I contacted Dr. Roger’s office, and my experience from day one has been wonderful. Within the first week of using my oral appliance, my snoring disappeared, and I slept comfortably and soundly through the night.,

My husband and I would both like to thank Dr. Rogers and his professional and courteous staff, for improving my quality of life and giving both my husband and I the gift of many great nights of sleep--Together!"

-G.W.
Cheswick, PA

My initial problem and symptoms of sleep apnea was choking while awakening and not being able to breathe. I was always tired during the day. I also had a snoring problem that was so bad it kept my wife up many nights.

The doctor put me on CPAP but I could not tolerate it. I felt like I couldn’t breathe with it on. I discussed the problem with my heart doctor since I already had a heart attack with many complications. He told me to stop it immediately. He said it was doing me more harm than good.

From the very first day of using the oral appliance, it was great. I had no more snoring. I felt rested in the morning and no more choking and feeling I couldn’t breathe any more.

Dr. Rogers was wonderful!! He took such a personal interest in helping me. Without his help, I don’t know what I would have done because my heart doctor said that it could cause another heart attack.

We thank God every day and feel very blessed that we found Dr. Rogers and his staff. They are all great!!

-L.T.
New Castle, PA

My initial problems with sleep apnea were snoring, choking, and sputtering around which while it bother me, destroyed my wife’s sleep.

Daytime sleepiness was not a problem.

I tried CPAP treatment for approximately two years. It was cumbersome, uncomfortable and it interfered with my sleep. My membranes became very dry and switching to a CPAP with a humidifier didnt help either. Finally, I gave up and stopped treatment altogether. That is when my wife left the bedroom.

The adjustment to using an oral appliance was very easy. I awakened feeling much more rested and my wife came back into the bedroom.

My experience working with Dr. Rogers was and is quite congenial. He is very professional and I have every confidence in his abilities and knowledge.

I wouldnt think of going to bed without my oral appliance in place.

-Dwight L. Jones
Butler, PA

After the age of 40, I developed a significant snoring and sleep apnea problem. The snoring almost drove my wife out of our bed, but the apnea kept her there because she feared I might have a life-threatening incident some night. As a result of my condition, I often felt sleepy during the day and was less productive at work than I had ever been.

My wife and I were so concerned that I had nasal and throat surgery to open my airway. It didnt work. My snoring and sleep apnea returned in a matter of weeks. I initially went to Dr. Rogers for an oral appliance, which dramatically improved both of my sleep disorders and relived much of my daytime fatigue for several years.

I had resisted trying CPAP because the machine seemed cumbersome and uncomfortable. But Dr. Rogers introduced me to the latest CPAP technology, and in the last year, with the use of a CPAP that was held in place with an oral splint (no straps or head gear!), my snoring and sleep apnea have disappeared completely. The CPAP/oral appliance combination is comfortable and easy to use. I even read with it on almost every night. I sleep soundly and deeply. I wake up feeling rested, and I no longer get fatigued during the day.

Throughout the process of using both the oral appliance and the CPAP, Dr. Rogers was extremely knowledgeable, thorough, careful, considerate and completely professional. He explained everything he was doing every step of the way, and he always made sure I was comfortable with what he was doing. I unequivocally recommend him for any person living with a sleep disorder.

-James C. Rogal, President, Century Communications
Pittsburgh, PA

Initially I was unaware that I had any problem other than heavy snoring, but a night in the sleep lab proved otherwise.

After unsuccessfully trying a CPAP machine and considering surgery, the St. Clair Hospital Sleep Laboratory referred me to Dr. Robert Rogers to consider an oral appliance.

I have found the oral appliance easy to use and it has reduced my apnea hypopnea index to 1.0, a very acceptable level. My snoring was also eliminated.

Dr. Rogers is a very thorough and pleasant man, and I recommend him highly.

-Robert B. Pierson

I constantly felt fatigued. It was hard for me to stay wake during meetings at work. While driving home after work from downtown Pittsburgh to the South Hills, by the time I hit the Liberty tubes, I was struggling to stay awake. This was very scary. I also had lots of morning headaches, i.e., I woke up frequently with headaches. I also distinctly remember that I had no dreams whatsoever.

I tried CPAP for several weeks at least, maybe even several months and could not tolerate it. The force of the air and the mask made it almost impossible for me to fall asleep. It seemed I got even less sleep with the CPAP than my untreated sleep apnea.

When I started to use the oral appliance, I stopped falling asleep at meetings at work; I didnt have to fight falling asleep driving home after work in my car. I no longer felt fatigued, and perhaps best of all, I started dreaming again. The oral appliance gave me back my dreams.

Dr. Rogers is not only a consummate professional, he is a truly wonderful, caring human being. He is top notch. He is also that rare compassionate doctor who takes the time to listen to his patients and who does not rush through his patients.

-Paul G.

I had trouble sleeping. Some of the problems were waking up gasping for air and snoring which was a major problem. I had to sleep in a separate room for over two years.

I was observed at West Penn Sleep Clinic. I stopped breathing 80 to 100 times in one night. I tried CPAP but I could not tolerate it. I would wake up in a frenzy as if my mouth was on the exhaust of a vacuum sweeper.

I tried the appliance and have used it for at least eight years. It has been great for me. I have been in the same bed with my wife and I feel a lot more rested. It had some getting used to but it was relatively easy.

I found Dr. Rogers to be great and accommodating to work with. Every step is easy and it is a relaxed atmosphere.

I would suggest that anyone having this problem to give this appliance a chance. I had been told by a surgeon that an operation would only have a 50% or less success rate.

-Dean Vitali
New Kensington, PA

Before treatment I was falling asleep at red lights. As with many problems with slow onset, I didn’t realize how bad I felt until treatment allowed me to sleep, initially four hours per night. Treatment has actually changed my life. Snoring was constant and my apnea index was 42, indicating an apnea episode of 42 times an hour. This meant I did not get deep sleep prior to treatment. I usually drank two full pots of regular coffee a day, just to stay wake. I would take a nap almost every day from 3 to 4 PM so that I could function.

I had a CPAP for approximately eight months prior to the dental device. The pressure on the CPAP was at a maximum setting and was intolerable. After trying to use straps to keep the air from escaping out my mouth, I decided to try a dental device if only to lower the pressure.

Upon getting my oral appliance, I was readmitted to the sleep lab. They suggested I try this appliance alone and they would wake me if I needed to add the CPAP. The dental device by itself cured my apnea and my snoring. It is the only treatment I have used since 1991. With the dental device, I sleep 6 - 8 hours per night. I have not needed a nap. I avoid caffeine as much as possible and only have occasional events of snoring. The snoring never lasts the entire night and rarely has a negative effect on my sleep.

I was initially impressed that Dr. Rogers would try the appliance himself so he knew first hand about how comfortable the device would be to use. He has managed my sleep apnea since 1991. I am on my fourth generation appliance and each one has been more comfortable and easier to tolerate. I have been re-tested since being under Dr. Rogers care and my apnea is within normal range. Dr. Rogers has been an integral part of the life-changing control of my sleep. I would highly recommend Dr. Rogers for concerned, professional care.

-Don Thomas
Addison, PA

"Dr. Rogers gave me my first oral appliance in 1991. The appliance was a godsend to me and I have used several generations of the appliance faithfully for 15 years.

Prior to using and oral appliance I was a very loud snorer with sleep apnea. My snoring was so bad that my wife left the bedroom and did not return until I began using the appliance.

At first I was skeptical that an oral appliance could help me. Not only was I a loud snorer but I never felt good in the mornings when I woke up. I was groggy and tired. After using the appliance the first night, I awoke the next day feeling refreshed and rested for the first time in many years. My wife who slept in the same bed with me that night said that I didnt snore. I was amazed. From that day on, I never slept without my appliance (or my wife).

The greatest benefits I have noticed from using the appliance is that it not only took away my snoring and allowed me to awake every morning feeling rested and ready to go, but another unexpected benefit is that I stopped having chronic sinus problems which plagued me for most of my life.

I am in my 70s and in great health. Dr. Rogers has provided me with the best care possible all these years and I would highly recommend him to anyone."

-R. Davis
Pittsburgh, PA

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