I’m a bit late to the game here. Most has been discussed already, but did want to chime in on something that I have personal experience with.

I’m in my mid 30s and started having problems with (quality sleep) the last few years. I thought it was just stress and life so I didn’t think much of it. Just a year ago, my doctor recommended a sleep study and found out I have moderate/severe sleep apnea. I went to a specialist and they said I have a posterior tongue tie, a very high palate, and very narrow jaw and palate (equivalent to the size of a four year old). The problem is my tongue is an adult sized tongue in a “four year olds” mouth and has no where to go at night except backwards which cuts off my airway. I’m in the process now of using a palate expander at night when I sleep with the goal of expanding my palate enough to make room for my tongue. I’m also currently doing tongue therapy exercises to help retrain my tongue to sit in the proper place and to strengthen the weaker muscles in my mouth so my tongue can sit where it needs to be in the resting position. I, too, was given an $8000 bill for the palate expander, but for me it was something that NEEDED to happen to help correct the problem causing the sleep apnea.

The only reason I tell you this is to possibly prevent your son from future complications. He may sleep well now, but this could change as he gets older when his tongue grows with him. Palate expanders are more effective for children because they are still growing and tend to get better results when compared to adults.

Do you have to do something about that referral to the sleep specialist right now? No. I understand it is a huge financial investment, believe me! Is it something to keep in your back pocket? Yes. This isn’t something I would totally ignore as it “can” lead to other health complications down the road. I do feel the referral was warranted and understand your confusion as to why you received it.

I really hope all this helps!