Our Sleep Apnea Services in Superior, WI & Duluth, MN

Give Us a Call

(715) 392-1132

At Mikel Sleep Center, we’re dedicated to helping patients in Superior and surrounding communities sleep better, breathe easier, and live healthier. Sleep apnea does more than disrupt sleep; it can impact your heart, brain, and overall quality of life. That’s why our approach to care is not one-size-fits-all.

We provide personalized dental sleep medicine solutions designed to meet your needs, whether you are looking for an accurate diagnosis, an alternative to CPAP, or ongoing support from a trusted team. Our services include comprehensive consultations, convenient at-home testing, and customized oral appliance therapy, with a focus on long-term results and patient comfort.

Sleep Apnea Consultation

Sleep Apnea Consultation

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral Appliance Therapy

At-Home Sleep Test

At-Home Sleep Test

We Work With Medical Insurance

Sleep Apnea Consultation

The first step in our process is a detailed consultation. Many patients come to us after years of struggling with loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or the frustration of CPAP intolerance. During your visit, we take time to understand your medical history, sleep patterns, and lifestyle goals. This isn’t a quick, impersonal appointment; it’s a chance for us to get to know you and your challenges so that we can recommend the most effective path forward.

At your consultation, we:

  • Discuss your symptoms and health risks.
  • Review any prior sleep studies or medical records.
  • Explain the connection between sleep apnea and broader health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
  • Provide a clear overview of your testing and treatment options.

By the end of the visit, you’ll have a better understanding of whether you may have sleep apnea and how dental sleep therapy could fit into your care plan.

At-Home Sleep Testing

We believe testing should be simple, accessible, and accurate. That’s why we partner with Better Night for at-home sleep testing. Unlike traditional sleep labs, which require you to spend the night hooked up to wires in an unfamiliar setting, home testing allows you to sleep in your own bed while gathering precise data.

Here is how it works:

  • You receive a small, user-friendly testing kit shipped directly to your home.
  • The device records key metrics such as airflow, oxygen levels, breathing effort, and sleep position.
  • A qualified sleep physician interprets your results.
  • Our team walks you through the findings and outlines your treatment options.

This streamlined approach eliminates barriers to diagnosis while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy. Many patients appreciate that testing feels more natural at home, which usually provides more representative results.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is our primary treatment focus. Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices worn like a retainer while you sleep. By gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue, the appliance helps keep your airway open and reduces or eliminates apneic events.

Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are:

  • Small and discreet – no masks, hoses, or machines required.
  • Comfortable – designed to fit your unique oral anatomy.
  • Portable – easy to travel with, even on airplanes or camping trips.
  • Low-maintenance – simple to clean without complicated filters or parts.

We work with FDA-approved appliances that have undergone rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness. Each device is carefully adjusted to maximize your breathing without compromising comfort. Many patients notice benefits within days, including quieter nights, deeper sleep, and more energy during the day. For long-term success, we provide ongoing follow-ups to ensure your appliance remains effective as your needs change.

What to Expect

Starting oral appliance therapy is a straightforward process, but we know patients often have questions about what the journey looks like. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Mikel Sleep Center:
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Initial consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough one-on-one consultation. During this visit, we review your health history, discuss your sleep-related symptoms, and evaluate whether your concerns point toward sleep apnea or another issue. This is also the time to ask questions, share past challenges such as CPAP intolerance, and explore treatment options.

Sleep testing

If we determine testing is appropriate, you’ll complete an at-home sleep study through our trusted partner, BetterNight. This simple device gathers important information about your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep stages, all while you rest in the comfort of your own bed. Unlike a hospital or lab study, it allows you to sleep naturally, which may produce more accurate results.

Results and treatment planning

Once your test is interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician, we meet with you to review the findings. At this stage, we discuss whether oral appliance therapy is a suitable solution. You’ll receive a clear, personalized plan that addresses your diagnosis, treatment goals, and health needs.

Custom impressions

If oral appliance therapy is recommended, we take precise digital scans or impressions of your mouth. These are used to create a device that’s completely designed to match the measurements of your jaw and teeth, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness.

Fitting and adjustment

When your oral appliance arrives from the lab, we fit it to your mouth carefully and make any necessary fine-tuned adjustments. Comfort and function are equally important, so we work carefully to ensure you can wear it nightly without difficulty.

Follow-up care

Sleep apnea management isn’t “set it and forget it.” We schedule periodic follow-ups to check your progress, make adjustments, and confirm that your condition remains under control long-term.

Throughout this process, we prioritize your comfort, communication, and long-term success of your oral appliance therapy.

FAQs

How long does it take to get an oral appliance?
From the time impressions are taken, most appliances are ready in about 3–4 weeks. We expedite the process whenever possible, especially for patients struggling with severe symptoms. Once fitted, adjustments may take a few weeks as we fine-tune the device for comfort and effectiveness.
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Is treatment covered by dental or medical insurance?
Oral appliance therapy is typically billed through medical insurance, not dental insurance, because it addresses a medical condition: obstructive sleep apnea. We’re Medicare credentialed and continue to expand our insurance partnerships, including with Medica and other providers. Our staff will guide you through coverage details and help with paperwork to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
What if my teeth are in poor condition?
Good oral health supports better outcomes, but patients with missing or compromised teeth may still be candidates. In some cases, we can work with modified appliances or collaborate with your dentist to stabilize your dental health before treatment. Every situation is unique, which is why we conduct a thorough evaluation before recommending a device.
How will I know if the appliance is working?
We measure success both by how you feel and by objective data. Many patients notice immediate improvements in sleep quality, energy, and snoring reduction. To verify effectiveness, we often recommend a follow-up sleep study with the appliance in place. This ensures your airway is fully supported and your health risks are reduced.
What if I don’t see any results?
Not every patient responds the same way, but our process is designed to maximize success. If an appliance does not provide adequate relief, we revisit the design, make adjustments, or consider alternative devices. We also coordinate with sleep physicians for a comprehensive approach, ensuring no patient is left without a solution.

Gerald T. Mikel Family Dentistry SC.

Get a Sleep Apnea Evaluation with Dr. Gerald Mikel

At Mikel Sleep Center, our mission is simple: to restore your sleep, protect your health, and improve your quality of life. With decades of experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Gerald Mikel and our dedicated team offer a patient-first approach that combines advanced treatment with personalized care. 


If you’re tired of restless nights, loud snoring, or struggling with CPAP, now is the time to explore oral appliance therapy. Convenient, effective, and backed by FDA approval, these devices have transformed the lives of countless patients in Superior, Duluth, and throughout Wisconsin.

Take the first step today. Schedule your sleep apnea evaluation with Dr. Mikel and rediscover the power of restorative sleep.