Sleep Apnea at 25: Maxillary Expansion with Eric Eberly

Dr. Bennett interviews his patient, Eric Eberly, about treating sleep-disordered breathing and airway underdevelopment. Eric describes being diagnosed with sleep apnea at 25 while weighing 280 pounds, relying on a poorly titrated CPAP, using 2–3 energy drinks daily for years, and suffering from chronic headaches and migraines.

Following a chiropractor referral, Dr. Bennett diagnosed an underdeveloped maxilla and initiated airway development therapy in 2023, which included a Replenish water bottle, maxillary expansion with a facemask, mouth taping, and, later, a tongue-tie release. When life interrupted in-office treatment, Eric continued at home with intensive stretching, myofunctional habits, nasal breathing, didgeridoo practice, posture and chewing training, barefoot-style running, and cold exposure, also applying strategies to his kids, two of whom were diagnosed with sleep apnea. He reports that he stopped taking caffeine and medications and has experienced improved mood, energy, learning, and family life.

02:09 Life Before Treatment

02:22 Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Story

04:08 Nasal Breathing Breakthrough

05:16 Chiropractor Referral to Airway Care

05:33 Maxilla Underdevelopment Explained

06:18 Adult Expansion and Face Mask

08:03 Mouth Taping Sleep Setup

12:22 Didgeridoo for Airway Strength

13:42 Chewing Posture Training

14:41 Kids Sleep Apnea Routine

17:11 Life Without Caffeine

18:30 New Skills New Joy

22:09 Airway Health Misconceptions

24:57 When To Seek Help

26:08 Compliance And Healing

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.

Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.

Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator

Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry

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About the Guest:

Eric is a husband and father of four who has spent much of his life navigating a range of health challenges, particularly related to his jaw and facial development. At 25, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, which led him to explore alternative approaches to healing. After connecting with Dr. Bennett, he began pursuing natural methods to expand his maxilla, significantly improving his sleep apnea and overall well-being. Today, he shares his experience to help others better understand the connection between airway health and quality of life.