Treatment for sleep apnea aims to improve your breathing during sleep and reduce the risk of underlying health concerns. Common options include CPAP machines, oral devices, and lifestyle measures.
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing stops and starts while you are sleeping. It can lead to symptoms such as restless sleep, daytime sleepiness, and snoring.
There are two types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes the upper airway to collapse briefly and temporarily pause breathing. The most common cause of obstructive apnea is obesity.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) results from a signaling problem in the nervous system and prevents your breathing muscles from working properly.
If left untreated, the condition can be life threatening and may
Learn more about the types of treatment options available, as well as the benefits, side effects, and risks.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common treatment option for OSA.
The machine consists of a device that delivers continuous pressurized air into a mask placed around your nose or mouth. During sleep, the filtered air from the machine prevents blockages by opening your airways and ensuring your lungs receive enough air.
Some machines deliver a single pressure while others, called bilevel devices, deliver different pressure during inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling). Some versions adjust the pressure automatically as needed.
For example, if you are breathing regularly during sleep, the pressure will remain low. However, if your breathing is suddenly interrupted, the machine will increase the air pressure to ensure your airway is getting enough support.
A 2023 study found that a CPAP machine is an effective intervention for OSA and can improve daytime sleepiness and overall quality of life.
It’s important to note that a CPAP treatment can result in several side effects, such as:
- irritation in and around the area where the mask touches your skin
- dry mouth and nose
- nasal congestion
- nosebleeds
- bloating
- a feeling of claustrophobia
If CPAP treatment is causing unwanted symptoms that are affecting your day-to-day life, or you find that your sleep apnea is not getting better, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can identify whether any changes can be made to the mask or if an alternative treatment option may work better for you.
An adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) machine can treat specific types of central apnea. It is a type of bilevel positive airway pressure therapy, which means it can deliver both high and low pressure air and respond to changes in your breathing pattern.
But this treatment can also lead to symptoms such as dry mouth and skin irritation. It is also more expensive than a CPAP machine, which means it may not be as easily accessible.
The
Tirzepatide works by activating receptors of hormones produced by the intestine to reduce hunger. It can result in weight loss, which may improve sleep apnea.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a common treatment option for OSA. It involves placing a surgically implanted device under the skin on your chest. The device is controlled via a remote.
It works by delivering gentle stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which is responsible for tongue movement. This stimulation can help prevent upper airway obstruction.
This treatment option may be an alternative option for people who find it uncomfortable to sleep with devices on their face. Yet it also carries several risks, such as blood vessel or nerve damage near the implant site, tongue weakness, and facial swelling.
A healthcare professional can help you understand whether an implant is right for you.
Topical nasal steroids can be a beneficial treatment option for some people with nasal allergies with mild sleep apnea. It can particularly help reduce the severity of symptoms in children and prevent the use of invasive masks or surgical implants.
Common types of topical steroids for sleep apnea include fluticasone (Xhance) and budesonide (Pulmicort).
While these medications are typically safe to use, they can cause side effects such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and irritation at and around the application site.
Lifestyle measures can also help to manage symptoms of sleep apnea. In some instances, they may even treat the condition.
Common options include:
- Weight loss: Symptoms of OSA have been found to significantly improve with weight loss and a body mass index (BMI) reduction of at least 20%.
- Sleep position: Studies have found that sleeping on your side rather than your back may help improve upper airway obstruction.
- Exercise: Regular exercise may also help improve symptoms by increasing muscle tone in the tongue, which may help to prevent upper airway obstruction.
- Diet: Eating a nutritious diet that is rich in high quality protein, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables may also help by aiding in weight loss and reducing the chance of underlying health problems.
- Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol decreases the tone of the upper airway muscles and may worsen sleep apnea.
If your sleep apnea is not getting better or your symptoms are worsening, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can identify any issues and suggest an alternative treatment option that may work better for you.
What is the most successful treatment for sleep apnea?
The most successful treatment for sleep apnea is typically considered to be a CPAP machine.
Is there a way to treat sleep apnea without a CPAP?
There are several ways to treat sleep apnea without a CPAP machine, such as ASV machines, weight loss medications, nasal topical steroids, and surgical implants. A healthcare professional can help you understand which treatment option may be best for you.
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops and starts while you are sleeping. Treatment for sleep apnea aims to regulate breathing during sleep and reduce the risk of underlying health problems.
Common options include:
- CPAP machines
- hypoglossal nerve stimulation
- ASV machines
- weight loss medication
- topical nasal steroids
Lifestyle measures, such as losing weight and sleeping on your side, can also help.