Being diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently leads to a need for medical treatment. Sleep apnea treatments have evolved quite a bit over the years and have become quite effective. Some treatments, especially highly invasive surgical options, have become far less desirable for patients and doctors since a number of less invasive alternatives have emerged. Talking with your doctor will help you determine the best treatment to address your sleep apnea, given your lifestyle preferences and the severity of your diagnosis.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure treatment, and it was invented by a pulmonary specialist in 1981. Most experts consider CPAP to be the treatment of choice for sleep apnea. It involves applying gentle pressure through your nose and/or mouth into the back of your throat while you sleep, splinting the airway so that it cannot obstruct while you’re sleeping. This is important since an obstructed airway puts a lot of dangerous pressures on your body systems and can also result in an increased risk for several cardiovascular complications. CPAP treatments rely on a special mask connected to an airflow generator that produces the airway pressure. While this therapy can take some practice, many millions of patients use CPAP treatments every night to get a good night’s sleep.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For some people diagnosed with sleep apnea, special oral positioning devices help maintain the correct position of the jaw so that you can breathe without obstruction during the night. An oral appliance is particularly useful in patients who are of normal weight and have mild to moderate sleep apnea. Selected overweight or obese patients and some of those with severe disease may also benefit. Oral appliance therapy is usually administered through a dentist with special training in Sleep Medicine.

Surgical Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Surgical options tend to be reserved for those patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP or oral appliance therapy. In some cases, you and your doctor might decide that surgical treatment is necessary. A UPPP, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, involves removing sections of the uvula, soft palate, and tonsillar pillars to increase the size of your airway, resulting in easier breathing. Unlike CPAP and oral appliance therapy, surgical therapies are permanent and carry some significant potential complications. It is imperative that any consideration of a surgical option be done in consultation with an experienced sleep physician. The Stanford Surgical Approach is a phased, more complex restructuring of your airway. In some cases, doctors might use radio-frequency waves to reduce the size of airway tissues, making it easier to breathe. Should you require any of these treatment options, your trusted doctor will be sure to go over each detail so you feel very comfortable with this decision.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CBT

CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy and is often used in conjunction with other sleep apnea treatments to boost your chances of success. Even the best treatments are only effective when you use them. Working with your sleep therapist or sleep coach can boost your sense of self-empowerment and motivation, helping you feel like a partner in your treatment plan. Coaching can also help you decide to make lifestyle changes that reduce the severity of your sleep apnea. For example, if your sleep apnea diagnosis is related to obesity, deciding to eat better and exercise more might eventually lead to weight loss and decreased complications due to sleep apnea.

The Goal: Better Sleep

We know that being diagnosed with sleep apnea can feel overwhelming, especially as you begin to review your treatment options. The truth is, you’re just beginning a very important journey toward better sleep and better overall health. That’s good news! This brief discussion of treatment options is not meant to be comprehensive. You’ll have many informative discussions with your doctor before selecting the best treatment plan.