Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Treatment
There are several options for managing sleep apnea. They include:
Maintaining An Ideal Weight
People who are overweight are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Therefore, maintaining an ideal weight is important in managing sleep apnea. Before starting a diet or exercise program, talk with your doctor about your plan to make sure it is safe.
Sleeping Position
Some people breathe better and snore less loudly when sleeping on their sides or stomach. There are simple techniques to keep you from sleeping on your back, including sewing a tennis ball to the back of your pajama top, wearing a soft backpack at night, or placing a pillow under your shoulder.
Dental Devices
Dental devices are designed to push the jaw forward. Worn at night,
they widen the throat and increase the size of the airway. Dental
devices may be used for mild and moderate apnea. They are custom-made
by dentists with specific expertise in sleep medicine. These devices
are a good alternative for sleep apnea patients with claustrophobia or
CPAP intolerance. A follow-up sleep study is recommended to confirm
that the device is effective.
Surgery
Surgery may potentially
improve sleep apnea in very specific circumstances. A deviated nasal
septum can be corrected, or enlarged adenoids or tonsils can be
removed. More extensive surgery can also be performed, e.g., remodeling
the air passages in the throat (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). Other more
advanced surgical options include making an opening in the throat to
bypass the upper airway (tracheotomy), or reconstruction of the jaw may
be considered at a specialty center. You and your doctor should discuss
surgical options thoroughly before deciding on this treatment for sleep
apnea.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
More severe cases of sleep apnea may require CPAP. This common and effective treatment provides pressure to the person's airway through a machine that blows air. The airflow from the CPAP machine is delivered through a mask that fits on the face and covers the nose, or the nose and mouth. This air acts as a splint to keep the airway open during sleep, allowing breathing to become more regular. Snoring stops and restful sleep is restored. Learn more about CPAP.
This information has been approved by Teofilo Lee-Chiong, Jr, MD (September 2009).
