Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treating your sleep apnea will get rid of your snoring and help you feel more energized during the day.
Not treating your sleep apnea puts you at risk for falling asleep and crashing your car.
Positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment
PAP, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is the front line treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. A PAP device is made of a quiet motor that pulls air from the room, raises it to a certain pressure, then delivers it through a mask to keep your airway open throughout your sleep.
There are different types of PAP masks
Nasal mask
Covers your entire nose.
Full face mask
Covers your mouth and nose.
Nasal “pillow” mask
Covers only your nostrils.
The mask should make an air tight seal where it touches your skin. Ask your provider to show you different options. All masks fit every machine, even if they are made by different companies.
Other treatment options for sleep apnea
Oral appliance
What is it? An appliance that keeps the airway open by preventing the tongue from blocking the throat or by moving the jaw forward.
Who is it good for? Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea (not severe sleep apnea).
Where to find? A sleep specialist and dentist should jointly determine if this is the best option for you.
Surgical procedures
What is it? An FDA-approved implant that delivers stimulation to keep your throat open during sleep.
Who is it good for? Those with moderate to severe sleep apnea that have not had success with PAP therapy.
Where to find? Speak to your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle changes
What does it include? Healthy nutrition, physical activity, and healthy sleep strategies. These activities can result in weight loss, which may help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Who is it good for? Healthy lifestyle changes are good for all of us! Especially individuals with sleep apnea.