Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnea: What You Need to Know

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life. It is characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, caused by the soft tissue in the back of the throat blocking the airway. Common symptoms include snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, which involves wearing a mask that supplies pressurized air during sleep.

However, there are other alternatives available for those who cannot tolerate CPAP or who are looking for other options. One such alternative is Inspire therapy, a recently developed device that is implanted under the skin of the neck and chest to stimulate key airway muscles. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in significantly improving

sleep apnea

and alleviating symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness. To be eligible for this device, patients must undergo an endoscopic examination with sedation, during which a flexible camera will be passed through the nostril to the throat to examine how the throat closes during sleep.

Oral device therapy is another option for those with mild to moderate

sleep apnea

. These devices, sometimes referred to as “mouth guards for sleep apnea”, work by gently placing the lower jaw forward to allow more space for the airway muscles to relax without collapsing. Positional therapy is also recommended for some patients. This involves sleeping on your side, which can reduce the number and severity of apnea episodes.

Weight loss can also help improve or eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea if you are overweight or obese. Finally, surgery may be an option for some patients with sleep apnea. This involves repositioning or remodeling tissue in the palate or throat; however, the relief from these surgeries may fade over time as the tissues begin to relax or soften. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to speak to your doctor about all of your treatment options.

While CPAP therapy is often recommended as the first line of treatment, there are other alternatives available that may be more suitable for you.