Sleep Apnea Treatment Options: In-Depth Guide

Although CPAP machines are the standard method of therapy, you may also try alternative options. Treatment options for sleep apnea include dental appliances and lifestyle modification. The severity of your sleep apnea and your preferences will determine the best course of therapy for you,

Discover the best sleep apnea treatment solutions and everything you need to know about successfully treating sleep apnea with ApriaDirect.

The muscles around the throat regulate the opening and closing of the airway, allowing for speech, swallowing, and breathing. These muscles enclose a hollow tube that runs from the skull to the jaw, the primary airway that brings air to the lungs. Muscles relax as we sleep, which can lead to a narrowed airway in the throat. This narrowing does not cause breathing difficulties for most people, but for certain individuals, it can lead to snoring and even a partial or total obstruction of their airways.

The condition known as sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway muscles become too relaxed and partially or completely close off the airway while the person is sleeping. There might be 10-second stretches where the patient doesn't breathe at all before reflexes kick in and they begin breathing again. When the airway becomes fully obstructed, a condition known as obstructive apnea occurs, and a partial blockage is known as hypopnea.

If the airway is obstructed, increasing the breathing rate won't help. In most cases, a brief awakening is necessary to stimulate the upper airway muscles to clear the blockage. After the airway has been cleared, the patient takes a few deep breaths to bring their breathing rate up to normal. Often awakening with a loud snort or snoring sound, sometimes experiencing the sensation of gasping or choking. This can cause a significant sleep disruption which can impair concentration as well as general well-being.

Sleep apnea affects approximately 3% of people of normal body weight, but more than 20% of obese people. Men are more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea rates in women double after menopause. Sleep apnea is frequently associated with heart disease and metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

In this article, ApriaDirect covers treatment options for mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea. Keep reading to discover the best sleep apnea treatment solutions and everything you need to know about successfully treating sleep apnea.

How To Choose The Right Sleep Apnea Treatment?

A sleep specialist will perform tests to identify your condition, assess its severity, and schedule your treatment. The examination may include an overnight stay at a sleep facility to monitor your breathing and other bodily processes while you sleep.

A qualified sleep specialist who understands the individual's health conditions is most suited to provide an OSA diagnosis and schedule of treatment for sleep apnea. The diagnosis is often based on the individual's medical history, physical examination, and testing, which may include:

• A history of snoring and poor sleep quality.

• Certain characteristics, such as neck sizes (more than 17 inches in males or 16 inches in women), can increase the occurrence of sleep apnea.

• Restricted upper airway attributable to tongue size in proportion to mouth.

• Hypertension, particularly of the treatment-resistant kind.

• Reports of snoring, choking or gasping observed by the bed partner.

Polysomnogram is the medical term for an overnight sleep study used to diagnose and select treatment options for sleep apnea. The polysomnogram tracks the subject's breathing rate and airflow, blood oxygen level, heart rate and rhythm, sleep stage length, body posture, and limb movement throughout the night.

Home monitoring systems are available for a variety of bodily functions outside of sleep, including breathing, oxygen saturation, posture, and heart rate.

The results of these tests will determine the severity of sleep apnea and the ideal course of treatment. Once diagnosed, the patient must explore the different forms of treatment available and consider the following:

• What are your symptoms?

• To what severity are you experiencing sleep apnea (mild to severe)?

• What is your treatment budget?

• Will the therapy be covered by medical insurance?

• How dedicated are you to sticking to a treatment plan?

• Are you looking for long-term or short-term treatment?

• How long will the device last?

• Are you looking for OTC (over-the-counter) medication?

• Have you tried treatments before and been unsuccessful?

• Are you willing to have surgery?

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Although CPAP machines are the standard therapy method, you may also try alternative options. Treatment options for sleep apnea include dental appliances and lifestyle modification. The severity of your sleep apnea and your preferences will determine the best course of therapy for you. Sleep apnea therapy aims to open the airway, allowing for improved breathing throughout the night.

Before commencing therapy, it is essential to determine whether or not OSA is present and, if so, at what severity so that individuals at risk for sleep apnea consequences may be identified, the best treatment can be chosen, and the treatment's efficacy can be measured.

Positive airway pressure devices, oral appliances, behavioral therapy, surgery, or adjunctive treatments may all be part of an individualized treatment plan that involves the patient once a diagnosis has been made. A comprehensive strategy is needed to treat OSA in the long term. This strategy will outline appropriate outcome indicators and extended follow-up for each treatment option.

Lifestyle Changes

There are cases when sleep apnea is mild enough to be treated with lifestyle modifications. First, consult your medical provider about your options. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea find that self-care is one of the most effective treatment methods. Here are some options to try:

1. Fitness

Obesity, notably in the upper body, may increase the risk of airway blockage and narrow nasal passageways. Maintaining a healthy weight helps keep your airways clear and decreases sleep apnea symptoms. Moderate weight loss can prevent upper airway surgery and long-term CPAP therapy while improving general well-being and reducing daytime tiredness.

Specific breathing exercises in yoga have increased lung capacity and oxygen intake. If you have trouble breathing at night due to sleep apnea, you may find that learning to breathe with your diaphragm while practicing yoga helps treat sleep apnea.

A lower oxygen percentage in your blood is linked to sleep apnea. Again, several breathing techniques in yoga have been shown to increase blood oxygen levels. Therefore, yoga can help treat your symptoms and you’ll have less interrupted sleep.

2. Diet

Gaining weight raises the probability of developing sleep apnea because extra fat deposits in and around the neck often accompany general weight increases. The added weight increases the likelihood that the tissues in the soft palate will collapse, creating an apnea episode. This is why many people with sleep apnea also participate in weight control programs. Altering one's diet may be a powerful tool for weight management and symptom reduction.

Keep in mind that certain meals might exacerbate sleep apnea even if you are at a healthy weight. For example, consuming a lot of refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages, and processed meals can disrupt your sleep schedule.

3. Sleeping Position

Sleep apnea symptoms may be alleviated and your night's sleep improved simply by switching to a different sleeping position. Evidence from reliable sources indicates that sleeping on one's back (the supine position) can aggravate symptoms by forcing the tongue and soft palate to lie against the back of the throat, thereby restricting airflow.

When patients adopt the side sleeping position, their breathing often returns to normal. If you have trouble breaking the habit of sleeping on your back, elevating your head or using a posture pillow may help alleviate your sleep apnea. Your doctor can best advise you on treatment choices for sleep apnea, including optimal sleeping posture.

4. Quit Smoking

Sleep apnea difficulties may be alleviated by eliminating risk factors, including smoking and excessive alcohol use.

As a result of alcohol use, the muscles at the back of the throat, which regulate breathing, become more relaxed. This often results in sleep disruption, inflammation of the airways, and excessive snoring. Tobacco usage, like alcohol, can irritate the airways and make breathing difficult.

5. Throat Exercises

Smaller muscle groups, such as those in the mouth, throat, and tongue, may also benefit from regular exercise. Oropharyngeal exercises are a specific kind of muscle training. This includes vocalization exercises for the oral pathway or oropharyngeal exercises.

The rear of the mouth, or oropharynx, is a part of the throat. The tonsils, adenoids, palatine uvula, and soft palate are all part of this region.

Oropharyngeal exercises target the muscles directly responsible for maintaining an open airway and may help tone and develop these muscles. Different workouts strengthen specific muscle groups in the same way that other muscle groups are strengthened during activity. Depending on the part of your mouth that needs the most development, your healthcare provider can recommend a set of oral exercises, from tongue strengthening to throat-specific exercises.

6. Oral Devices

An oral device may be used to treat sleep apnea by moving the jaw or the tongue to keep the airway open while sleeping.

Using a nasal dilator, breathing strips, or naso-irrigator are a few of the options available. These types of oral appliances fall into two main categories: mandibular advancement devices and tongue stabilization devices.

There is a wide price range for these aids, from those available over the counter to those that need a trip to the dentist for a personalized fit. Treatment using mouth appliances is beneficial for sleep apnea according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

ApriaDirect Recommends:

• myTAP Oral Appliance For Snoring & Sleep Apnea

• NasalAid Nasal Snoring Solution

Individuals with sleep apnea who are unable to use a CPAP machine might benefit from an oral appliance instead, according to a set of recommendations published in 2015. The improved sleep quality suggested by this recommendation is a direct result of the custom-fit appliances' ability to properly align the jaw or tongue, making them preferable to over-the-counter alternatives.

In most cases, a dentist will be able to provide you with the appropriate oral appliance. The patient can test various options until they find the perfect fit. Your dentist will then tailor the device for a personalized fit. In the first year of treatment, patients should schedule regular checkups with their dentist to ensure successful treatment.

Sleep Therapy Using Sleep Apnea Machines

Sleep apnea patients with moderate to severe symptoms may benefit from this treatment option, which involves using a machine to keep the airway open during sleep. A mask will be worn while the patient sleeps. This machine can deliver air pressure greater than ambient air pressure, which is sufficient to maintain an open airway, alleviating sleep apnea symptoms and excessive snoring.

Potential benefits include:

• Increased energy, alertness, and concentration

• Heart disease prevention

• Stroke prevention

• Diabetes prevention

• Improved emotional health

1. CPAP Machine

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may cure both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It helps patients obtain the restorative oxygen they need for better-quality sleep. The CPAP therapy is intended to prevent the airways from narrowing during sleep. Using CPAP machines and masks raises the pressure in the airway and keeps it open, preventing it from narrowing or collapsing. Different alternatives are prescribed based on whether the patient sleeps on their back, side, or stomach.

However, one of the issues with this equipment is that it is not always comfortable for certain individuals and might be challenging to use.

2. BiPAP Machine

• This machine employs two pressures: one for breathing and one for exhalation. This provides a more comfortable and customized treatment solution for those who find the ongoing pressure of a CPAP device uncomfortable.

3. APAP Machine

• This device regulates itself by employing a variety of pressures to keep airways open. Pressure automatically adjusts to match the patient's breathing as they drift through the different stages of sleep.

CPAP vs. BiPAP vs. APAP therapy? Which one should you choose? We can help decide which device is better for you here or browse our extensive range of Sleep Apnea Machines.

4. EPAP

Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) therapy entails placing disposable adhesive valves over the nose while you sleep. The valve opens on inhalation to prevent any obstruction of the airway. When you exhale, the air is forced down narrower passages to maintain positive pressure and keep airways open, allowing unrestricted breathing while preventing excessive snoring that often accompanies sleep apnea.

• ApriaDirect Recommends: AirAvant Medical Bongo RX EPAP Device for Sleep Apnea Therapy - Starter Kit

5.Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)

Reserved for patients who have central sleep apnea, ASV keeps the airway open by delivering mandatory breaths as needed.

Make Your Chosen Device Work Better For You

• CPAP Pillows: Pillows exist in every form, design, pressure, fit, and firmness imaginable. There are pillows designed specifically to facilitate a comfortable night's sleep during sleep apnea therapy, supporting a side sleeping position and a comfortable fit for the mask, tubing, and CPAP accessories.

• Humidifiers: Some CPAP machines feature an integrated or adaptable humidifier that allows users to use CPAP machines more comfortably, alleviating dryness, and allowing for ease and comfort for long-term use.

Surgery

Surgery may be considered an option when previous treatments have failed or been deemed ineffective. The following surgical procedures are available for the treatment of sleep apnea.

1. Tissue Removal or Shrinkage

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical removal of tissue from the back of the mouth and the top of the throat. This procedure requires the patient to undergo a general anesthetic.

2. Jaw Repositioning

Jaw repositioning is also known as maxillomandibular advancement. In this surgery, the upper and lower parts will be brought forward in relation to the rest of your facial structure, leaving more room for air to pass between the back of the mouth and the soft palate, reducing the likelihood of obstruction.

3. Throat-Related Surgeries

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which a hole is made in the patient's neck, and a metal or plastic tube is inserted to facilitate breathing. This means the air entering and leaving your lungs bypasses the blocked air passage.

4. Nasal Surgeries

Surgery to clean or enlarge air channels is effective in reducing snoring and sleep apnea. Nasal surgery, for example, may remove polyps or correct a misaligned nasal septum (deviated septum). Tonsils and adenoids are also removed through the nasal cavity to help clear obstructed air passages.

5. Nerve Stimulation

To stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, a tiny impulse generator (hypoglossal nerve stimulator) is surgically inserted beneath the skin of the upper chest to treat sleep apnea. The device monitors your breathing and stimulates the nerve that controls the movement of the tongue. Upper airway stimulation has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and enhance the quality of life in patients with this condition.

Don't Let Untreated Sleep Apnea Affect Your Well-Being. Discover A Wide Range Of Treatments For Sleep Apnea With ApriaDirect

When it comes to treating sleep apnea, there is a wide range of options available, from surgery and lifestyle modifications to assistive devices, and both prescription and over-the-counter options. Untreated sleep apnea can severely impair the quality of life for those diagnosed and those who have yet to be diagnosed.

This is why ApriaDirect is passionate about spreading awareness surrounding this condition as well as the wide range of clinical & alternative treatment options available. Are you looking for information and assistance with CPAP insurance-related queries? Our helpful agents are on call at (800) 780-1508 between 8:00 am - 10:00 pm EST daily. Get in touch today.