Sleep apnea is more than just snoring, it’s a serious sleep disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep, leading to poor rest, excessive daytime fatigue, and increased health risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. If left untreated, sleep apnea can drastically affect overall well-being, impacting mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Fortunately, several effective treatment options exist, ranging from lifestyle changes and medical devices to surgical interventions. The best treatment depends on the severity of the condition, individual health concerns, and personal comfort. Below, we’ll explore the top treatment options for sleep apnea in Los Angeles and how each one works.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Before diving into treatment options, it’s essential to understand the types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – The most common type, caused by relaxed throat muscles blocking the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome – A combination of OSA and CSA.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP therapy is the gold standard for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open throughout the night.
Why It Works
- Prevents airway collapse, ensuring uninterrupted breathing.
- Reduces snoring and daytime fatigue.
- Improves oxygen levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Challenges of CPAP Therapy
- Some people find the mask uncomfortable or restrictive.
- Can cause dry mouth, nasal congestion, or skin irritation.
- Requires consistent use for optimal results.
For those struggling with CPAP, adjusting mask fit, using a humidifier, or exploring alternative devices may help improve compliance.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Therapy
For individuals who find CPAP difficult to tolerate, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) therapy may be a better option. While similar to CPAP, BiPAP delivers two levels of air pressure—higher during inhalation and lower during exhalation—making it more comfortable for some users, especially those with central sleep apnea or conditions like COPD.
Who Benefits Most from BiPAP?
- Those who need variable pressure settings.
- People with central sleep apnea or other respiratory disorders.
- CPAP users who experience discomfort while exhaling.
BiPAP can be a game-changer for individuals struggling with traditional CPAP therapy
Oral Appliances
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom-fitted oral appliance may be an effective alternative to CPAP. These devices, prescribed by a dentist or sleep specialist, reposition the lower jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction.
Advantages of Oral Appliances
- Less invasive and more comfortable than CPAP.
- Portable and easier for travel.
- Doesn’t require electricity or noisy machines.
Potential Drawbacks
- May cause jaw discomfort or tooth movement over time.
- Not as effective for severe sleep apnea cases.
Despite these drawbacks, oral appliances are a popular solution for patients seeking a less intrusive treatment option.
Also Read: Does Snoring Mean I Have Sleep Apnea? Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Positional Therapy
For some individuals, sleep position significantly affects the severity of their sleep apnea. Many people with OSA experience worse symptoms when sleeping on their back because gravity causes the tongue and soft tissues to block the airway.
Simple Positional Adjustments
- Using a positional pillow or wedge to keep the head elevated.
- Wearing a positional therapy device (such as a vibrating belt or backpack) to encourage side sleeping.
- Adjusting the bed to a slight incline.
While positional therapy isn’t a standalone solution for everyone, it can be an effective complementary strategy for those with mild to moderate OSA.
Weight Loss and Lifestyle Modifications
For overweight individuals, shedding extra pounds can significantly reduce sleep apnea severity or even eliminate symptoms entirely. Excess weight, especially around the neck, can put pressure on the airway and contribute to blockages.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
- Weight loss – Losing just 10-15% of body weight can improve breathing.
- Regular exercise – Improves airway muscle tone and overall health.
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives – These relax throat muscles, worsening apnea.
- Quitting smoking – Reduces inflammation in the airway.
Lifestyle changes don’t replace medical interventions for severe sleep apnea, but they are a crucial part of long-term management.
Sleep Apnea Surgery in Los Angeles
For patients who don’t respond well to CPAP, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery is typically considered when anatomical abnormalities contribute to airway obstruction.
Common Sleep Apnea Surgeries
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – Removes excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway.
- Genioglossus Advancement (GA) – Repositions the tongue muscle to prevent airway collapse.
- Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy – Removes enlarged tonsils or adenoids that block airflow (common in children).
- Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) – Moves the upper and lower jaw forward to expand the airway.
Sleep apnea surgery in Los Angeles is not the first-line treatment but can be effective for specific cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
Inspire Therapy (Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation)
A newer, FDA-approved treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, Inspire therapy is an implantable device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. This prevents airway collapse during sleep.
How It Works
- A small device is surgically implanted in the chest.
- It delivers mild electrical pulses to keep the airway open.
- Activated by a remote control before bedtime.
Who Is Eligible?
- Patients with moderate to severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP.
- Those with a BMI under 32 (not for significantly overweight individuals).
Also Read: Is Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea?
Medications and Experimental Treatments
While no medication cures sleep apnea, some drugs may help manage symptoms in central sleep apnea (CSA) cases. Certain acetazolamide-based medications can stimulate breathing, but they are generally not first-line treatments for OSA.
Additionally, researchers are exploring new treatments such as:
- Pharyngeal muscle stimulation (to strengthen airway muscles).
- Nasal EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) devices.
- Gene therapy and pharmaceutical research targeting airway relaxation.
As the understanding of sleep apnea advances, new treatments may emerge in the coming years.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for sleep apnea. The right treatment depends on factors such as apnea severity, underlying health conditions, personal preferences, and lifestyle needs.
- CPAP remains the most effective treatment for moderate to severe cases.
- Oral appliances and positional therapy work well for mild to moderate OSA.
- Lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms, particularly in overweight individuals.
- Surgical options and Inspire therapy offer long-term solutions for select patients.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea in Los Angeles, contact C/V ENT Surgical Group to explore your options. With proper treatment, you can regain restful sleep, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life.