Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked or narrowed airways. These pauses can lead to poor sleep quality, loud snoring, and daytime fatigue, and if left untreated, may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health issues.
The good news is that sleep apnea is highly treatable. A variety of effective treatments are available—from CPAP and oral appliances to surgery, lifestyle changes, and advanced therapies like BiPAP and ASV—helping patients
breathe easier and sleep better.
First-Line Treatments: PAP Therapy
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
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How it works: Delivers steady air pressure to keep airways open.
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Benefits: Improves sleep quality, reduces daytime drowsiness, and may lower blood pressure.
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Challenges: 30–60% struggle with comfort, noise, or mask claustrophobia.
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure)
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How it works: Higher pressure during inhale, lower pressure during exhale.
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Best for: Patients needing high pressures or with COPD.
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More Comfortable: Especially for patients intolerant to CPAP.
ASV (Adaptive Servo-Ventilation)
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Smart therapy for central or complex sleep apnea.
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Real-time adjustments to your breathing.
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Important note: Not suitable for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
Alternative Device-Based Therapies
EPAP Devices
(e.g., Bongo RX)
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How it works: Creates resistance during exhalation to keep airway open.
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Great for: Mild-to-moderate OSA and frequent travelers.
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Advantages: No machine, power, or tubing required.
Oral Appliances
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Types: Mandibular advancement or tongue-retaining devices.
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How they help: Reposition the jaw/tongue to prevent airway collapse.
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Managed by: Sleep-trained dentists.
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Ideal for: Mild-to-moderate OSA and CPAP-intolerant patients.
Non-Device Therapies
Myofunctional Therapy
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What it is: Daily exercises to strengthen the tongue and throat muscles.
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Results: Up to 50% AHI reduction in mild-to-moderate OSA.
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Non-invasive: And can improve CPAP adherence.
Lifestyle Modifications
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Weight Loss: A 10% drop in weight may reduce AHI by 26%.
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Positional Therapy: Tools and techniques for side sleeping (e.g., Night Shift).
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Behavioral Changes: Avoid alcohol/sedatives, treat nasal congestion, elevate bed.
Surgical Options
Upper Airway Surgery
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Includes: UPPP, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy.
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Success rates: 30–60% depending on individual anatomy.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation
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What it is: An implanted device that stimulates the tongue during sleep.
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Best for: Patients with CPAP intolerance and specific anatomical criteria.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
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What it is: Jaw surgery to expand airway space.
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Success rate: Up to 86% in well-selected cases.
Combination & Emerging Therapies
Combination Therapy
Using multiple methods together (e.g., CPAP + Myofunctional Therapy) can enhance outcomes and reduce pressure requirements.
Consumer Sleep Technology
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Smart devices (e.g., Oura Ring, Fitbit) monitor sleep and oxygen.
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Position-tracking apps guide better sleep posture.
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Smart beds respond to snoring and adjust position automatically.
Address
7600 Stonebrook Pkwy. Suite 200
Frisco, TX 75034
Phone
Phone/Text: 972-332-4155
Fax: 972-692-5420