CPAP is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and it works very well when it’s used every night. But many people struggle with the mask, the noise or the feeling of air pressure. If that sounds like you, the good news is that CPAP isn’t the only option. Here are the main CPAP alternatives and what to know about each.
First, try making CPAP more comfortable
Before switching treatments, it’s worth asking whether a few adjustments could fix the problem. Common fixes include:
- A different mask. Nasal pillows, nasal masks and full-face masks each fit differently. The right one can make a big difference.
- Heated humidification to ease dry mouth or a stuffy nose.
- A different machine type, such as auto-adjusting PAP (APAP) or bilevel PAP (BiPAP), which can feel easier to breathe against.
- Ramp settings that start with low pressure and build up as you fall asleep.
Our PAP therapy and compliance programs are designed to help with exactly these issues, so talk to your sleep team before giving up.
Oral appliance therapy
An oral appliance looks a bit like a sports mouthguard. It’s custom-made by a dentist trained in sleep medicine and gently moves your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Oral appliances are a recognized treatment for snoring and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and they can be an option for people who can’t tolerate CPAP. They’re quiet, small and easy to travel with. A follow-up sleep test is usually recommended to confirm the appliance is working.
Positional therapy
Some people only have sleep apnea, or have much worse sleep apnea, when they sleep on their back. For them, devices that encourage side sleeping can reduce breathing pauses. Your sleep study results will show whether your apnea depends on position.
Weight loss and lifestyle changes
Extra weight around the neck can narrow the airway. For many people, losing weight lowers the severity of sleep apnea and can make other treatments work better. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives close to bedtime also helps, because they relax the throat muscles. These changes work best alongside treatment, not instead of it.
Other medical and surgical options
For some patients, other options may be considered, including nasal devices such as Provent therapy, upper airway stimulation implants, or surgery on the nose, throat or jaw. Eligibility depends on your anatomy, your sleep study results and your overall health, so these are decided case by case with your physician. See our other treatments page to learn more.
Why treating sleep apnea matters
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and drowsy-driving accidents. Finding a treatment you’ll actually use every night is what protects your health, so it’s worth working with your sleep team until you find the right fit.
Find the right sleep apnea treatment in Florida
If CPAP isn’t working for you, International Institute of Sleep can help you explore your options. Call 1-800-481-3870 or request an appointment online.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Don’t stop or change a prescribed treatment without talking to your healthcare provider.
