Snoring Solutions for your sleep health and comfort

Depending on a patient’s medical history and sleep study results, other supportive therapies may be recommended as part of a personalized treatment plan, including:

• Myofunctional therapy to strengthen
airway-supporting muscles
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulation
• Lifestyle changes, including weight loss
• Medical referrals when advanced care, including bariatric surgery or other surgical options, may be appropriate

These approaches are considered to support better breathing and improved sleep quality.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders that can significantly impact long-term health if left untreated. Repeated pauses in breathing, where patients may briefly stop breathing during sleep, can lead to serious health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and complications related to excess weight and weight gain.

Diagnosis often includes measuring the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) during an overnight test, which evaluates breathing disruptions, oxygen levels, and even brain waves to determine severity, including cases like mild obstructive sleep apnea.

A common treatment for moderate to severe cases is positive airway pressure CPAP, which uses a CPAP machine to deliver steady pressurized air and maintain an open airway. In some cases, bilevel positive airway pressure may be recommended for more advanced breathing support.

However, not all patients tolerate CPAP for at least four hours per night. That’s why alternative treatments such as custom oral devices, positional therapy (adjusting sleep position, sometimes even using a tennis ball technique), and myofunctional therapy to strengthen upper airway muscles are often considered when treating sleep apnea.

For certain patients, surgical treatments or sleep apnea surgery may be recommended, especially when structural issues like the soft palate or restricted airway anatomy are involved. Some procedures may be performed in an outpatient setting, including advanced options like implant surgery to support airway stability and improve tongue movement during sleep.

Lifestyle changes also play a key role in treating OSA. Strategies such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and maintaining consistent sleep habits can improve symptoms and support healthy sleep. These changes may also reduce other symptoms like fatigue, difficulty to fall asleep, and ongoing sleep issues.