CPAP Therapy

The best treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (C.P.A.P.). CPAP is the first choice treatment for all mild and moderate sleep apnea. It’s the only effective treatment for severe sleep apnea.
If you have mild or moderate sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend one of these alternate treatments instead of CPAP:
  • Making lifestyle changes: losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives
  • Oral Appliances
  • Surgery, including tonsillectomy and UPPP

Continuous positive airway pressure (C.P.A.P.)

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the best treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
With CPAP treatment, you wear a special mask attached to a CPAP machine (also called a flow generator). The CPAP machine blows a steady stream of air through the mask, into your nose and down your throat (airway). The stream of air creates pressure, which holds the tissue in your airway open. This stops your airways from collapsing. Your airway stays open all night, so you can breathe properly all night.

To get CPAP treatment, you need a prescription from your doctor. Your CPAP prescription will say which level of pressure you need. Your doctor will know the right pressure for you based on the results of your polysomnography or home monitoring test.

Medical suppliers can’t sell you CPAP equipment unless you have a prescription.

Other sleep apnea treatments

CPAP is the first and the most effective treatment choice for obstructive sleep apnea. There are other treatments; your doctor may prescribe these if you have mild or moderate sleep apnea.
If your sleep apnea is moderate to severe, or you’ve tried self-help strategies and lifestyle changes without success, it’s important to see a sleep doctor. A sleep specialist can evaluate your symptoms and help you find an effective treatment.

Treatment for sleep apnea has come a long way in recent times, so take some time to explore the new options. Even if you were unhappy with sleep apnea treatment in the past, chances are you can find something that works and feels comfortable to you.