Procedures
Multiple surgeries used to treat sleep apnea involve operating on parts of the mouth and throat, also called the pharynx. One surgery involves the windpipe, or trachea. UPPP is the most commonly performed surgery for OSA and has been used since the early 1980s 7.
Self-care
One of the main treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Although that might sound confusing, it’s actually pretty simple.
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For these reasons, diagnosing and treating sleep apnea is extremely important. Usually, sleep specialists first prescribe non-invasive treatments 3 for sleep apnea, like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or oral devices.
What is the most common surgery for sleep apnea?
Consider some of the following treatment options: One of the main treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Although that might sound confusing, it’s actually pretty simple. A small CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air to your airways as you inhale.
What is CPAP therapy for sleep apnea?
How is sleep apnea diagnosed and treated?
What are my treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea?
What is the best treatment for sleep apnea?
Treatment with a PAP device is considered to be the current gold standard in sleep apnea treatment and is offered as initial therapy to the majority of patients. The most common way of receiving PAP therapy is with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which deliver air with a consistent pressure level.
How to get rid of sleep apnea?
Special exercises of the mouth and throat, technically known as myofunctional therapy and/or oropharyngeal exercises , can tone these muscles so that they stay more taut during sleep. Doing these exercises daily for a few months has been found to reduce the severity of OSA 23. Though exercises may need to be combined with other treatments for optimal results, they have virtually no costs or side effects, making them a low-risk inclusion in sleep apnea treatment plans.
How does a PAP machine work?
PAP machines work by pumping pressurized air through a hose and into the airway. The stable, steady flow of air prevents airway collapse and promotes regular breathing without sleep fragmentation.
What is the most common sleep disorder?
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders and one that can have significant health consequences if left untreated. It is marked by disrupted breathing, fragmented sleep, and a decreased oxygen level in the body.
How does a mandibular advancement device work?
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) work by keeping the lower jaw pulled forward so that it can’t constrict the airway and have been shown to reduce OSA 16. These devices also reduce chronic snoring and sleep-related bruxism (teeth grinding), both of which are associated with OSA.
Can smoking cigarettes cause sleep apnea?
Active smokers have an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea 11 relative to former smokers and people who have never smoked. This research indicates that quitting smoking or never starting to smoke in the first place can help prevent and/or treat OSA. One large study also found that cigarette smoking can cause a more severe form 12 of obstructive sleep apnea and increased daytime sleepiness.
Can alcohol cause OSA?
Alcohol and sedative medications cause slackening of the tissues near the airway, contributing to a heightened risk of airway collapse and OSA 10. Alcohol can cause fragmented and lower-quality sleep because of its effects on sleep cycles. For these reasons, reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol and sedatives, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, is frequently advised for patients with OSA.
How Does Sleep Apnea Surgery Compare to Other Treatments?
Comparing sleep apnea surgeries to other treatments is difficult . The gold standard treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. In general, healthcare professionals often prefer to try non-invasive therapies first, because of the potential risks attached to surgery.
Who Is Sleep Apnea Surgery Best For?
Although CPAP therapy is the most effective treatment available when looking at groups of people, surgery may be a better option for individuals who have certain anatomical traits or those who cannot tolerate non-invasive therapies like CPAP.
Where is sleep apnea treated?
Treatments for sleep apnea that directly target obstructive sleep apnea address blockage of breathing in the throat, either in the area behind the soft palate (roof of the mouth) or behind the tongue and epiglottis.
What is the best way to treat sleep apnea?
Nasal passage surgery: As mentioned above, nasal passage procedures like septoplasty may help open up your airways and allow for improved breathing. Tonsillectomy: This surgery for sleep apnea is most often done in children, but can be used for adults as well. It involves the removal of the tonsils ...
What is the procedure for pillars?
Pillar procedure: This OSA surgery typically involves the insertion of 3-5 braided polyester implants (pillars) into the soft palate at the back of the mouth. Palatal advancement pharyngoplasty: This surgery for sleep apnea treats the palate by removing some of the bone towards the back of the roof of the mouth (hard palate).
What is UPPP surgery?
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This sleep apnea surgery includes the removal of the uvula and a portion of the soft palate, as well as sewing together the cut edges of the remaining portion of the soft palate and sides of the throat.
How does maxillomandibular advancement work?
This procedure treats sleep apnea by moving the upper and lower jaws forward. It enlarges the space for breathing in the throat because the structures that surround the throat are effectively attached to the jaws. Advancing the jaws moves these structures forward, reducing their ability to produce blockage in the throat.
What is the most common nasal surgery?
The most common nasal surgical procedure involves septoplasty and turbinate reduction. This sleep apnea surgery consists of an outpatient procedure that straightens out the septum and reduces the size of the turbinates (long, narrow passageways).
What are the complications of sleep apnea surgery?
Because these procedures treat structures of the throat, there are potential procedure-specific complications including troubles with swallowing, speech, taste, and tongue numbness or weakness. There is also controversy about results of sleep apnea surgery.
When was sleep apnea last reviewed?
Work with your doctor to determine which procedure will work best for your condition. Last medically reviewed on July 1, 2021.
What is the procedure to open up your airway?
If your sleep apnea is caused by a blockage near the bottom of your tongue, your doctor might suggest a procedure called hyoid suspension. This involves moving the hyoid bone and its nearby muscles in your neck closer to the front of your neck to open up your airway.
What is the procedure called when you move your jaw forward?
This procedure is also called jaw repositioning. It involves moving your jaw forward to create more space behind the tongue. This can open up your airway. A small 2016 study#N#Trusted Source#N#involving 16 participants found that maxillomandibular advancement reduced the severity of sleep apnea in all participants by more than 50%.
How does chin surgery work?
This procedure divides your chin bone into two parts, allowing your tongue to move forward. This helps to open up your airway while stabilizing your jaw and mouth. This procedure has a shorter recovery time than many others, but it’s usually less effective. Your doctor might also suggest doing this procedure in conjunction with another type of surgery.
Can you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is one of the most common surgeries for treating sleep apnea, but not necessarily the most effective. It involves removing extra tissue from the top of your throat and the back of your mouth. Like an RFVTR procedure, it’s usually only done if you can’t use a CPAP machine or other device, and tends to be used as a snoring treatment.
Can sleep apnea be worse after surgery?
What are the risks of surgery for sleep apnea? While all surgeries carry some risks, having sleep apnea can increase your risk of certain complications, especially when it comes to anesthesia. Many anesthesia medications relax your throat muscles, which can make sleep apnea worse during the procedure.
Can surgery help with sleep apnea?
There are many surgical options for treating sleep apnea, depending on how severe your sleep apnea is and your overall health .
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that involves brief pauses in breathing while you are sleeping. Although the pauses usually only last a few seconds, the condition can have several adverse effects on the body. There are a few different types of sleep apnea with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common.
What are the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea?
Here, we will discuss the most popular treatment options available. These options include CPAP, sleep apnea dental devices, weight loss, and sleep apnea surgery. We will also explore some of the newer treatment options for sleep apnea that are less well known.
What is a sleep apnea appliance?
They open the mouth by bringing the mandible forward. They are also called mandibular advancing devices (MAD) and mandibular repositioning devices (MRD), as they reposition the mandible forward relative to the maxilla (the upper jaw). There are several Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances that are FDA approved . Some are made of soft nylon plastic, others are made from a resin-like material. A few use computer aided design (CAD) and 3D imaging to fit the device to the mouth and teeth. They essentially work as an airway splint.
What is the best appliance for sleep apnea?
In some cases, a dental appliance may be effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. There are two main types of dental appliances for sleep apnea including a mandibular advancement device and a tongue retaining device.
Why do you need a CPAP machine?
The pressure helps keep your airway passages open while you sleep. Because your airway remains open, it prevents pauses in breathing.
How does sleep apnea work?
In general, the sleep apnea devices that available for the treatment of sleep apnea work by keeping upper airway open - and preventing it from closing during sleep. Some sleep apnea devices use anatomic positioning. Others use air pressure. Newer technologies are utilizing electrical impulses.
How does continuous positive airway pressure work?
It works by delivering room air through a mask in the nose and/or mouth to keep the airway open - like an 'air splint'. It is considered very safe with few side effects.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops repeatedly during sleep. Treatment for the condition depends on its severity and cause, and there are several therapeutic methods available to address it. Here are five treatment options commonly recommended by experts.
What is a bi level airway pressure machine?
Unlike a CPAP machine, which emits air at a single constant pressure, a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine emits increased pressure during inhalation and reduced pressure during exhalation.
Can sleep disorders affect physical health?
Untreated sleep disorders can negatively affect your physical and emotional health. Sleep testing can help you get the answers you need to receive the treatment you deserve. WebMD Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help.
Can you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea?
If you have moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend using a CPAP machine that delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask while you sleep, reports Mayo Clinic. The air pressure keeps the upper airway open, preventing pauses in breathing and snoring.
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